At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage diverse client accounts, tax work, and support junior team members in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join a small, established firm in a stunning countryside barn office.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, private medical insurance, and a relaxed working atmosphere.
- Other info: Experience high autonomy and direct exposure to senior leadership.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a close-knit team where your contributions are valued.
- Qualifications: ACA/ACCA qualified or experienced, with strong accountancy practice background.
The predicted salary is between 37500 - 50000 £ per year.
This is the type of role that is becoming increasingly difficult to find. Joining a small, established firm based in a stunning converted barn office in the countryside, you will become a genuinely important part of the team rather than one person in a large structure. The setting offers something different from the typical practice environment, combining a relaxed atmosphere with high quality client work and the opportunity to play a visible role in the firm.
Working closely with the Managing Director, you will take ownership of a broad range of client work, support junior team members, and help shape how the team continues to develop. This is a role for someone who enjoys variety, values autonomy, and wants to work somewhere where people know your name and your contribution matters. With exposure across accounts, tax, client advisory, and team support, no two days will look exactly the same.
This is a broad, hands-on practice role with significant variety across accounts, tax and client support. You will work closely with the Managing Director to manage client delivery, oversee junior team output, and ensure a high standard of service across the portfolio.
Alongside statutory accounts preparation and review, you will be involved in personal and corporate tax work, bookkeeping oversight, and general client advisory support. The role is designed for someone who enjoys taking responsibility, working independently, and being trusted with a wide range of client matters within a small, close-knit team.
Key responsibilities:- Prepare and review statutory accounts for a portfolio of small and owner-managed businesses
- Work closely with the Managing Director on day-to-day client delivery and workflow
- Take responsibility for managing client deadlines and ensuring work is completed accurately and on time
- Assist with personal and corporate tax compliance work and basic advisory matters
- Review bookkeeping and management information prepared by junior staff
- Act as a key point of contact for client queries and ongoing support
- Support, guide and train junior team members within the practice
- Help maintain and improve internal processes and client service delivery
- Assist with ad hoc assignments across accounts, tax and client advisory work
- Contribute to building strong long-term client relationships through high-quality service
The successful Practice Accountant will have:
- ACA / ACCA qualified or qualified by experience
- Previous UK accountancy practice experience
- Strong experience preparing statutory accounts
- Working knowledge of personal and corporate tax
- Experience reviewing work and supporting junior staff
- Comfortable working independently in a small team environment
- Strong communication and client relationship skills
- Organised, proactive and reliable approach
- Full right to work in the UK
We do not discriminate on any protected characteristics.
Practice Accountant in Chester employer: Howett Thorpe
Join a small, established firm in Farnborough, where you will thrive in a relaxed and supportive environment that values your contributions. With a beautiful converted barn office as your backdrop, you'll enjoy 25 days of holiday, private medical insurance, and the opportunity to work closely with senior leadership while taking on a broad range of client work. This role offers genuine autonomy and the chance to shape the future of the team, making it an excellent choice for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Practice Accountant in Chester
✨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 Practice Accountant in Chester
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.
