At a Glance
- Tasks: Work with ambitious founders, providing commercial insights and financial models for high-growth clients.
- Company: Fast-growing boutique advisory practice in Belfast with a modern culture.
- Benefits: 30 days annual leave, bonus potential, pension scheme, and flexible culture.
- Other info: Collaborative team environment with hands-on mentorship and networking events.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on exciting businesses while accelerating your career growth.
- Qualifications: Newly or recently qualified (ACA/ACCA) with a strong grounding in accounts prep and tax.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
The Role
I'm recruiting for a fast-growing, boutique advisory practice in Belfast that works with some of the most exciting and high-potential businesses in the tech, creative, and professional sectors. This is not your typical accounting job - it's an opportunity to work directly with ambitious founders, offer real commercial insight, and grow your own career fast in a modern, forward-thinking environment. The firm combines hands-on compliance support with commercial advisory work - think forecasting, R&D tax, profit planning, and business strategy - giving you early access to the kind of exposure that's rare at this level. If you're newly or recently qualified (ACA or ACCA) and want more than just ticking boxes, this role will give you variety, visibility, and the chance to make a difference to your clients' success.
What You'll Be Doing
- Work directly with high-growth clients across tech, creative, and start-up sectors
- Prepare and interpret management accounts, cashflows, and business KPIs
- Deliver financial models and forecasting that drive decision-making
- Advise clients on tax-efficient structures, director remuneration, and profit extraction
- Handle corporate tax, personal tax, VAT, R&D tax relief and CGT queries
- Ensure clients remain compliant with statutory accounts, tax filings, and payroll
- Build trusted relationships with founders and business owners
- Be involved in business development and practice growth activities
About You
- Newly or recently qualified (ACA / ACCA)
- Strong grounding in accounts prep and tax within a UK accountancy practice
- Commercially curious - you want to know why the numbers matter
- Confident working with entrepreneurial, fast-moving clients
- Excellent communication skills with a proactive, solutions-focused mindset
- Comfortable using cloud software (Xero, QuickBooks, etc.)
What's on Offer
- A diverse client base of start-ups, scale-ups, and creative industries
- Exposure to business strategy, personal tax, R&D and financial planning
- A genuinely collaborative team in a modern central Belfast office
- Accelerated progression with hands-on mentorship
- 30 days annual leave, bonus potential, pension scheme
- Flexible culture with early finish Fridays and regular networking events
If you're an ambitious accountant who wants to do more than compliance - and you're excited by the idea of helping businesses grow - this could be your next big step.
What's the next step?
If you think this role may be of interest to you, or you wish to discuss any other senior accountancy jobs in Northern Ireland, please apply via the link below or contact Emma Jayne Bowen at VANRATH or on LinkedIn in the strictest confidence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Advisory Accountant ; Newly / Recently Qualified in Lisburn
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like VANRATH. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Advisory Accountant ; Newly / Recently Qualified in Lisburn
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 VANRATH.
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 VANRATH'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 VANRATH
✨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 VANRATH.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
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 VANRATH 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 VANRATH 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.
