Accounts Senior/Manager - Independent, Hybrid in Essex

We are seeking a highly skilled and qualified Accounts Senior to join our client's dynamic, independent accounting practice in Colchester. This role is ideal for a proactive and detail-oriented finance professional with a strong technical background and a commitment to excellence. As an Accounts Senior, you will play a pivotal role in delivering high-quality financial reporting, compliance, and advisory services to a diverse portfolio of clients across various sectors. Operating in a hybrid environment, you will collaborate closely with senior partners, manage client relationships, and lead key aspects of month-end and year-end processes. Your expertise in financial standards, regulatory compliance, and financial analysis will ensure accurate and timely reporting, contributing directly to client success and firm growth. This is a career-defining opportunity for a qualified ACA or ACCA professional looking to advance in a supportive, client-focused, and intellectually stimulating environment.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the preparation and review of statutory financial statements in accordance with IFRS and UK GAAP.
• Manage and oversee the month-end and year-end close processes for multiple clients, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance.
• Provide technical accounting guidance and support to junior team members and clients on complex accounting issues.
• Conduct detailed financial analysis and variance reporting to support client decision-making and performance evaluation.
• Liaise directly with clients to gather financial data, clarify accounting treatments, and address audit or reporting queries.
• Prepare and review management accounts, cash flow forecasts, and key performance indicators (KPIs) for client boards and stakeholders.
• Support audit and tax teams by providing accurate financial documentation and resolving technical accounting discrepancies.
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, including Companies Act, VAT regulations, and financial reporting standards.
• Contribute to business development initiatives by identifying client service improvement opportunities and delivering value-added insights.
• Maintain and enhance internal controls, documentation, and systems to ensure audit readiness and operational efficiency.

Requirements:

• Professional qualification in ACA or ACCA with full membership.
• Post-qualification experience in accounting, tax, or advisory within a reputable firm.
• Proven experience in preparing and reviewing full sets of financial statements for limited companies and groups.
• Strong understanding of IFRS, UK GAAP, and relevant accounting standards (e.g., IAS 16, IAS 38, IFRS 15).
• Advanced proficiency in accounting software (e.g., Xero, Sage, QuickBooks, SAP) and Microsoft Excel (VLOOKUP, PivotTables, macros).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills with the ability to explain complex financial matters clearly.
• Self-motivated with strong time management and organisational abilities to manage multiple deadlines and client priorities.
• Experience working in a hybrid or remote environment with demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively across teams.
• Commitment to continuous professional development and staying current with evolving accounting standards and regulatory changes.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary
• Excellent career progression opportunities - with invested interest to promote within and develop towards future Director/Partner level.
• Pension scheme
• Holiday allowance
• Flexible or hybrid working
• Free parking and town centre location for easy commute access
• Small team environment with direct partner exposure
• Excellent client exposure with long standing client relationships
• Informal culture and work life balance focus