Accounts Manager – Bideford

Are you an experienced accounts professional looking for a role where you can lead, inspire, and grow? At Westcotts, we’re proud to be a Top 50+50 Accountancy Practice with over 300 talented team members working across Devon and Somerset. We’re a Real Living Wage Employer, and our people-first approach is at the heart of everything we do.

We’re looking for an Accounts Manager to join our friendly and high-performing team in Bideford. This is a brilliant opportunity to work closely with a varied client portfolio, support junior team members, and play a key role in delivering exceptional service and advice to our clients.

Why Join Westcotts?

At Westcotts, we offer more than just a job – we offer a place to grow. You’ll benefit from:

• A supportive, people-first culture with a strong focus on career development
• A wide variety of interesting work across different industries and client types
• Opportunities to progress and take on greater responsibility as you grow
• A collaborative and welcoming team environment
• Hybrid working options and a genuine commitment to work-life balance

Main Duties

As an Accounts Manager at Westcotts, you’ll enjoy a diverse and rewarding role, including:

• Leading and mentoring a team, managing their workflow, and supporting their development
• Acting as the main point of contact for a portfolio of clients, building strong, trusted relationships
• Reviewing and preparing financial statements for limited companies, partnerships, and sole traders
• Preparing and reviewing tax computations and corporate/personal tax returns
• Overseeing VAT return preparation and submission
• Ensuring compliance with tax and accounting regulations, including filings to HMRC and Companies House
• Helping clients set up new businesses, from incorporation to registration with HMRC
• Providing proactive, value-added advice to help clients reduce tax liabilities and improve profitability
• Identifying opportunities to offer additional support and services to clients
• Assisting directors and partners with technical and specialist assignments
• Ensuring all work meets our internal standards, ethical guidelines, and regulatory requirements

This job description summarises the main duties and responsibilities of the post, however the list is not exhaustive as the post-holder may be required to undertake other duties and projects of similar level and responsibility.

Attributes, Skills, Experience and Qualifications

We’re looking for someone who’s confident in managing client relationships and enjoys being a trusted advisor to growing businesses. Ideally, you’ll have:

• Experience working in an accountancy practice at a manager level
• A solid background in preparing accounts and tax returns for limited companies and unincorporated businesses
• AAT and ACA / ACCA qualification (or qualified by experience)
• A proactive, positive, and supportive approach to team leadership
• Strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to prioritise in a busy environment
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the confidence to present information clearly and concisely
• A friendly, approachable nature and a commitment to delivering excellent client service
• Competence in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint – and ideally, a familiarity with cloud accounting platforms
• 36.25 hours / 5 days per week (flexible and hybrid working is available).
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Annual salary review.
• Opportunity to carry over 1 week’s holiday into the following holiday year.
• Death in service 3 x annual salary.
• Access to Westfield Rewards and Health scheme.
• 24-hour external Employee Assistance Programme helpline.
• Flexible benefits including Buy and Sell holiday, Cycle to Work, Payroll Charity Giving and Private Medical Insurance.
• Introducing clients and team member commission schemes.
• Pension 3% rising to 4% (but matched up to 6%) after 4 years’ service.
• Enhanced Maternity and Paternity pay after one years’ service.

How to apply

To apply for this position, please upload your CV along with a covering letter providing information on why you feel you would be suitable for the role in particular in regards to the desired attributes, skills, experience and qualifications. Please also state your current salary (if applicable), salary expectations and available start date.

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