At a Glance
- Tasks: Support clients with accounts preparation, VAT, bookkeeping, and payroll in a collaborative environment.
- Company: Join Harland Accountants, a modern, people-focused B Corp in Cornwall.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, healthcare benefits, birthday off, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible hybrid working and genuine career progression in a top employer.
- 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 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.
The Role at a Glance
- Location: Falmouth or Helston (Hybrid – 3 days office based)
- Salary: Competitive, plus healthcare benefits, birthday off, career development & more.
- Employment: Full Time – Permanent, 9am-5pm with flexibility considered.
- Reporting to: Client Managers.
Your Background / Skills
- Accounts preparation
- VAT returns
- Payroll
- Bookkeeping
- Experience with Xero, KashFlow
- Client support, cloud accounting
Qualifications
- AAT Level 3 qualified (or working towards), or QBE, or studying ACCA/ICAEW.
- Previous experience within an accountancy practice environment.
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.
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.
- 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.
Junior Accounts / Accounting Assistant – Purpose Led B Corp – 20189 in Helston employer: RR
Harland Accountants is a purpose-led B Corp and one of Cornwall’s top employers, dedicated to fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment. With a strong focus on employee growth, the company offers genuine career development opportunities, hybrid working arrangements, and a people-first culture that values both client relationships and technical expertise. Join a modern accountancy practice where your contributions can make a real impact on clients' success while enjoying competitive benefits and a positive team atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Accounts / Accounting Assistant – Purpose Led B Corp – 20189 in Helston
✨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 RR. 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 Junior Accounts / Accounting Assistant – Purpose Led B Corp – 20189 in Helston
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 RR.
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 RR'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 RR
✨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 RR.
✨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 RR 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 RR 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.
