Accounts - Assistant Manager in Stevenage

This role will support the leadership team by delivering high‑quality client services across accounts, VAT, and taxation. The role requires strong organisational skills, extensive experience within an accountancy practice, and the ability to manage, mentor, and train staff. The ideal candidate will demonstrate technical expertise, professionalism, and the confidence to oversee a client portfolio while contributing to the development of the wider team.

Key Responsibilities

• Client & Portfolio Management: Manage a diverse portfolio of clients, ensuring timely delivery of accounts, VAT returns, and tax filings. Serve as a main point of contact for client queries, offering clear and accurate advice. Maintain strong client relationships and ensure consistent standards of service.
• Accounts & Compliance: Prepare and review year‑end accounts for sole traders, partnerships, and limited companies. Oversee bookkeeping processes and ensure records meet required standards. Review work produced by junior members of staff, offering constructive feedback.
• Taxation: Prepare and review personal and corporate tax returns. Support senior management with tax planning and advisory work. Ensure compliance with HMRC requirements and statutory deadlines.
• VAT: Liaise with VAT manager and occasionally review VAT returns, including handling of complex queries. Advise clients on VAT schemes, compliance, and regulatory changes.
• Team Leadership, Training & Development: Provide ongoing training to staff across accounts, VAT, and taxation processes. Mentor junior team members, supporting their professional growth and performance. Lead by example in maintaining quality standards and efficient working practices. Support the development of training materials, guidance documents, and internal processes. Conduct periodic reviews of staff work, identifying areas for development and delivering tailored training sessions.
• Practice Management: Assist with workflow planning, allocation of tasks, and monitoring deadlines. Support partners/directors with ad‑hoc tasks, reporting, and client communications. Contribute to internal process improvements to enhance efficiency and client delivery. Assist with onboarding new clients and ensuring seamless integration into practice systems.

Essential Skills & Experience Required

• 5+ years experience working in an accountancy practice.
• Strong understanding of VAT, accounts preparation, personal tax, and corporation tax.
• Proven experience in staff training, mentoring, or supervising.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Experience reviewing and guiding junior staff.

Desirable

• ACA/ACCA qualified or part‑qualified (or equivalent experience).
• Experience using cloud accounting software (Xero, QuickBooks, Sage).
• Ability to support business development or process improvement initiatives.

Personal Attributes

• Professional, approachable, and supportive.
• Calm and composed in fast‑paced or pressured environments.
• Proactive, organised, and solutions‑focused.
• Strong leadership qualities with a commitment to team development.
• Dedication to ongoing technical and professional advancement.

As a top 40 UK firm of Chartered Accountants, we go beyond the numbers—partnering with businesses, corporate clients, charities, and individuals to drive success. Whether supporting growing enterprises or guiding nonprofits, we provide expert financial insight with a personal touch.