Accounts and Audit Semi Senior

Location: On site / Penzance, UK
job type: Permanent / Full-time
Sector and subsector: Arts | Accounts
Salary: Negotiable salary

We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Accounts & Audit Semi Senior to join our growing practice in Penzance. The successful candidate will support managers and partners in delivering high-quality accounting, audit, taxation and business advisory services to a varied portfolio of clients, including sole traders, partnerships, limited companies and not-for-profit organisations.

This is an excellent opportunity for an individual who is studying towards, or has recently completed, a professional qualification (ACA, ACCA or AAT) and wishes to develop their technical expertise and client-facing skills within a supportive and progressive environment.

Key Responsibilities

Accounts Preparation

• Prepare statutory accounts for sole traders, partnerships and limited companies from a variety of accounting records and software packages.
• Assist in the preparation of year-end accounts in accordance with relevant accounting standards and regulatory requirements.
• Prepare management accounts and financial information for clients to support business decision-making.
• Analyse accounting records and identify discrepancies, issues and opportunities for improvement.

Audit and Assurance

• Assist in the planning, fieldwork and completion stages of audit assignments.
• Perform substantive and compliance testing in accordance with audit programmes and firm procedures.
• Prepare audit working papers and supporting documentation to a high professional standard.
• Liaise with clients to obtain information and resolve audit queries efficiently.
• Support audit managers and partners in delivering high-quality assurance services.

VAT and Bookkeeping

• Prepare and review VAT returns using MTD-compatible software including Sage, Xero and Quick Books.
• Support clients with bookkeeping and VAT compliance requirements.
• Provide software support and training to clients where required.
• Review client accounting records and identify compliance issues relating to VAT and other regulatory obligations.

Taxation

• Prepare self-assessment tax returns for individuals and sole traders.
• Assist with the preparation of personal, partnership and corporation tax computations.
• Liaise with HMRC as required and support colleagues in responding to client tax queries.
• Assist clients with the ongoing implementation and compliance requirements of Making Tax Digital initiatives, including Making Tax Digital for Income Tax.

Company Secretarial and Compliance

• Prepare and submit confirmation statements and other Companies House filings.
• Assist with routine company secretarial matters and statutory compliance obligations.
• Maintain accurate client records and ensure compliance with internal procedures.

Client Service

• Develop and maintain strong professional relationships with clients.
• Communicate effectively with clients via email, telephone, video conferences and face-to-face meetings.
• Visit client premises where required to provide support and gather information.
• Deliver work within agreed deadlines while maintaining high standards of accuracy and professionalism.

General Responsibilities

• Support colleagues with ad hoc assignments, investigations, business analysis and other practice-related projects.
• Keep up to date with changes in accounting, auditing, taxation and regulatory requirements.
• Adhere at all times to professional standards, ethical requirements and confidentiality obligations.
• Contribute positively to the development of the practice and the wider team.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Experience working within an accountancy practice environment.
• Good working knowledge of accounts preparation and bookkeeping.
• Experience using cloud accounting software, including Xero, Sage and Quick Books.
• Understanding of VAT compliance and Making Tax Digital requirements.
• Knowledge of audit procedures and assurance engagements.
• Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Excel and Office applications.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple assignments and deadlines.
• Professional and client-focused approach.

Desirable Skills and Experience

• AAT qualified or studying towards ACA or ACCA qualification.
• Previous involvement in audit assignments.
• Experience preparing corporation tax computations and personal tax returns.
• Knowledge of UK accounting standards and Companies House requirements.
• Full UK driving licence.

Personal Attributes

• High level of integrity and professionalism.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Proactive and willing to take ownership of responsibilities.
• Positive team player with a collaborative approach.
• Eagerness to learn and develop technical knowledge and professional skills.
• Ability to build credibility and establish trusted client relationships.