Accountant - General Practice (No Audit) in Newtownabbey

We are seeking an experienced and motivated General Practice Accountant to join our growing Belfast-based SME accountancy practice. The successful candidate will play a key role in delivering high-quality accounts preparation, personal and corporate tax compliance, and general advisory services to a diverse portfolio of local small and medium-sized businesses across Northern Ireland. This role is ideal for a qualified accountant (part-qualified or accounts technicians with relevant experience will be considered) with practice experience, who enjoys variety, takes ownership of their workload, and thrives within a supportive practice environment where client service and professional development are prioritised.

Key Responsibilities

• Accounts Preparation

• Prepare year-end financial statements for sole traders, partnerships, and limited companies in accordance with UK GAAP (FRS 102/105).
• Complete management accounts for clients as required.
• Perform bookkeeping tasks, reconciliations, and adjustments where necessary to ensure accurate reporting.
• Liaise directly with clients to gather required information and resolve queries promptly and professionally.

• Prepare corporation tax returns (CT600) and supporting schedules.
• Prepare personal tax returns (SA100) for directors, business owners, and individuals.
• Assist with VAT return preparation and Making Tax Digital (MTD) compliance.
• Identify basic tax planning opportunities and communicate these proactively to senior staff or clients.

• Act as a day-to-day point of contact for a portfolio of SME clients across a range of sectors.
• Provide guidance on bookkeeping systems, cloud accounting solutions (e.g., Xero, QuickBooks, Sage), and general business queries.
• Support clients with compliance deadlines and ensure work is completed in a timely manner.
• Build strong working relationships with clients based on trust, efficiency, and technical competence.

• Assist with workflow planning and job scheduling to meet practice-wide deadlines.
• Support junior team members where required, offering guidance and review of routine work.
• Contribute to process improvements and the adoption of technology to enhance productivity and client service.

Required Skills & Experience

• Part-qualified or qualified ACA / ACCA / AAT, or qualified by experience within a general practice environment.
• Minimum 2-3 years' experience in an accountancy practice handling accounts preparation and tax compliance.
• Strong working knowledge of accounting standards relevant to UK SMEs (FRS 102/105).
• Experience with cloud accounting software such as Xero, QuickBooks, or Sage.
• Competent with tax software and practice management tools.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication skills and confidence interacting with clients.
• Ability to work independently, prioritise tasks, and meet deadlines in a busy SME practice environment.

Desirable Attributes

• Experience working with Northern Ireland-based SMEs and familiarity with local business sectors.
• Knowledge of payroll and CIS (although not essential).
• Willingness to support business development activities where appropriate.
• A proactive mindset with an interest in continuous learning and professional growth.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary aligned with experience and qualifications.
• Hybrid/flexible working options (where appropriate).
• Study support (if applicable) and ongoing professional development.
• Friendly, collaborative team environment within a growing Belfast practice.
• Exposure to a broad range of SME clients and varied work to support long-term career development.

If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.