At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage client accounts, process invoices, and ensure compliance with VAT regulations.
- Company: Dynamic, tech-driven accounting firm focused on innovative financial solutions.
- Benefits: Flexible 4-day work week, competitive salary, and full study support for qualifications.
- Why this job: Join a growing team and develop your skills in modern accounting practices.
- Qualifications: AAT Level 3 or 4 and 3+ years bookkeeping experience required.
- Other info: Vibrant work environment with excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 30000 £ per year.
Location: Crawley (Office Based)
Salary: Up to £30,000 depending on experience, prorated.
Job Type: Part-Time, 4 day working week. Monday to Thursday, 22 hours per week. 9.00am to 3.00pm (Can be flexible), 30min unpaid lunch.
About Us
Optimise Accountants & Tax Advisors are a dynamic, technology-driven accounting firm committed to delivering innovative financial solutions. We leverage cloud-based systems, automation, and data-driven insights to provide exceptional service to our clients. Our business thrives on collaboration, continuous learning, and embracing modern accounting practices with our clients at the centre.
The Role
As a Junior Accountant / Senior Bookkeeper, you will play a key role in delivering high-quality accounting services to a diverse portfolio of clients to include sole traders, partnerships and limited companies. As the second hire for the firm, you will work closely with the Managing Director to take ownership of tasks and develop your expertise in cloud accounting and bookkeeping services.
Key Responsibilities
- Maintain accurate books for a portfolio of clients using Xero, QuickBooks & Sage (and associated apps such as Dext and Hubdoc).
- Lead the MTD ITSA requirements from April 2026.
- Process purchase and sales invoices, reconcile bank accounts, credit cards, and loan balances, on a weekly and monthly basis.
- Manage VAT returns (Standard, Flat Rate, Cash Accounting) and ensure compliance with MTD for VAT.
- Assist in year-end preparation, liaising with accountants on final adjustments.
- Maintain fixed asset registers, accruals, and prepayments schedules.
- Identify process improvements and support the adoption of new technology.
- Prepare monthly & quarterly PAYE and CIS reconciliations.
- Prepare client queries for missing information / clarification to ensure accurate bookkeeping / VAT returns on a monthly basis and ensure timely responses.
What We're Looking For
- AAT Level 3 or 4 qualification (or equivalent experience).
- 3+ years' bookkeeping experience, ideally within an accountancy practice.
- Experience with cloud-based accounting software (e.g., Xero, QuickBooks, Dext).
- Familiarity with construction, e-commerce and retail clients, desirable.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and maintain accuracy under pressure.
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with a client-focused approach.
- A proactive mindset, keen to embrace new technologies, modern accounting practices and explore different ways of doing things.
- Confidence to work independently to deliver client expectations without management oversight.
- Strong understanding of UK VAT rules, CIS, and basic payroll journals.
- Excellent reconciliation and troubleshooting skills.
What We Offer
- A flexible working model to suit your lifestyle with only a 4 day working week with full time equivalent pay.
- Competitive salary with company pension, and private medical insurance for immediate family.
- Full study support for professional qualifications (if applicable).
- 28 days holidays (including bank holidays), prorated.
- £100 a month well being allowance.
- Regular CPD training and career development opportunities.
- A vibrant, collaborative, and tech-driven work environment.
- Second hire – huge potential for career development as the company grows.
Join Us
If you're a forward-thinking accountant looking to grow your career in a modern, digital-first firm, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today by sending your CV and cover letter to or reach out for a confidential chat.
Work Location: In person
Junior Accountant employer: Optimise Accountants & Tax Advisors Limited
Contact Detail:
Optimise Accountants & Tax Advisors Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Accountant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the accounting world, attend local meetups, or join online forums. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly to hiring managers.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your bookkeeping projects or any relevant work you've done with cloud-based software like Xero or QuickBooks. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its clients. Understand their services and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs. This shows you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute from day one.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your bookkeeping experience and familiarity with cloud-based software like Xero and QuickBooks, as these are key for us.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're excited about the role and how your proactive mindset aligns with our tech-driven approach. Show us your personality!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since strong communication is vital for this role, consider including examples of how you've effectively communicated with clients or team members in your application. We want to see that client-focused approach!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with Optimise Accountants & Tax Advisors.
How to prepare for a job interview at Optimise Accountants & Tax Advisors Limited
✨Know Your Numbers
Brush up on your accounting knowledge, especially around UK VAT rules and cloud-based software like Xero and QuickBooks. Be ready to discuss how you've used these tools in past roles or projects.
✨Show Your Proactive Side
Optimise Accountants values a proactive mindset. Prepare examples of how you've identified process improvements or embraced new technologies in your previous work. This will show you're aligned with their innovative approach.
✨Communicate Clearly
Strong communication skills are key for this role. Practice explaining complex accounting concepts in simple terms, as you might need to do this with clients. Think about how you can demonstrate your client-focused approach during the interview.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the company’s culture, their approach to technology in accounting, and opportunities for professional development. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.