Client Accountant

Client Accountant Preston 28‑34,000 per annum (dependant on experience)

Our client, a small but well‑respected accountancy firm in Preston, is looking for a Client Accountant.

You will own your own portfolio of clients and be their main day‑to‑day contact within the practice. You'll build strong relationships, keep their records in good shape, and take responsibility for preparing high‑quality accounts and tax work.

You'll also support Client Managers on larger or more complex clients, providing the underlying technical work they need to give advice and insight.

• Act as the main point of contact for your own portfolio of clients
• Build positive, friendly relationships and provide a calm, helpful point of contact
• Answer day‑to‑day queries on bookkeeping, software and basic tax questions, referring more complex matters to a Client Manager where appropriate
• Help clients keep their records accurate and complete in Free Agent or Xero
• Review and tidy bookkeeping prepared by clients and bookkeepers, ensuring the integrity of our clients data
• Prepare working papers and reconciliations (bank, control accounts, accruals/prepayments, fixed assets, etc.)
• Prepare draft statutory accounts for limited companies from trial balance, ready for review
• Prepare corporation tax computations and draft CT600s for review
• Prepare VAT returns, payroll submissions, and self‑assessment tax returns as required
• Assist with management accounts (monthly/quarterly packs) where needed
• Liaise with HMRC on routine client matters (payment queries, statements, coding notices, etc.)
• Maintain accurate client records and job status notes on our practice management system
• Use Free Agent/Xero and our practice management tools to manage your own workload and deadlines
• Spot recurring issues in bookkeeping and suggest improvements to checklists and processes
• Work collaboratively with Bookkeepers and Client Managers to provide a smooth, consistent client experience
• Share tips and help peers with software or process queries

• At least 2 years' experience in an accountancy practice environment
• AAT Level 4 qualified (or close to completion), or equivalent experience
• Solid understanding of double‑entry bookkeeping and trial balances
• Limited company accounts and basic corporation tax
• VAT (including common schemes) and payroll fundamentals
• Strong experience with cloud accounting software – ideally Free Agent and/or Xero
• Excellent literacy, numeracy and communication skills
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage your own workload across multiple deadlines
• High attention to detail and good problem‑solving skills
• A desire to do things right, always, and to take ownership of your work
• Confidence with technology, and an eye for automation and efficiency

• 28,000 – 34,000 per annum (depending on qualification and experience)
• Funded training and support towards your professional qualification (e.g. ACCA)
• 25 days' holiday, plus bank holidays
• Christmas closure
• Participation in company pension scheme
• Hybrid working
• The opportunity to work closely with digital and creative clients and build towards a Client Manager position

If this sounds like you, we would love to hear from you – please apply with an up to date CV and we will be in touch to discuss your application further.