Accounts Assistant / Semi-Senior Accountant

Watford, Hertfordshire | £28,000–£32,000 per annum, depending on experience

Full-time | Office-based | Monday to Friday, 9:00am–5:30pm

The Opportunity

ARL Recruitment is working on behalf of an established independent accountancy practice in Watford to recruit an Accounts Assistant / Semi-Senior Accountant to join its friendly and close-knit team.

Offering a varied workload, exposure to a diverse portfolio of clients and excellent study support, this is an ideal opportunity for someone with experience in a UK accountancy practice who is looking to develop their technical skills, take on greater responsibility and build a long-term career in accountancy.

Our client works with a portfolio of small and medium-sized businesses, owner-managed companies and individuals, providing a broad range of accounting, taxation and business support services.

The practice is open-minded about qualifications and career aspirations. Whether you are studying towards AAT or ACCA, already qualified or part-qualified, or have developed strong practical experience within an accountancy practice, your application will be welcomed.

The level of responsibility and salary will reflect your experience and capabilities.

The Role

You will work across a varied portfolio of clients, undertaking a range of accounting, bookkeeping and taxation duties appropriate to your experience.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Preparing accounts for limited companies, sole traders and partnerships.
• Preparing corporation tax computations and returns.
• Preparing personal Self Assessment tax returns.
• Bookkeeping and maintaining accurate accounting records.
• Preparing and reviewing VAT returns.
• Carrying out bank, control account and other balance sheet reconciliations.
• Reviewing clients' accounting records and identifying missing information, inconsistencies or discrepancies.
• Liaising directly with clients to obtain records, resolve queries and keep assignments progressing.
• Dealing with HMRC and Companies House correspondence and submissions.
• Supporting colleagues with more complex assignments where required.

You will be encouraged to take ownership of your work, develop your technical knowledge and build effective working relationships with clients.

About You

You will have at least 18 months' recent experience working within a UK accountancy practice and be comfortable working with accounting records and deadlines.

You may be studying towards AAT, AAT qualified, studying towards ACCA, ACCA part-qualified, or have gained equivalent practical experience through your work.

Our client is interested in your practical knowledge, the quality of your work and the level of responsibility you can take on, rather than focusing solely on formal qualifications.

You will ideally demonstrate the following qualities:

• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to producing accurate work.
• Good organisational skills and the ability to manage deadlines.
• A methodical approach to investigating discrepancies and resolving queries.
• Clear and professional communication skills.
• The confidence to liaise directly with clients and colleagues.
• The ability to take responsibility for your own work and recognise when guidance is needed.
• A positive, collaborative approach and the ability to work effectively within a small team.

This opportunity would suit someone who enjoys the practical side of accountancy and wants to develop their career within a supportive environment.

Systems and Software

Experience using any of the following systems would be advantageous:

• Xero
• QuickBooks
• TaxCalc
• Microsoft Excel

Previous experience with these systems is beneficial but not essential, as training will be provided where required.

Training and Career Development

Our client recognises that individuals have different career aspirations and offers support tailored to their professional goals.

For candidates wishing to continue their studies, support is available for AAT Level 4 and ACCA, with the ACCA study package including:

• Tuition and study materials.
• Paid study leave.
• Examination fees.

For those looking to progress, there will be opportunities to develop technical expertise and take on greater responsibility as experience grows.

Equally, candidates who prefer to concentrate on practical accountancy work and build a stable, long-term career without necessarily pursuing management or further qualifications will be valued.

Salary and Benefits

• Salary: £28,000–£32,000 per annum, depending on experience and qualifications.
• Full AAT and/or ACCA study support, where applicable.
• 31 days' annual leave, including Bank Holidays.
• Workplace pension, with the option to contribute through salary sacrifice.
• Ongoing professional training and development.

Please note that three days of annual leave are reserved for the firm's Christmas shutdown.

Working Hours and Location

This is a full-time, office-based position at our client's offices in Watford, Hertfordshire.

• Monday to Friday.
• 9:00am–5:30pm.
• One-hour lunch break.

Please note that parking is not provided.

How to Apply

If you have recent experience working within a UK accountancy practice and are looking for your next career opportunity, ARL Recruitment would love to hear from you.

Please submit your CV outlining your relevant experience, qualifications and current responsibilities.

We are particularly interested in understanding the types of accounts and tax work you currently undertake, together with the level of responsibility you have for completing assignments independently.

All applications will be handled confidentially by ARL Recruitment. Further details about the employer will be shared with suitable candidates as the recruitment process progresses.

ARL Recruitment – Connecting Great People with Great Businesses.