At a Glance
- Tasks: Support clients with accounts, VAT, bookkeeping, and payroll in a collaborative environment.
- Company: Join Harland Accountants, a top-rated independent practice 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.
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 Accounts 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:
- Accounts Assistant
- 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
Who we are:
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.
We’re proud to have been shortlisted for Employer of the Year and ESG Firm of the Year at the Accounting Excellence Awards 2025, as well as being voted by our own team as a Top 10 Employer in Cornwall in both 2024 and 2025. 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.
Accounts Assistant - Top-Rated Cornwall Accountancy Firm in Helston 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 arrangements, competitive salaries, and unique benefits such as birthday leave, making it an ideal workplace for those seeking a meaningful and rewarding career in accounting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Accounts Assistant - Top-Rated Cornwall Accountancy Firm in Helston
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture before your interview. Check out their website and social media to see what they're all about. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since this role is client-focused, being able to articulate your thoughts clearly is key. Try role-playing with a friend or family member to get comfortable discussing your experience and how it relates to the job.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare some questions to ask during your interview. This shows you're engaged and keen to learn more about the role and the company. Think about what you want to know regarding their approach to client relationships or career development opportunities.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in leaving a positive impression. It’s also a chance to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and the company.
We think you need these skills to ace Accounts Assistant - Top-Rated Cornwall Accountancy Firm in Helston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Personality:When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see who you are beyond your qualifications. A touch of humour or a personal story can make your application stand out.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to the role. Highlight your experience with accounts preparation, VAT, and client support. We love seeing how your skills align with what we’re looking for!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points if necessary to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate well-structured applications that get straight to the heart of your experience.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. 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 with clients in the past. Think about specific situations where you’ve gone above and beyond to help a client succeed, as this aligns perfectly with the firm's values.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
Be prepared to talk about how you manage multiple priorities and deadlines. Share strategies you use to stay organised, especially when handling various assignments, as this will highlight your ability to thrive in a busy environment.
✨Embrace the Culture
Familiarise yourself with Harland Accountants' core values: Growth Mindset, Strong Relationships, and Generosity of Spirit. During the interview, express how these values resonate with you and provide examples of how you embody them in your work.
