Semi Senior Accountant in Preston

Semi Senior Accountant in Preston

Preston Full-Time 26000 - 32000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Prepare year-end accounts, VAT returns, and support audits for diverse clients.
  • Company: Join a progressive accountancy practice in Chorley with a collaborative culture.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, study support, and 25 days holiday.
  • Other info: Enjoy a supportive team culture and clear progression pathways.
  • Why this job: Accelerate your career with structured support and exposure to varied client portfolios.
  • Qualifications: 3+ years UK practice experience, AAT qualified or equivalent, strong bookkeeping skills.

The predicted salary is between 26000 - 32000 £ per year.

Salary: £26,000 – £32,000 + Study Support

Location: Chorley Area (Hybrid & Flexible Working)

Accelerate your accountancy career with a progressive North West practice. This is an outstanding opportunity to join a highly reputable and growing accountancy group in the Chorley area, known for its collaborative culture, strong client relationships and genuine commitment to staff development. As an Accounts Semi Senior, you’ll gain exposure to a varied client portfolio across multiple sectors whilst receiving structured support to develop your skills and progress your career.

The Role:

  • Preparation of year-end statutory accounts for a diverse client base
  • Producing VAT returns (including MTD compliance)
  • Bookkeeping and management accounts preparation
  • Assisting with audit assignments and supporting the wider audit team
  • Maintaining strong client relationships and delivering excellent service
  • Supporting senior staff with ad hoc assignments and client queries

About You: Skills & Experience Required

We are keen to speak with ambitious individuals who are looking to continue their progression within a supportive practice environment.

Essential Requirements:

  • Minimum 3+ years’ UK general practice experience
  • AAT qualified / part-qualified (or equivalent QBE experience)
  • Strong working knowledge of:
    • Accounts preparation
    • VAT and MTD requirements
    • Bookkeeping software (e.g. Xero, Sage, QuickBooks)
  • Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail
  • Confident communicator with the ability to engage with clients and colleagues

Desirable:

  • Studying towards ACCA or ACA
  • Exposure to audit assignments
  • Experience preparing management accounts

Career Development & Progression:

  • Full study support available (ACCA/ACA)
  • Clear progression pathway towards Senior Accountant
  • Exposure to a broad and varied client portfolio
  • Ongoing mentoring from experienced professionals

Salary & Benefits Package:

  • Competitive salary: £26,000 – £32,000 (dependent on experience)
  • 35-hour working week with flexibility
  • Option of a 4-day working week
  • Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
  • 25 days holiday + bank holidays (pro rata for 4-day week)
  • Annual salary reviews
  • Employer pension contributions
  • Life assurance (4x salary)
  • Group income protection scheme
  • Professional subscriptions paid
  • Study support package
  • Commission incentives for introducing new clients and staff
  • Regular funded social events and team activities
  • Supportive, friendly team culture

If you are an experienced Practice professional ready to take the next step in your career, we would love to hear from you. Apply today or contact: David Hawthorne-Finch d.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com. All applications will be handled in the strictest confidence.

Semi Senior Accountant in Preston employer: Hawthorne-finch Talent Solutions

Join a dynamic and supportive accountancy group in the Chorley area, where your career development is prioritised through structured study support and a clear progression pathway. With a collaborative culture and a commitment to employee well-being, you will enjoy flexible working arrangements, competitive benefits, and the opportunity to engage with a diverse client portfolio, making this an ideal environment for ambitious professionals seeking meaningful growth.

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Contact Details:

Hawthorne-finch Talent Solutions Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Semi Senior Accountant in Preston

Tap into Campus Networks

If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.

Get Certified

Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.

Connect on Professional Platforms

Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.

Apply Directly and Be Proactive

Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Hawthorne-finch Talent Solutions. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.

We think you need these skills to ace Semi Senior Accountant in Preston

Accounts Preparation
VAT Returns
MTD Compliance
Bookkeeping Software (e.g. Xero, Sage, QuickBooks)
Management Accounts Preparation
Audit Support
Client Relationship Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.

Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Hawthorne-finch Talent Solutions.

Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.

Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Hawthorne-finch Talent Solutions's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Hawthorne-finch Talent Solutions

Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills

Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Hawthorne-finch Talent Solutions.

Prepare for Case Studies

Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.

Show Your Passion for Finance

Since this is a full-time position, employers at Hawthorne-finch Talent Solutions will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.

Network with Industry Professionals

Before your interview, reach out to current or former Hawthorne-finch Talent Solutions employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.