Senior Accountant in Northampton

Package Salary £40-50k DOE 23 Days Holiday + Bank Holidays

Location: Milton Keynes / Hybrid Working Potential. Commutable from Northampton, Daventry, Banbury, Bicester, Aylesbury, Leighton Buzzard, Luton, Ampthill, Bedford.

Employment Type: Full-Time – 9-5pm

The Company you would be working for:

Our client works closely with ambitious SMEs, founders/business owners, and entrepreneurs across the UK. They are more than accountants — they are trusted business advisors helping clients grow through proactive strategic support, cloud technology and financial insight. They pride themselves on building long-term relationships, delivering exceptional client service, and creating a collaborative environment where their team can develop professionally and personally.

The Role:

This Senior Accountant position is a client-facing role responsible for managing a portfolio of SME clients and delivering high-quality accounting, tax, and advisory services. You will work closely with the leadership team to ensure client deadlines are met, maintain excellent client relationships, supervise junior team members, and identify opportunities to improve processes and add value to clients. This role would suit an experienced practice accountant who enjoys working directly with founders/business owners and wants to play an active role in a growing modern accountancy practice. You will manage a portfolio of ambitious SME clients using Xero and cloud tools, working directly on advisory and growth projects.

Key Responsibilities:

• Client Management & Advisory
• Manage a portfolio of SME clients across a range of industries.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships through proactive communication and support.
• Provide clients with financial insight and practical business advice.
• Identify opportunities to improve client systems, processes, and financial reporting.
• Support clients with budgeting, cashflow forecasting, and management reporting.
• Liaise professionally with HMRC, Companies House, banks, and other third parties where required.

• Accounts & Tax
• Prepare and review statutory accounts under FRS 102 and FRS 105.
• Prepare and review corporation tax computations and CT600 submissions.
• Prepare management accounts and financial reports for clients.
• Conduct variance analysis and discuss findings with clients.
• Review VAT returns.
• Ensure all assignments are completed accurately and within agreed deadlines.
• Maintain high technical and compliance standards across all client work.

• Team Leadership & Review
• Review bookkeeping, VAT, and accounts preparation completed by junior team members.
• Provide guidance, mentoring, and technical support to junior colleagues.
• Assist with workflow management and resource planning.
• Support training and development within the team.
• Promote a positive, collaborative, and high-performing culture.

• Systems & Process Improvement
• Work confidently with cloud accounting software including Xero, Dext, and other digital tools.
• Support implementation of efficient systems and automation opportunities.
• Identify opportunities to improve internal processes and client workflows.
• Maintain accurate time recording and job management records.

• Company Secretarial & Compliance
• Assist with Companies House filings and company secretarial matters.
• Maintain awareness of Companies Act requirements and UK compliance obligations.
• Support onboarding and engagement renewal processes for clients.
• Ensure confidentiality and GDPR compliance are maintained at all times.

Skills & Experience Required:

Essential:

• ACA / ACCA qualified or qualified by experience.
• UK Practice experience within an accountancy firm is preferred.
• Strong technical knowledge across accounts, corporation tax, VAT, and personal tax.
• Experience managing a portfolio of SME clients independently.
• Strong working knowledge of Xero and cloud accounting systems.
• Excellent communication and client relationship management skills.
• Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.

Desirable:

• Experience using AI, Dext, Engager, TaxCalc, or similar practice software.
• Experience supervising or mentoring junior staff.
• Exposure to management accounts and advisory-focused services.
• Knowledge of funding, forecasting, or business planning support.

What Is on Offer:

• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Flexible working opportunities.
• Ongoing professional development and CPD support.
• Exposure to a varied and ambitious SME client base.
• Opportunity to grow within a modern and expanding practice.
• Friendly, collaborative, and supportive working environment.

About my Client:

They are building a modern advisory-focused practice where relationships, technology, and commercial thinking sit at the heart of what they do. You will have the opportunity to work closely with founders/business owners, contribute ideas, develop your career, and make a genuine impact within a growing firm. They are more interested in capability, attitude, and client communication skills than ticking every box of prior experience. If you are looking for a role with responsibility, variety, and progression potential, we would love to hear from you.