At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage bookkeeping for diverse clients and prepare VAT returns.
- Company: Join a supportive and ambitious team at SMH Group in Leeds.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, study support, and life assurance.
- Other info: Opportunities for career progression and a vibrant team culture.
- Why this job: Gain varied experience while making a real impact in finance.
- Qualifications: Experience in accountancy with strong VAT and bookkeeping skills.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Please do not apply if you are outside of the UK. Applicants must be based near Leeds or within commutable distance.
We’re looking for a Practice Bookkeeper – VAT & Management Accounts to join our growing Leeds team, supporting a wide portfolio of clients across a range of industries. This is an excellent opportunity for someone currently working in practice, or an individual in industry who prepares management accounts and is now looking for more variety by working with multiple clients.
At SMH Group, we offer a full suite of financial and professional services to our clients, including Accountancy, Financial Services, Wills & Probate, Commercial Finance, Residential Mortgages, and Corporate Finance. With over 170 employees across 10 offices in Yorkshire and Derbyshire, we pride ourselves on creating a supportive, inclusive, and ambitious workplace where you can grow and shape your future.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Managing bookkeeping for a range of clients (mainly on Xero & QuickBooks)
- Preparing and submitting VAT returns (including partial exemption and complex queries)
- Producing monthly and quarterly management accounts
- Posting journals (prepayments, accruals, wages, depreciation, adjustments)
- Completing balance sheet reconciliations and correcting client records
- Liaising with clients and managing deadlines
- Working closely with the wider team to support year-end accounts
About You
- Experience in an accountancy practice or in‑house finance role with month‑end and management accounts responsibility
- Confident preparing and submitting VAT returns
- Strong working knowledge of bookkeeping principles and journals
- Excellent attention to detail and ability to manage multiple deadlines
- Good communication skills and a client‑focused approach
- Proficiency in Xero and QuickBooks (experience with Dext/Hubdoc advantageous)
- Ideally AAT qualified or qualified by experience
What We Offer
- Study support for professional qualifications
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays (with the option to buy more)
- Life Assurance – 4x salary
- Eye test contribution
- Volunteering opportunities and regular social events
- Staff discounts on Wills, LPAs, and mortgages
- Supportive team culture and career progression
At SMH Group, we believe our people are our greatest strength. Guided by our core values of being Client Centric, acting as One Firm, and Caring for our people, clients, and communities, we’re committed to giving everyone the confidence to grow and shape their future.
How to Apply
Apply directly on LinkedIn or send your CV to HRadmin@smh.group.
Practice Bookkeeper – VAT & Management Accounts (Leeds) employer: SMH Group
At SMH Group, we are dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment in Leeds, where our employees can thrive and develop their careers. With a strong emphasis on professional growth, we offer study support for qualifications, generous holiday allowances, and a vibrant team culture that encourages collaboration and social engagement. Join us to be part of a dynamic team that values your contributions and empowers you to shape your future in the accountancy sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Practice Bookkeeper – VAT & Management Accounts (Leeds)
✨Tap into Campus Networks
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We think you need these skills to ace Practice Bookkeeper – VAT & Management Accounts (Leeds)
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 SMH Group.
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 SMH Group'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 SMH Group
✨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 SMH Group.
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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 SMH Group 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 SMH Group 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.
