Accounts and Audit Senior

Plymouth Office

Westcotts is a Top 50+50 Accountancy Practice and Real Living Wage Employer with over 280 team members based in offices across Devon and Somerset.

We are currently looking for an Accounts and Audit Senior to join us within our Accounts department on a permanent full-time basis in our Plymouth office with flexible and hybrid working available.

What our team members in the same or similar roles say about the position / culture

• “The team are really welcoming and down to earth. Ideas and questions can be discussed at all levels and there is a great family atmosphere. Regular social events make the team feel inclusive and it’s great to get to know those who work in other departments. “
• “I am well supported by the Partners and Directors at the firm with professional development, client facing skills and progression. The management team take pride in making sure their team are respected.”
• “You’re often the first point of contact for clients which is one of the things I enjoy the most about the role. You’re given the opportunity to help and make a difference at the earliest opportunity”.

Main Duties

The main duties (but not limited to) are the following:

• Preparing financial statements for limited companies, partnerships, and sole traders up to the audit threshold.
• Preparation of personal and corporate tax computations and returns.
• Providing bookkeeping and management accounting services.
• Working as part of the digital services team supporting the delivery of app research and recommendation engagements based upon the Xero app ecosystem.
• Filing Companies House and HM Revenue & Customs documents on client’s behalf.
• Ensuring that accounting records for clients are maintained and kept up to date.
• Preparation of personal and corporate tax computations and returns.
• Dealing with the preparation and completion of quarterly VAT returns.
• Planning, managing, controlling, and conducting the audit fieldwork for a portfolio of the firm’s clients under the direction of the Audit Partners, Directors, and Managers.
• Preparing financial statements.
• Understanding technical matters and presenting them in a logical and practical way.
• Managing and developing junior members of the team.
• Carrying out technical research and providing advice for clients and for other members of the firm.
• Assisting the Audit Partners in developing the department, together with proposals for new work.
• Networking with the business communities in which our offices and clients are based.
• Working on clients across the region, as and when required, building and maintaining client relationships.

This job description summarises the main duties and responsibilities of the post, however the list is not exhaustive as the post-holder may be required to undertake other duties and projects of similar level and responsibility.

Attributes, Skills, Experience and Qualifications

Ideally the successful candidate will have the following attributes, skills, experience, and qualifications.

• Outgoing, socially confident, and emotionally controlled.
• A positive attitude, friendly and approachable.
• Resilient, able to multi-task and work independently / flexibly.
• Adaptable, organised, and conscientious.
• Takes the initiative, ability to prioritise and meet deadlines.
• Discreet, professional and team orientated in approach.
• Good working knowledge of general IT Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Social Media programmes.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with proven accuracy and an eye for detail.
• Ability to present information effectively and concisely in emails and documents.
• Experience of working at an Accounts or Audit Senior level in an accountancy practice.
• Previous experience in accounts preparation for limited companies and unincorporated businesses.
• ACA / ACCA qualified or part qualified (AAT qualified or qualified by experience also considered).

Terms / Benefits

• Ideally 36.25 hours / 5 days per week however part time hours / days also considered.
• Flexible and hybrid working available.
• 20 days annual leave plus bank holidays increasing to 25 days plus bank holidays after 3 years’ service.
• Opportunity to carry over 1 week’s holiday into the following year.
• Annual salary review.
• Death in service 3 x annual salary.
• Access to Westfield Rewards and Health scheme.
• 24-hour external Employee Assistance Programme helpline.
• Flexible benefits including Buy and Sell holiday, Cycle to Work, Payroll Charity Giving and Private Medical Insurance.
• Introducing clients and team member commission schemes.
• Pension 3% rising to 4% (but matched up to 6%) after 4 years’ service.
• Enhanced Maternity and Paternity pay after one years’ service.

How to apply

To apply for this position, please upload your CV along with a covering letter providing information on why you feel you would be suitable for the role in particular in regards to the desired attributes, skills, experience and qualifications. Please also state your current salary (if applicable), salary expectations and available start date.