At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare year-end accounts and tax returns while managing client relationships.
- Company: Join EBA Chartered Accountants, a friendly and ambitious firm in Knutsford.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid working, and 25 days' annual leave.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional growth and direct exposure to business owners.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by advising clients and developing trusted relationships.
- Qualifications: Experience in accountancy practice and strong Xero knowledge required.
The predicted salary is between 34000 - 38000 £ per year.
We are supporting EBA Chartered Accountants with the recruitment of an experienced Accountant / Xero Specialist to join their growing team in Knutsford. EBA Chartered Accountants works closely with ambitious business owners, providing support across compliance, business growth, strategic decision-making and exit planning. This is an excellent opportunity to join a friendly and ambitious firm where you’ll work directly with clients, develop trusted relationships and gradually become more involved in providing commercial advice and insight.
The primary focus of the role will be preparing statutory year-end accounts and company tax returns for a portfolio of limited-company clients. You’ll also undertake hands-on Xero bookkeeping, take responsibility for VAT returns and supervise a small team of junior Xero bookkeepers. The role would suit someone with previous accountancy practice experience, strong practical Xero knowledge and the confidence to manage client relationships and deadlines effectively.
Key Responsibilities:- Preparing statutory year-end accounts for a portfolio of limited companies
- Preparing company tax returns and supporting schedules
- Ensuring statutory accounts are completed and ready for internal review by agreed deadlines
- Undertaking hands-on bookkeeping using Xero
- Supervising and supporting two to three junior Xero bookkeepers
- Reviewing bookkeeping work and helping junior colleagues resolve queries
- Taking responsibility for the accurate and timely preparation and filing of VAT returns across an assigned client portfolio
- Maintaining accurate ledgers and completing bank reconciliations
- Reviewing client records and identifying errors, inconsistencies or missing information
- Helping clients use Xero effectively and improve their accounting processes
- Supporting new client setups and migrations to Xero where required
- Preparing a small number of quarterly management accounts
- Working directly with clients to answer queries and obtain the information required to complete their accounts
- Holding year-end accounts review meetings with clients
- Developing close and trusted relationships with business owners
- Providing increasingly proactive advice and commercial insight as client relationships develop
- Managing workload and deadlines effectively while maintaining a consistently high level of accuracy
- Contributing ideas to improve efficiency, systems and ways of working
- Previous experience working within an accountancy practice
- Strong, hands-on knowledge of Xero
- Experience preparing statutory year-end accounts for limited companies
- Experience preparing, or supporting the preparation of, company tax returns
- Practical bookkeeping and VAT return experience
- The ability to manage a portfolio of clients and meet internal filing and review deadlines
- Experience supervising, reviewing or supporting more junior team members
- A good understanding of accounting records, reconciliations and financial reporting
- AAT Level 3 qualification or above, or an equivalent level of practical experience
- Strong attention to detail and a commitment to producing accurate work
- An efficient working style and the ability to maintain output without compromising quality
- Confidence communicating directly with business owners
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to develop trusted, long-term client relationships
- A proactive approach to identifying and resolving issues
- An interest in developing beyond accounts preparation into a more advisory-focused position
- Previous experience using Sage would be advantageous, as a small number of legacy clients use the system for quarterly management accounts.
- Xero certification is not essential. The strength and depth of your practical Xero experience will be more important.
- Salary of £34,000–£38,000, depending on experience
- Hybrid working – four days in the Knutsford office and one day from home
- Flexible start and finish times
- 35-hour working week
- One-hour lunch break each day
- 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays
- Birthday off
- Full private medical insurance
- Critical illness cover
- Ongoing professional development
- Regular one-to-one meetings and team appraisals
- Direct exposure to business owners across a range of sectors
- The opportunity to develop into a more client-facing and advisory-focused role
- A supportive and ambitious working environment
If you feel that you have the skills and experience to be successful in this role with EBA Chartered Accountants, we’d love to hear from you – please apply now.
Accountant / Xero Specialist employer: Marwell Recruitment
Join a well-regarded law firm in Chester that values proactive and organised individuals ready to engage in meaningful work. With a focus on employee growth, this firm offers a supportive environment where you can develop your skills alongside experienced professionals in the Dispute Resolution team. Enjoy a competitive salary and the opportunity to be involved in complex litigation from the outset, making this an excellent place for those seeking a rewarding career in law.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Accountant / Xero Specialist
✨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 Marwell Recruitment. 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 / Xero Specialist
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 Marwell Recruitment.
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 Marwell Recruitment'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 Marwell Recruitment
✨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 Marwell Recruitment.
✨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 Marwell Recruitment 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 Marwell Recruitment 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.
