Business Support Services
Provide clients with accounting and back-office services, including bookkeeping, management accounting, VAT compliance, and other ad hoc advice and assistance on accounting matters.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Assist with weekly and monthly work for clients within set deadlines
Respond to ad hoc questions from clients
Attend client’s premises to conduct bookkeeping work
Assist and train clients with accounting systems including Sage, Xero, Quickbooks, Dext and Autoentry
Set up accounting systems to include opening balances, chart of accounts, customers, suppliers, and general settings (e.g. year end, VAT information)
Provide trainees with on-the-job training and delegate work to support their development
Manage and monitor workflow and the progression of assignments delegated to trainees
Bookkeeping, including preparing, processing and recording bank transactions, processing purchase, sales, and general ledger entries and producing reports
Prepare management accounts and reports specific to clients’ needs
Prepare VAT returns and notify portfolio holders of any matters for attention
Provide constructive accounting advice to clients
Identify departures from accounting standards or company law and communicate to senior team members
Liaise with tax, payroll and accounts teams regarding clients
Prepare year end accounts files for clients with supporting schedules for all balance sheet items and tax sensitive profit and loss items. Dealing with matters arising from the auditors.
Proactively participate in two way communication regarding bookkeeping and VAT return progress and any issues with client and portfolio holder
Monitor budgeted time allocated for the allocated work and notify the portfolio holder if it will go over the set timeframe.
OCCASIONAL ACCOUNTS AND YEAR END ASSIGNMENTS
Draft accounts for manager’s review and approval to include:
Production of lead schedules to agree to accounts disclosures
Collation of appropriate evidence to support figures in the account
Draft sole trader/company tax computations
Raise relevant and coherent queries to assist with supervisor/manager review
Liaise and communicate with portfolio holder and client
OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES
Provide constructive feedback to line manager regarding processes and procedures
Develop soft skills for communicating with clients
Save all correspondence with clients in the document management system
Be up-to-date with the firm’s policies and procedures and comply with them at all times
Complete timesheets accurately on a daily basis
Take on any other duties appropriate as and when required
Assist with mentoring of junior members of staff
Be aware of the firm’s risk management and practice assurance procedures and ensure compliance
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
At least AAT Level 4 qualified or qualified by experience
Proficient bookkeeping skills
Good VAT knowledge
Previous accountancy practice experience of management accounts preparation for sole traders, partnerships and limited companies is preferred
Extensive knowledge of accounting software including Sage, Quickbooks, Xero and Dext
At least 5 GCSEs grade 4-9 with a 6 or above in English Language and Maths (or equivalent)
Competent knowledge of the Microsoft Office software particularly intermediate or advanced Excel
Ability to deliver accurate work to deadlines and under pressure
Demonstrate a commitment to delivering a first class service to clients, and the ability to work as part of a team
Excellent customer service and communications skills, both written and verbally
Sound technical and analytical skills
Good communication, report writing and presentation skills
Ability to multi task between different clients and assignments
Adaptable and flexible in attitude
Must be able to live and work in the UK
A driving licence and access to transport is essential as work is often conducted at the client’s premises.
SALARY / BENEFITS
A dynamic and varied workload and excellent prospects for progression
Salary £27,000 to £33,000 depending upon experience. Salary is reviewed annually
Extensive internal and on-the-job training
Paid overtime or time off in lieu
Group Personal Pension Scheme
23 days annual leave in addition to statutory bank holidays
Life assurance cover of four times salary
Eligibility for the firm’s annual bonus scheme
Flexible working
Client referral bonus
Employee referral bonus
Ongoing Learning and Development through one-to-one mentoring
Social events including Christmas and Summer parties, inter-office sports events
Charity fundraising to help support the local community