£35,000 to £45,000 depending on experience
Full-time, permanent
Office-based initially, with potential for 1 day working from home after probation
We are supporting an ambitious and growing accountancy practice in Stevenage with the hire of an Accounts Senior.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone from an accountancy practice background who wants to join a forward-thinking firm with a strong reputation, a high-quality client base and genuine long-term growth potential.
The practice supports clients across accounts, bookkeeping, VAT, payroll, corporation tax, personal tax, tax planning and wider business support. The firm works with a broad and interesting range of clients, from high-profile individuals and high-end clients through to entrepreneurs, small businesses, owner-managed companies and everyday clients who want practical, hands‑on advice.
This is not a narrow or repetitive accounts role. You will be joining an ambitious practice where the work is varied, client‑facing and genuinely important to the businesses and individuals the firm supports.
The Role
As Accounts Senior, you will work closely with the team and support a portfolio of small business and owner‑managed clients.
The role will involve a mixture of accounts preparation, bookkeeping review, Xero work, VAT support, client communication and wider practice accounting. You will be expected to take ownership of your work, manage deadlines and support clients in a professional, practical and approachable way.
The position would suit someone who enjoys working in a smaller practice environment, likes variety and wants to be part of a business that is continuing to grow.
Key Responsibilities
- Preparing accounts for small businesses, limited companies and owner‑managed businesses
- Supporting year‑end accounts and accounts close‑down work
- Reviewing bookkeeping and ensuring client records are accurate and up to date
- Bank reconciliations and ledger maintenance
- Preparing or supporting VAT returns
- Supporting corporation tax work where required
- Working with Xero and other practice systems
- Liaising with clients to request information and resolve queries
- Helping clients maintain clean, accurate and useful financial records
- Supporting the wider team during busy periods
- Taking ownership of assigned work and delivering to deadlines
- Providing a professional and friendly service to clients
About You
The ideal candidate will be a capable and motivated Accounts Senior with experience in an accountancy practice environment.
You will be someone who is organised, reliable, commercially aware and confident working with small businesses and owner‑managed clients. You will enjoy being hands‑on, solving problems and building strong relationships with clients.
You may currently be working as an Accounts Senior, Client Accountant, Practice Accountant, Semi Senior Accountant or a strong Senior Bookkeeper looking to step into a broader practice role.
You will ideally have:
- Experience working in an accountancy practice
- Strong bookkeeping and accounts experienceExperience working with small businesses, limited companies or owner‑managed businesses
- Good knowledge of Xero
- Strong attention to detail
- The ability to work accurately and independently once shown the systems
- Good communication skills with clients and colleagues
- A practical and hands‑on approach
- The ability to manage deadlines and keep work moving
- A positive, professional and reliable working style
- Around 5 years’ relevant experience would be ideal, although the business is open to someone with slightly different experience if they have the right attitude, technical ability and fit.
- AAT, ACCA or similar qualifications would be beneficial, but strong practical experience is equally important.
Why Apply?
This is a chance to join an ambitious and growing accountancy practice with a strong client base and a genuinely varied workload.
You will have exposure to a wide range of clients, from high‑end and higher‑profile individuals through to entrepreneurs, small businesses and owner‑managed companies. This gives the role more variety, more client contact and more opportunity to develop than a standard accounts position.
The firm is continuing to grow and wants people who can grow with it. For the right person, this is a strong long‑term opportunity to become an important part of the practice.
What’s on Offer
- £35,000 to £45,000 depending on experience
- Permanent, full‑time role
- Based in Stevenage
- Parking available
- Pension
- Potential for 1 day working from home after probation / settling‑in period
- Varied client work across small businesses, owner‑managed companies and higher‑profile clients
- Opportunity to join an ambitious and growing accountancy practice
Working Pattern
The role will be office‑based initially so that you can get to know the team, clients, systems and way of working.
After around 3 months, there may be the option to work from home 1 day per week, depending on performance and how well you have settled into the role.
Location
The role is based in Stevenage, so candidates should be within a realistic commuting distance.
Accounts Senior in Stevenage employer: James & Partners
As a leading multi-award-winning property firm, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and dynamic work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and growth. With competitive salaries, generous benefits including a wellbeing allowance and flexible leave options, and the opportunity to work remotely while engaging with a vast network of estate agencies, we empower our Account Managers to thrive in their roles and make a meaningful impact in the property sector.
