Accounts Senior (IPS026)

Affinia is a leading, UK Top 50 Accountancy firm. Through successful acquisitions and organic growth, the firm has seen significant development within the last 18 months. Last October we launched our new brand ‘Affinia’ (www.affinia.co.uk) which saw the coming together of LB Group and six other likeminded firms across the East & South East of England to form a combined challenger accounting, tax and business advisory firm.

With a combined heritage spanning over 300 years, we have more than 400 accountancy professionals based in Stratford, Colchester, Chelmsford, Ipswich, Halstead, Harlow, Orpington, Sidcup and Sutton. We advise businesses, government and public sector organisations and individuals in the UK and internationally across seven principal practice groups: Accountancy & Advisory, Tax and Planning, Audit Services, Corporate Finance, Digital Solutions, Payroll and Financial Planning.

We have invested continuously in technology and gained in-depth knowledge across a broad range of markets, growing through acquisitions and private investment. We offer an exceptional service to our clients, with access to our sector experts to develop the strategy that will help them reach their goals. We keep a finger on the industry pulse, so our clients receive the best short to medium and long-term advice.

Summary of the role:

As a Senior Accountant, you will take a lead role with financial reporting assignment, tax preparation, bookkeeping, VAT return preparation and continue to develop real-world accounting practices whilst being supported by senior members of the team.  You will assist with the direct supervision and training of more junior staff.

Working with senior management and the wider team you will continue to receive structured training if applicable to support your career progression at Affinia Ltd.

Key tasks and responsibilities:

As a Senior Accountant you will assist our portfolio holders in delivering a broad range of accounting services to our clients whilst maintaining exceptional customer service.

With support, you will take responsibility for assisting the Assistant Managers/Managers and Senior Managers to work on a portfolio of clients, and in some instances perform low level review on more junior member’s work while assisting with:  

• Preparation of year-end statutory accounts for a mix of Sole Traders, partnerships, LLPs, Charities and Limited Companies (including, but not limited to accounting frameworks under FRS 102 1A and FRS 102, FRS 102 Charities SORP and IFRS.
• Preparation of group consolidated financial statements and workings for review.
• Preparation of corporation tax returns for review / Initial review of draft corporation tax computations prepared by junior members of the team.
• Review simple and non-complex VAT returns
• Liaising with clients and responding to queries in a professional manner
• Keeping up to date with changes in accounting regulations and financial laws
• Preparing and processing invoices, expenses, and payments.
• Collaboratively working with other Service Lines within our group. 
• Assist more junior members of the team in accounts and bookkeeping activities
• Assisting Directors/Managers with ad hoc projects
• Train and mentor more junior members of staff and seek to support, train and provide technical guidance on simple accounting concepts.
• Preparation of monthly or quarterly management accounts, and VAT returns.
• Assisting clients with queries
• Additional responsibilities as and when identified in association with expectations of the role.

Professional skills/qualifications 

Full opportunity to study and gain a professional qualification, if relevant.

• Strong IT/Microsoft abilities.
• Regular use of CCH, Sage, QuickBooks, Xero preferred, but not essential as full training will be provided.
• Nearing the completion of your professional studies, be qualified by experience or ACA/ACCA or AAT Level 4 qualified.
• A minimum of 5 GCSE’s (Level 5 and above), which must include Maths and English language.
• A-Levels (or equivalent) are not essential but may be advantageous, especially in the subjects of Maths and English
• A Degree is not essential but may be advantageous (Accounting, Business, Finance, Data Science) 
• Ability to respond and be reactive to shifting priorities at short notice
• Have clear written and spoken communication
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to multitask under pressure and to mentor others

Use the ‘Apply Now’ link to view the role and benefits package.