At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare accounts, manage audits, and build client relationships in a dynamic team.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking firm that values your contributions and offers real progression.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, 25 days holiday, and regular social events.
- Other info: Great opportunity for personal growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make an impact with varied work and direct interaction with partners and clients.
- Qualifications: ACA or ACCA qualified with strong audit experience preferred.
This is an opportunity for an experienced Audit and Accounts Senior to join a firm that offers a different approach to practice life. You will be part of a close-knit team where your contribution is recognised, while still working with a varied client base and the technical challenges you would expect from a larger firm. The role offers excellent variety, with involvement across audit, accounts, and advisory work, as well as regular interaction with Partners and business owners. For someone looking to move away from a more corporate environment and take greater ownership of their work, this provides the chance to develop, build strong client relationships, and progress based on ability and ambition.
Job Type: Permanent
Location: Guildford
Salary: £45,000 – 55,000
Benefits:
- Hybrid and flexible working with core hours and flexible start/finish times
- Real progression opportunities, partners who have come up through the firm themselves
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
- Salary benchmarked against larger firms
- Regular social events and a genuinely enjoyable place to work
About The Role:
The variety here is something you will not find easily elsewhere. You will work across audit and accounts for a broad portfolio of owner-managed businesses, covering multiple sectors and countries. These are clients who come to the firm not just for compliance work but for real business guidance, and you will be part of those conversations. You will work closely with partners day to day and take an active role in bringing on the junior members of the team.
Key responsibilities:
- Preparation of accounts for statutory, management and ad hoc requirements
- Planning, budgeting and finalising audit files, managing the process through to completion
- Working as part of the team to hit deadlines and make sure clients get a great experience
- Delegating and reviewing the work of trainees and supporting their development
- Spotting opportunities to add value for clients and challenging existing approaches where it makes sense
- Supporting managers and partners across their portfolios and on ad hoc projects
- Building trusted relationships with clients and being part of the bigger picture conversations
The successful candidate will have:
- ACA or ACCA qualified
- Strong audit experience, though a genuine willingness to learn will be considered
- Experience taking audit and accounts assignments from planning through to completion
- Working knowledge of accounting software, Xero, QuickBooks or IRIS is helpful but not essential
- Good analytical skills and a practical, commercial approach to work
- Strong communication skills, written and in person
- Comfortable working on your own as well as part of a team
- Well organised with the ability to juggle competing deadlines
- Proactive and keen to take ownership
Howett Thorpe are acting as a recruitment agency in relation to this role and comply with all relevant UK legislation and do not discriminate on any protected characteristics. Due to the high volume of applications we currently receive, we are unable to respond to all candidates. If you do not hear from a Consultant within 5 working days, please assume that you have not been successful.
Refer a friend: If this job is not of interest to you, but you know a friend or colleague who may be interested, recommend them to us and receive a minimum of £100 in vouchers if we assist them in securing a permanent role and a minimum of £25 in vouchers if we place them in a temporary assignment. (Terms & conditions apply)
Audit & Accounts Senior employer: Howett Thorpe
Howett Thorpe is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With a generous holiday allowance, competitive pension, and flexible working options, employees are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally in the vibrant town of Farnham. Join a dedicated team committed to fostering positive change and making a meaningful impact across multiple sites.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Audit & Accounts Senior
✨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 Howett Thorpe. 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 Audit & Accounts Senior
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 Howett Thorpe.
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 Howett Thorpe'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 Howett Thorpe
✨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 Howett Thorpe.
✨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 Howett Thorpe 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 Howett Thorpe 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.
