Sweeting & Smedley
Practice Bookkeeper / VAT Assistant
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Sweeting & Smedley Limited is a well-established accountancy practice based in Hurst, near Wokingham. We work with a varied portfolio of SME clients and pride ourselves on providing a friendly, professional and reliable service.
We are now looking for an experienced bookkeeper with VAT experience to join our growing team. This is a great opportunity for someone with accountancy practice experience who enjoys working with clients, preparing VAT returns, using cloud bookkeeping software and supporting small businesses with their day-to-day accounting needs.
The Role
You will work closely with the Bookkeeping and VAT Manager, supporting a mixed portfolio of SME clients. The role will involve bookkeeping, VAT return preparation, client communication, HMRC liaison and general practice support.
This position would suit someone who is organised, accurate and confident working both independently and as part of a team.
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Key Responsibilities
- Preparing bookkeeping records for a portfolio of SME clients
- Preparing and submitting VAT returns
- Assisting with VAT registrations and de-registrations
- Using cloud accounting software such as Xero, FreeAgent, Sage and QuickBooks
- Supporting the preparation of management information and financial reports
- Assisting with year-end bookkeeping adjustments and closing balance reviews
- Responding to client queries in a professional and timely manner
- Liaising with HMRC where required
- Working with the wider team to ensure deadlines are met
- Providing general administrative and office support to the practice
About You
We are looking for someone with:
- At least 3 years’ experience in an accountancy practice or similar bookkeeping/VAT role
- Strong bookkeeping and VAT knowledge
- Experience working with SME clients
- Confident knowledge of online bookkeeping software, ideally including Xero, FreeAgent, Sage and/or QuickBooks
- AAT qualified, part-qualified or qualified by experience
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy
- Good communication skills and confidence dealing with clients
- The ability to manage deadlines and prioritise workload
- A proactive, reliable and team-focused approach
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Why Join Us?
- Join a friendly and well-established accountancy practice
- Work with a varied portfolio of SME clients
- Gain exposure to bookkeeping, VAT, client advisory and practice support work
- Be part of a supportive team with opportunities to develop your skills
- Competitive salary based on experience
Apply
If you have accountancy practice experience and are confident with bookkeeping, VAT returns and cloud accounting software, we would love to hear from you.
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