At a Glance
- Tasks: Support clients with accounts, VAT, bookkeeping, and payroll in a collaborative environment.
- Company: Join Harland Accountants, a top-rated independent firm in Cornwall.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, healthcare, birthday off, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible hybrid working and a culture focused on growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while building strong client relationships in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: AAT Level 3 qualified or working towards, with experience in accounting practices.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
Client-Focused Role - Cloud Accounting - Career Development
Are you an accounts professional who enjoys building strong client relationships, delivering high-quality work and genuinely helping businesses succeed? Do you want to join a modern, people-focused accountancy practice that is growing strongly, investing in its team and building a reputation as one of Cornwall's best employers? We're looking for an Accounting Assistant to join Harland Accountants, supporting a varied portfolio of clients across accounts preparation, VAT, bookkeeping and payroll while working closely with both colleagues and clients in a highly collaborative environment. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a progressive and ambitious practice where your communication skills, organisation and client focus will be just as valued as your technical capability. Ready to take the next step in your accounting career with a firm that genuinely values its people and clients?
The Role at a Glance:
- Falmouth or Helston Based / Hybrid
- Competitive Salary Plus Healthcare Benefits, Birthday Off, Career Development & More
- Full Time - Permanent
- Working Hours: 9am - 5pm with flexibility considered
- Hybrid Working: 3 Days Office Based
- Reporting to: Client Managers
- Company: Award-Winning Independent Accountancy Practice
- Culture: Growth Mindset | Strong Relationships | Generosity of Spirit
Your Background / Skills:
- Accounts Preparation, VAT Returns, Payroll, Bookkeeping, Xero, KashFlow, Client Support, Cloud Accounting
Qualifications:
- AAT Level 3 qualified (or working towards), QBE, or studying ACCA / ICAEW
Harland Accountants is a growing independent accountancy practice supporting businesses and individuals across Cornwall and beyond. We're passionate about helping businesses succeed and equally passionate about creating an environment where our own people can grow, develop and enjoy meaningful careers. Our culture is built around three core values: Growth Mindset, Strong Relationships and Generosity of Spirit. We believe in supporting each other, building trusted client partnerships and continuously improving how we work and develop as a team.
As the business continues to grow, we're looking for someone who enjoys variety, values client relationships and wants to be part of a collaborative, forward-thinking practice environment. Ready to join a firm where people genuinely enjoy working together? Working closely with Client Managers, you'll support the smooth delivery of client work across a varied portfolio, helping ensure deadlines are met and clients receive a responsive and professional service. This is a broad and varied role offering exposure across accounts, VAT, bookkeeping and payroll, making it ideal for someone looking to continue building their accounting career within a progressive practice environment. Importantly, this is not a role for someone who wants to sit quietly behind emails all day. We're looking for someone who enjoys speaking with clients, building relationships and becoming a trusted part of the client experience.
What your day might look like:
- Preparing accounts and tax returns for a portfolio of clients
- Drafting financial statements to a high standard
- Preparing and submitting VAT returns in line with Making Tax Digital requirements
- Supporting clients with bookkeeping systems including Xero and KashFlow
- Resolving bookkeeping, VAT and payroll queries from clients
- Supporting payroll processing and related client administration
- Working closely with Client Managers to deliver high-quality client service
- Attending client meetings and supporting follow-up actions
- Managing your own workload across multiple assignments and deadlines
- Supervising and supporting Trainee Accounts Assistants
- Supporting the smooth running of systems and internal processes
- Providing reception cover where required
About You:
- AAT qualified to at least Level 3, or working towards qualification
- Alternatively qualified by experience or studying ACCA / ICAEW
- Previous experience within an accountancy practice environment
- Strong working knowledge of bookkeeping, VAT and payroll
- Experience using cloud accounting systems such as Xero or KashFlow
- Good understanding of Making Tax Digital requirements
- Comfortable speaking confidently with clients and building relationships
- Highly organised with strong attention to detail
- AI-curious and open-minded towards new technologies and ways of working
- Proactive, reliable and solutions-focused
- Able to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively
- Positive team player with strong communication skills
- Full right to work in the UK without sponsorship requirements
Why Join Harland Accountants?
- Join an award-recognised and growing independent practice
- Hybrid working with flexibility built around trust and collaboration
- Genuine career development and progression opportunities
- Supportive and people-first culture
- Opportunity to work closely with clients and make a real impact
- Modern cloud-accounting focused environment
- Friendly, collaborative and ambitious team
- Be part of one of Cornwall's Top 10 Employers
If you're looking for an Accounting role where you can continue developing technically while building meaningful client relationships inside a supportive and ambitious practice, we'd love to hear from you.
Locations
Accounting Assistant - Top-Rated Cornwall Accountancy Firm employer: RecruitmentRevolution.com
Harland Accountants is a top-rated independent accountancy firm in Cornwall, renowned for its supportive and people-first culture that prioritises employee growth and development. With a strong focus on client relationships and collaboration, the firm offers hybrid working options, competitive salaries, and unique benefits such as birthday leave, making it an ideal environment for accounting professionals looking to thrive in their careers while contributing to meaningful client success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Accounting Assistant - Top-Rated Cornwall Accountancy Firm
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the accounting world, attend local events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the hunt for an Accounting Assistant role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to client relationships and cloud accounting. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or family to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your personality! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, let your enthusiasm for helping clients shine through. Remember, they’re looking for someone who fits into their collaborative culture, so be yourself!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your appreciation and keeping you top of mind. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to reiterate your excitement about the role!
We think you need these skills to ace Accounting Assistant - Top-Rated Cornwall Accountancy Firm
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the job description. Highlight your accounts preparation, VAT, and bookkeeping experience, as well as any client-facing roles you've had. We want to see how you can contribute to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for accounting and your desire to build strong client relationships. Let us know why you're excited about joining Harland Accountants and how you align with our values.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves a lot of client interaction, make sure to demonstrate your communication skills in your application. Whether it's through examples in your CV or your cover letter, we want to see how you connect with clients and colleagues alike.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get the best experience possible. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at RecruitmentRevolution.com
✨Know Your Numbers
Brush up on your accounting knowledge, especially around accounts preparation, VAT, and payroll. Be ready to discuss your experience with cloud accounting systems like Xero or KashFlow, as this will show you're not just technically capable but also familiar with the tools they use.
✨Showcase Your Client Skills
Since this role is client-focused, prepare examples of how you've built strong relationships in previous roles. Think about times when you went above and beyond for a client or resolved a tricky issue. This will demonstrate your commitment to client success.
✨Embrace the Culture
Harland Accountants values a growth mindset and strong relationships. Familiarise yourself with their core values and think about how you can embody these in your responses. Share experiences that highlight your teamwork and collaborative spirit.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, career development opportunities, and how they support their employees. This shows you're genuinely interested in being part of their culture and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
