Bookkeeper

Location: Bolton area
Salary: £26,000 to £32,000, depending on experience
Job Type: Permanent, full-time
Sector: UK Accountancy Practice

The Opportunity

A leading North West Accountancy Practice is seeking an experienced Bookkeeper to manage the day-to-day bookkeeping requirements of a varied client portfolio.

You will work with small and medium-sized businesses across different sectors, maintaining accurate accounting records, completing reconciliations and preparing VAT returns.

The role also offers regular client contact. You will help clients resolve bookkeeping queries, set up cloud-accounting software and develop their confidence using systems such as Xero.

This opportunity would suit someone who enjoys combining accurate bookkeeping with client support and wants to develop within a collaborative, growing Accountancy Practice.

Key Responsibilities

Your responsibilities will include:

• Managing bookkeeping work across a portfolio of clients
• Processing sales and purchase invoices
• Maintaining accounts payable and accounts receivable records
• Completing bank, credit-card and control-account reconciliations
• Preparing and submitting VAT returns
• Reviewing client records and identifying missing or inconsistent information
• Investigating unreconciled transactions and bookkeeping queries
• Maintaining accurate accounting records and supporting schedules
• Setting up cloud-accounting software for new clients
• Supporting clients who undertake some or all of their own bookkeeping
• Providing practical Xero training and guidance
• Communicating with clients by telephone, Microsoft Teams and email
• Managing deadlines across several client assignments
• Liaising with Accountants and Managers regarding client records and year-end requirements
• Contributing to efficient bookkeeping systems and working practices

About You

To be considered, you should ideally have:

• Previous bookkeeping experience within a UK Accountancy Practice
• Experience working across multiple clients or businesses
• A good understanding of double-entry bookkeeping
• Experience completing bank and control-account reconciliations
• Knowledge of VAT and experience preparing VAT returns
• Strong numerical skills and attention to detail
• The ability to organise your workload and meet competing deadlines
• Confidence communicating directly with clients
• A collaborative and dependable approach
• The ability to identify errors and resolve bookkeeping queries
• A willingness to learn new systems and processes
• Confidence working in a changing and growing environment

Experience using Xero and Dext would be particularly useful.

Previous experience with QuickBooks, Sage or other cloud-accounting platforms would also be advantageous.

Applications may be considered from experienced industry Bookkeepers who can demonstrate strong technical knowledge, varied bookkeeping responsibilities and the ability to adapt to managing several clients.

AAT qualifications or bookkeeping certifications would be beneficial but are not essential where suitable practical experience can be demonstrated.

Client Support and Cloud Accounting

This role involves more than processing transactions.

You will help clients maintain accurate records and use their accounting software effectively. This may include:

• Setting up Xero organisations and opening balances
• Explaining bookkeeping processes to clients
• Helping clients use Xero for invoicing and record keeping
• Supporting bank-feed and reconciliation queries
• Introducing clients to Dext and digital document processes
• Identifying information required for VAT returns and year-end accounts
• Communicating technical information in a clear and practical way

The successful candidate should therefore be comfortable building positive client relationships alongside completing accurate technical work.

Salary and Benefits

The practice is offering:

• A salary of £26,000 to £32,000, depending on experience
• A varied portfolio of SME and owner-managed business clients
• Regular client contact
• Internal training and on-the-job development
• Opportunities to strengthen cloud-accounting expertise
• Exposure to a wider range of Accountancy Practice services
• A supportive and collaborative team environment
• Scope for longer-term career development
• The resources and wider expertise of a substantial national group

The complete benefits package and working arrangements will be confirmed during the recruitment process.

Candidates who can independently manage a client portfolio, prepare VAT returns, resolve complex reconciliation issues and train clients on Xero are likely to be considered towards the upper end of the range.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

This position may appeal if you are looking for:

• A varied portfolio rather than responsibility for one business
• Greater client contact
• Opportunities to develop Xero and cloud-accounting expertise
• A supportive team with access to internal training
• Experience across businesses in different sectors
• A route towards Senior Bookkeeper, Outsourcing or wider Accounts responsibilities
• A long-term career within a growing Accountancy Practice

Equal Opportunities

The practice is committed to a fair and inclusive recruitment process. Applications are welcomed from candidates of all backgrounds, and reasonable adjustments can be provided throughout the hiring process.

Apply in Confidence

To discuss this Bookkeeper opportunity confidentially, contact:

David Hawthorne-Finch
Managing Director
Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions
Email: d.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions is acting as an employment agency in relation to this vacancy.

All applications and enquiries will be treated confidentially. No CV or identifying information will be shared with the hiring practice without informed written consent for this specific opportunity.