Accounts Assistant

Axminster

Westcotts is a Top 50+50 Accountancy Practice and Top 50 apprenticeship employer with over 280 team members based across Devon and Somerset.

We are currently looking for an Accounts Assistant to join us on a permanent basis in our Axminster office.

You will undertake both practical and theoretical training whilst potentially studying for qualification under an apprenticeship agreement. We believe that a professional qualification can help you to achieve a rewarding career in accountancy but “Qualification By Experience” is also highly valued.

The mix of work and study will depend on what you bring to the table. We can be as flexible and imaginative as you.

You will prepare financial information, reports and returns for a wide range of clients, both businesses and individuals, whilst also using computer software to record financial transactions. You will prepare and provide personal and company tax computations, regular VAT returns and bookkeeping services. You will also help in information gathering to analyse and report information about income and expenditure to support decision making, planning and control.

Main Duties

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

• Preparing financial statements for limited companies, partnerships, and sole traders.
• Providing bookkeeping services.
• Preparation of personal and corporate tax computations and returns.
• 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.
• Dealing with the preparation and completion of quarterly VAT returns.
• Complying with internal policies and procedures, ethical standards, and regulatory requirements.
• General admin duties to provide support to the Partners, Managers, and the office.
• Assignments undertaken in the office and at client’s premises.

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 candidates will have the following attributes, skills, experience, and qualifications:

Essential:

• A positive attitude, friendly and personable.
• Experience of working in a practice-based environment.

Everything else can be discussed but these would be preferred:

• Resilient, able to multi-task and work independently / flexibly.
• Adaptable, organised, and conscientious.
• Takes the initiative, ability to prioritise and meet deadlines.
• Professional and team orientated in approach.
• Good working knowledge of accounting software.
• Ability to learn new IT skills quickly.

Terms / Benefits

• Ideally 36.25 hours / 5 days per week however part time hours / days can also be considered.
• Hybrid working is considered.
• Annual salary review.
• 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.
• 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 staff 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.