Accounts Assistant

Haines Watts is a Top 15 firm of chartered accountants who specialise in advising and supporting business owners. We support over 35,000 companies and business owners around the UK, which gives our clients access to a huge amount of business expertise and knowledge. Our fresh thinking and practical business approach underpin our values. 

Position: Accounts Assistant

Location: Northampton, NN4 7YB 

Job Type: Full Time, Permanent 

Salary: £17,500 - £21,500 per annum

About the role: 

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work on an extensive and broad portfolio of clients within the owner-managed space. Working alongside Client Service Directors and Managers, they will be in a client-facing role, establishing strong relationships with a significant number of business owners across the region.

The primary objective of the Accounts Trainee / Semi Senior is to play an integral part within the existing regional accounts team in delivering compliance services to the client base.

Responsibilities: 

• Supporting on a portfolio of clients throughout the year; managing timetables/expectations, anticipating costs, raising fee invoices and agree / action dates for cash collection
• Preparation of accounts for sole traders, partnerships and limited companies (including those under FRS102, 1A and 105)
• Preparation of Corporation Tax Returns VAT Return preparation
• Utilising and promoting the use of cloud technology within our client base including the conversion of existing clients
• Identifying, researching and helping to resolve technical issues which may arise on clients. Preparing client deliverables, building relationships with the client (including their staff) and
• acting as an ambassador for the business
• Initiate and work with other teams across the region (including other service lines) to the benefit of the client including referring opportunities where relevant and minimising risk (to both the business and the client)
• Assisting and developing more junior members of staff
• You will be expected to professionally represent the firm and its interests in dealings with clients and other professionals
• You will be expected to attend training to further develop and maintain your technical skills and if not yet attained to work towards a professional qualification

About you: 

• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in a practice environment
• Working towards a professional qualification, ideally ACCA, ACA or Level 4 AAT
• Must demonstrate gravitas and impact to earn trust and respect amongst management, the wider team and with clients
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal
• Demonstrated ability to think analytically and a high level of attention to detail
• Recent accounting experience is essential including knowledge of UK GAAP and Companies Law
• Exposure to owner-managed businesses is also essential
• Technical ability with a knowledge of recent developments in relation to accounting and tax compliance (FRS 102 / FRS102 1a / FRS 105)
• Drive and resilience to deliver high levels of customer service

What is on offer:

• £17,500 - £21,500 per annum, depending on experience
• Study support will be considered for the right candidate
• 20 days holiday, plus bank holidays
• Rewards and incentives
• Annual performance related bonus
• Flexible benefits - self-service benefits platform
• Quarterly functions and events
• Parking on-site
• Friendly and inclusive working environment
• Regular training and development