AAT Level 4 Accountant / Junior Client Accountant in Eastbourne

Location: Eastbourne

Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday

Salary: £30,000–£35,000 per annum (dependent on experience)

About JTP Accountancy & Tax Services

JTP Accountancy & Tax Services is a modern, forward‑thinking accountancy practice providing accounting, taxation and business advisory services to owner‑managed businesses across the UK. We pride ourselves on delivering exceptional client service, embracing cloud technology and creating a supportive environment where our team can develop their skills and build long‑term careers.

The Role

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced practice accountant who is AAT Level 4 qualified (or has equivalent practice experience) and enjoys working directly with clients. You will prepare statutory accounts, VAT returns, personal tax returns, corporation tax computations and management accounts while supporting a portfolio of owner‑managed businesses. Working closely with our Client Managers, you will help deliver a high‑quality service to clients while continuing to develop your own technical and professional skills. This role offers a clear pathway for progression into a Client Manager position as your experience and responsibilities grow.

Key Responsibilities

• Accounts Preparation
  • Prepare statutory accounts for sole traders, partnerships and limited companies.
  • Prepare corporation tax computations and supporting schedules.
  • Complete year‑end files ready for review.
  • Ensure work is accurate and completed within agreed deadlines.
• Bookkeeping & VAT
  • Prepare and review bookkeeping records.
  • Prepare and submit VAT returns.
  • Reconcile client accounts and resolve bookkeeping queries.
  • Support clients using cloud accounting software, including Xero.
• Management Accounts
  • Prepare monthly and quarterly management accounts.
  • Produce KPI reports and financial analysis.
  • Investigate variances and identify areas requiring attention.
• Personal Tax
  • Prepare Self Assessment tax returns.
  • Assist with personal tax computations and planning where appropriate.
  • Liaise with HMRC on behalf of clients when required.
• Client Service
  • Build strong professional relationships with clients.
  • Respond to client queries in a timely and professional manner.
  • Assist clients with accounting software and financial processes.
  • Deliver a consistently high standard of customer service.
• Practice Responsibilities
  • Maintain accurate client records and working papers.
  • Meet internal deadlines and quality standards.
  • Work collaboratively with colleagues across the practice.
  • Identify opportunities to improve internal processes and efficiencies.
  • Assist with ad hoc projects as required.

Essential Requirements

• AAT Level 4 qualified.
• Minimum of 2–3 years’ experience working within an accountancy practice.
• Experience preparing statutory accounts.
• Experience preparing VAT returns.
• Strong bookkeeping knowledge.
• Experience using Xero.
• Excellent organisational and time‑management skills.
• High attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Desirable

• Experience using IRIS.
• Experience with Dext or AutoEntry.
• Experience preparing management accounts.
• Payroll experience (advantageous but not essential).
• Studying towards ACCA or ACA.

Personal Attributes

• Takes pride in producing accurate, high‑quality work.
• Is organised and able to manage multiple deadlines.
• Enjoys building long‑term client relationships.
• Is proactive and eager to learn.
• Works well as part of a collaborative team.
• Takes ownership of their workload.
• Has a positive attitude and strong problem‑solving skills.

Salary & Benefits

• Salary of £30,000–£35,000 per annum, dependent on experience.
• Full‑time position (40 hours per week, Monday to Friday).
• Company pension.
• Private healthcare (following successful completion of the probationary period).
• Ongoing training and professional development.
• Study support (where applicable).
• Modern cloud‑based working environment.
• Opportunities for career progression within a growing practice.

Career Progression

This position offers a clear career pathway within the practice: Junior Client Accountant → Client Accountant → Client Manager. As your technical knowledge, client relationship skills and experience develop, you will have the opportunity to progress into a Client Manager role, taking responsibility for your own portfolio of clients and supporting them with accounting, taxation and business advisory services.

Success in the Role

After your first 12 months, you will be expected to:

• Manage your workload confidently and independently.
• Produce high‑quality accounts and tax work with minimal review points.
• Deliver work accurately and on time.
• Build trusted relationships with clients.
• Support Client Managers in delivering an exceptional client experience.
• Demonstrate continued professional development and contribute positively to the ongoing growth and success of JTP Accountancy & Tax Services.

This role is ideal for an ambitious individual who wants to build a long‑term career within a progressive accountancy practice, develop their technical expertise, and progress into a client‑facing management role as the business continues to grow.