Accounts Assistant

Accounts Assistant role at Larking Gowen in Colchester supporting preparation of company and personal accounts and tax returns while working with senior accountants, clients, and accounting systems as part of structured professional training (AAT)

Description

At Larking Gowen, our people are at the heart of everything we do. Our commitment to both our employees and clients is at the core of who we are. We strive to create a supportive and inclusive workplace culture where employee wellbeing is paramount, work-life balance is valued, and personal growth is encouraged through tailored training and development opportunities.

An excellent opportunity has arisen to join us in our rapidly expanding team.  The successful candidate will assist in the preparation of accounts and tax returns for companies, partnerships and sole traders. They will work closely with senior members of the team, delivering work to a high standard.

The team works across our offices in Norwich, Ipswich and Colchester. Whilst the role will primarily be based in Colchester, our flexible working policy allows a combination of working from home or other offices to best suit the individual and support the team.

Main Responsibilities:

Accounts and tax
•  Preparing draft accounts for partnerships and companies.
•  Preparing business and personal tax computations and returns.
•  Working within budgets set at the planning stage.
•  Demonstrate an ability to solve complex technical problems, using analytical tools and information from multiple sources.
•  Ensuring the efficient use of appropriate software packages internally and supporting clients with the management and proactive use of their accounting systems.

Clients
•  Maintain up-to date understanding of our clients businesses.
•  Maintain good working relationships with client staff.
•  Be aware of the wide range of Larking Gowen services and identify opportunities to promote those services to clients.

Task management 
•  Consistently achieve deadlines and understand the commercial implications of actions relating to productivity, recoverability, fee income and client service.
•  Communicate workload with senior members of the team.

Training
•  Attend training courses as identified in order to develop both technical and personal skills and maintain records for compliance purposes.

Other Responsibilities:
•  Adhere to the firm’s risk management policies and procedures.
•  Undertake other duties to meet the demands of the business.

Education and qualifications

Essential:   
•  Already undertaking AAT qualification  
•  Maths and English Language at GCSE (or equivalent).

Experience

Essential:   
•  Experience in using Microsoft packages and cloud accounting packages.
•  Proven ability to adapt quickly to changing deadlines and priorities.

Desirable:
•  Experience in accounts production and preparation of tax returns.
•  Prior experience of dealing with clients in the medical profession.

Personal Attributes
•  Strong organisational skills.
•  Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
•  Be proactive in identifying practical solutions to issues.
•  Be able to operate at a high level of confidentiality.
•  Have a “can do” approach.
•  Innovative and able to use own initiative.
•  Commitment to delivering excellent client service at all times.

Other
•  Applicants must be willing to travel to other offices and client premises across East Anglia when needed.

In return you will have support to establish your career with Larking Gowen at a pace that suits you both personally and professionally.  

We also offer benefits which include:

• Generous Holiday Allowance

• Life Assurance

• Pension with employer contributions rising with length of service 

• Medicash Plan

• Paid sickness

• Professional subscriptions

• Group Income Protection

• Annual salary review

• Option to purchase PMI

Plus many more!

Salary starting from £25,000 depending on experience