Experienced Bookkeeper in Waterlooville

Location: Waterlooville, Hampshire

Salary: £13.40 - £14.75 per hour (depending on experience)

Hours: 36.5 hours per week

Contract: Permanent

Reporting to: Bookkeeping Manager

About Heelan Associates

We are proud of the relationships we build with our clients, and we are even prouder of the team behind them. At Heelan Associates, we are more than accountants. We are trusted advisers who genuinely care about helping businesses and individuals succeed. We believe accountancy should be personal, approachable and built on long-term relationships. As a family-led practice, we have created a workplace where people enjoy coming to work, feel supported to develop and are encouraged to make a real difference. We invest in our team because we know that when our people thrive, our clients do too.

The Role

At Heelan Associates, bookkeeping is about far more than balancing the books. It is about building trusted relationships, helping clients understand the story behind their numbers and giving them the confidence to make informed decisions for their business. It is also about being part of a supportive team that genuinely enjoys working together. We are looking for an Experienced Bookkeeper to join our growing practice. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys variety, takes pride in delivering accurate, high-quality work and thrives on building long-term relationships with clients. You will manage your own portfolio of clients, becoming a trusted point of contact while working closely with colleagues across the practice. No two days are the same, giving you the opportunity to develop your skills, share ideas and make a real difference to both our clients and our team. If you are looking for somewhere you can enjoy coming to work, build lasting client relationships and continue developing your career, we would love to hear from you.

What You'll Be Doing

• To use accounting technology efficiently to manage data entry.
• To accurately reconcile all ledgers, including bank, credit card and cash accounts.
• To methodically reconcile control accounts and investigate any discrepancies.
• To prepare and submit VAT returns accurately and within the required deadlines.
• To prepare and submit CIS returns accurately and within the required deadlines.
• To correctly post journals, including PAYE, VAT and pension journals.
• To diligently maintain electronic records and filing systems.
• To promptly investigate and resolve bookkeeping queries.
• To use internal recording systems and follow internal procedures, ensuring that work is properly recorded and completed to the required standard.
• To provide excellent client care professionally and courteously, both over the phone and in person.
• To work effectively, efficiently and collaboratively as part of a close-knit bookkeeping team, providing support and cover for colleagues.
• To actively participate in activities that support the smooth running of the office.
• To complete any relevant continuing professional development required by your professional body, where applicable.

What We're Looking For

We are looking for someone who shares our passion for delivering outstanding client service and enjoys working as part of a supportive team. You will ideally have:

• Proven bookkeeping experience is essential.
• Experience using cloud accounting software, particularly Xero, QuickBooks Online and Dext.
• A sound understanding of double-entry bookkeeping.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail and pride in producing accurate, high-quality work.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Confidence working independently while also enjoying being part of a collaborative team.
• A proactive approach, always looking for opportunities to improve processes and develop your knowledge.
• A genuine commitment to delivering an exceptional experience for every client.

Our Values

We take finding the right people to join our business very seriously. For us, it’s about finding special people who share our values. Our values represent who we are as a company, they guide our decisions, underpin our relationships and govern the way we conduct ourselves and our business.

Why You'll Love Working With Us

We believe that when our people feel valued and supported, they do their very best work. Alongside a competitive salary, we offer a range of benefits designed to support your wellbeing, professional development and work-life balance.

• Working Pattern: 4.00 pm finish every Friday.
• Hybrid working following successful completion of your probation (up to two days working from home each week, subject to business needs).
• Annual Leave: 28 days' annual leave (including Bank Holidays), increasing with length of service.
• Flexible Bank Holidays – Outside of the Christmas closure, Bank Holidays are treated as normal working days.
• Paid Christmas Closure – Enjoy paid leave for Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day (or the relevant Bank Holidays).
• Birthday Leave – Enjoy a paid day off when your birthday falls on one of your contracted working days.
• Holiday Purchase Scheme – Purchase up to three additional days' annual leave each holiday year.
• Health and Wellbeing: Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) available from your first day of employment.
• Professional Development: Ongoing training and development.
• Our Workplace: Modern, air-conditioned office.
• Additional Benefits: Company pension scheme.

Ready to Join Us?

If you are looking for a role where you can build strong client relationships, continue developing your career and be part of a genuinely supportive team, we would love to hear from you.