At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare accounts and tax returns for diverse small business clients while providing mentorship.
- Company: Join a dynamic, growing accountancy practice that values collaboration and learning.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Enjoy a fun, supportive team culture that prioritises relationships and continuous learning.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by helping small businesses thrive with your accounting expertise.
- Qualifications: Must have 2+ years of experience and membership in a chartered professional body.
The predicted salary is between 34000 - 42000 £ per year.
Location: Based in Waterlooville, Hampshire
Contract type: Permanent
Hours per week: Full time (36.50 hours) – Office based (2 days WFH available)
Salary: £34,000 - £42,000 DOE
Reporting to: Accountancy Manager
Job Purpose:
Are you looking to join a rapidly growing, dynamic, and commercially savvy Accountancy Practice where:
- There’s no such thing as a silly question,
- Time and talent are respected
- There are endless opportunities to learn and develop
- Alternative perspectives are welcome
- ...and (most importantly of all) nobody thinks they’re too “big time” to make a round of brews?
If so, we’d love to have a conversation with you about joining our thriving team.
By combining our traditional values with modern thinking our team of Accounting, Bookkeeping and Payroll professionals proudly set the standard for what modern small business accounting support should look like. We are a team on a mission, with an ever-expanding caseload of clients, so now is a really exciting time to join our friendly team.
As an Accountant, you will be focused on delivering an exceptional client experience for a portfolio of inspiring small business clients.
Key Responsibilities:
- To prepare, send and submit accounts & tax returns for a portfolio of clients, including Sole Traders, Partnerships and Limited Companies.
- To provide training, mentorship and technical guidance to your accounting team (and wider businesses where appropriate).
- To communicate with clients via phone, email, social media and in person, including chasing records.
- To onboard new clients and integrate them into your portfolio – this will include bookkeeping, compliance etc to then be handed over to the relevant department.
- To assess and advise clients on their tax position.
- To optimise and plan the tax efficiency of clients.
- To review and advise clients on advisory level to include cashflow, budgets, pricing etc (further training on our advisory systems will be provided).
- To complete, review and prepare book-keeping, VAT returns and CIS where required.
- To prepare and execute year end client meetings.
- To carry out and deliver client fee reviews.
- To support the Client Manager and Senior Accountant in your accounting team ‘pod’.
- To maintain electronic filing of books and records both internally as well as management of client administration and records.
- To act as liaison between clients and HM Revenue & Customs to deal with and resolve queries.
- To provide external training e.g. client bookkeeping training and as applicable as per our company values.
- To manage and maintain your professional development and learning including any relevant CPD required by your professional body.
- To ensure and update HMRC/Companies House statutory information is accurate.
Person specification:
- Must be supported by a full membership to a chartered professional body, (AAT, ATT, ACCA etc).
- Extensive experience spanning 2+ years in practice, overseeing a broad client base and delivering work directly in a dynamic environment.
- Must be able to prepare accounts & tax returns for clients to review stage, including Sole Traders, Partnerships and Limited Companies.
- Experience of working with clients utilising Xero, QuickBooks, DEXT and Free Agent to produce client work.
- Sound understanding and working knowledge of tax.
Skills:
- Able to navigate Microsoft packages, specifically Word and Excel.
- Effective at time management with the ability to work to tight deadlines and deal with newly emerging priorities day-to-day without compromising attention to detail.
- Confidently able to provide advice and make recommendations to clients, taking care to break down complex information in such a way as to help with understanding in both written and verbal communication.
- To proactively seek out information when needed from colleagues and clients to enable a seamless service with a curious approach and hunger to expand knowledge.
Personal attributes:
- Friendly and professional with the ability to communicate effectively at all levels, internally and externally and committed to providing exemplary customer care.
- A fun and outgoing attitude with a desire to support the growth of a thriving business, whilst enjoying professional growth at the same time.
- An advocate for continued professional development, constantly curious and hungry to learn but not afraid to ask for advice when needed and act upon feedback given.
- Takes pride in professional appearance and positively represents the brand.
Shared values:
- Relationships over numbers - The meaningful relationships we build with our clients are fundamental to the way we do business.
- Learn together and often! - We share our knowledge and experience with colleagues and clients generously.
- Respect Team, Time and Talents - We are a team in the true sense of the word, every person matters equally.
- Balanced and beautiful - We are committed to ensuring our client accounts, book-keeping and payroll are accurate and beautifully clean.
- Courageous and Curious - We understand that to grow we need to expose ourselves to experiences that fall outside of our comfort zones.
Flexibility and General Duties:
This job description is indicative of the range of current duties and responsibilities for the post; it is not comprehensive. It is inevitable that the duties will change to reflect organisational change and it is essential therefore that it is regarded with a degree of flexibility, so that changing needs and circumstances can be met. All changes will be discussed with the post holder. The job description for this post will be reviewed annually.
To attend training and development deemed necessary for the post in agreement with the line manager. To willingly undertake any other tasks as reasonably requested by line managers and comply with all employee policies and procedures of Heelan Associates.
Please note: We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if a successful candidate is appointed before the advertised closing date of 24/07/2026.
Accountant in Waterlooville employer: Heelan Associates
Join a vibrant and supportive Accountancy Practice in Waterlooville, where your contributions are valued and professional growth is encouraged. With a culture that prioritises learning, teamwork, and respect for every individual's talents, you'll find endless opportunities to develop your skills while enjoying a friendly atmosphere that believes in building meaningful relationships with clients. Embrace the chance to work with inspiring small businesses and be part of a team that truly cares about your success and well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Accountant in Waterlooville
✨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 Heelan Associates. 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 Accountant in Waterlooville
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 Heelan Associates.
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 Heelan Associates'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 Heelan Associates
✨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 Heelan Associates.
✨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 Heelan Associates 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 Heelan Associates 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.