James & Partners
Accounts Senior

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Accounts Senior
Accounts Senior – Permanent Role
Location: Stevenage, Hertfordshire Salary: £35,000 to £45,000 (dependent on experience) Hours: Full-time, permanent Working Pattern: Office-based initially, with potential for 1 day per week working from home after probation
About the Role
We are recruiting for an Accounts Senior to join a dynamic, forward-thinking accountancy practice in Stevenage.
This is an ideal opportunity for an experienced professional looking to work in a smaller practice environment with varied, client-facing responsibility—whether in accounts preparation, bookkeeping review, tax support, or business advisory.
The firm specialises in supporting clients across:
- Accounts & bookkeeping
- VAT & payroll services
- Corporation and personal tax
- Tax planning & wider business support
They serve a diverse client portfolio, from high-net-worth individuals and SMEs to entrepreneurs and owner-managed businesses. Their practical and approachable approach makes them ideal for those who thrive in a collaborative, growth-focused team.
Key Responsibilities
- Accounts Preparation
- Preparing accounts for small businesses, limited companies, and owner-managed firms
- Supporting year-end accounting and finalisation projects
- Bookkeeping & Error Review
- Auditing client records to ensure accuracy and deadlines are met
- Maintaining ledgers and performing bank reconciliations
- Tax & Compliance
- Preparing/supporting VAT returns and assisting with corporation tax
- Liaising with clients to clarify information and resolve queries
- Tech & Systems
- Using Xero and other practice tools efficiently
- Improving clients’ financial record-kepping with actionable insights
- Client Support
- Handling queries professionally and maintaining strong relationships
- Supporting the team during peak periods and take ownership of timelines
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About You
We are looking for a proactive, commercially minded candidate with proven experience in accountancy practice, ideally:
- 3–5+ years’ relevant experience (Preferences for Accounts Senior, Practice Accountant, Senior Bookkeeper of equivalent-grade roles)
- Strong foundation in bookkeeping, accounts, and small business work
- Practical experience with Xero (self-learning beneficial but professional knowledge preferred)
- Competent organisational skills with attention to detail
- Freely communicates—both clients and colleagues—to solve problems and manage workloads
- Adaptable, approachable, and team-focused during busy periods
Preferred (but not required):
- AAT/ACCA equivalent qualifications
- Proven track record of working independently while meeting deadlines


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Culture Fit:
- Thrives in varied work rather than monotonous processes
- Values long-term growth with a small progressive firm
- Enjoys client interaction with practical financial problem-solving
Why Join Us?
- A growing practice with a diverse client base, from entrepreneurs to high-net-worth individuals
- More client face-time and some strategic advice—go beyond routine accounts
- Strong career progression potential if you deliver well
- Long-term opportunity to become a key member of the team
What’s on Offer?
- Salary: £35,000–£45,000 (competitive pay scale)
- Full-time, permanent role with a pension scheme
- Parking available on-site
- Standard holiday allowance
- After 3 months, option to work 1 day at home per week subject to performance
Location & Work Pattern
- Based in Stevenage (candidates within reasonable commuting distance requested)
- Initially office-bound to integrate smoothly with the team and software
- Early home-working rights for high-performers after settling in
Apply Now
Your next challenging accounts role—with meaningful client relationships and long-term ownership potential—starts here.
If you commute from Stevenage or nearby, we’d welcome your application!
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