Accounts and Tax Senior in Guildford

Our clients, a friendly and well-established practice, are seeking a Qualified ACCA/ACA Senior accountant to join them due to continued growth. You will be a natural leader, able to oversee a small team of juniors and allocate work accordingly while managing your own portfolio effectively. This exciting opportunity has the potential for the successful applicant to really progress and be a significant part of the management team.

Key Responsibilities, Tasks and Activities

• Accounts Preparation & Financial Reporting
  • Prepare year-end accounts for a range of clients including limited companies, sole traders, and partnerships.
  • Ensure all financial statements are accurate, compliant with current UK accounting standards, and submitted on time.
  • Review and finalise working papers and supporting schedules.
• Client Communication & Relationship Management
  • Serve as the main point of contact for a portfolio of clients, providing regular updates and responding to queries in a timely and professional manner.
  • Provide general business and financial advice to clients, helping them understand their accounts and identify areas for improvement.
  • Build strong, long-term relationships based on trust and high-quality service.
• VAT & Tax Returns
  • Prepare and submit VAT returns, ensuring compliance with Making Tax Digital (MTD) and HMRC regulations.
  • Assist with corporation tax and personal tax computations as needed.
• Workflow & Practice Support
  • Manage workload effectively to meet deadlines and communicate clearly with managers on progress and capacity.
  • Support and review junior team members’ work, providing training and guidance where required.
  • Maintain accurate records within the practice management and accounting systems (e.g., Xero, TaxCalc).
• Continuous Development & Compliance
  • Stay up to date with changes in tax, accounting, and regulatory requirements.
  • Ensure all work complies with the firm’s internal procedures, GDPR and relevant legislation.
  • Engage in CPD activities to maintain technical knowledge and skills.

Experience

• Extensive post-qualification experience in preparing statutory accounts and managing client compliance requirements within an accountancy practice.
• Proven ability to manage a diverse client portfolio, providing high-quality service and building strong, long-term relationships.
• In-depth understanding of accounting standards, tax compliance, and regulatory requirements, with a consistent track record of accurate and timely filings.
• Strong communication and organisational skills, with the ability to lead by example, support junior staff, and maintain a client-focused approach under pressure.

Skills & Qualifications

• ACCA or ACA qualified, with strong technical expertise in accounting and compliance.
• Solid understanding of UK tax legislation, statutory accounts preparation, and filing obligations.
• Demonstrated ability to manage a varied portfolio of clients across sectors, ensuring timely delivery of services and maintaining compliance standards.
• Excellent client-facing skills, with a track record of building trusted relationships and providing commercially focused advice.
• Proficient in leading accounting software (e.g., Iris, Xero, QuickBooks) and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Clear and professional communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Highly organised, with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple deadlines effectively.