General Practice Accountant (Accounts prep and tax - No Audit!)
About the RoleWe are seeking an experienced and motivated General Practice Accountant to join our growing Belfast-based SME accountancy practice. The successful candidate will play a key role in delivering high-quality accounts preparation, personal and corporate tax compliance, and general advisory services to a diverse portfolio of local small and medium-sized businesses across Northern Ireland.
This role is ideal for a qualified accountant (part-qualified or accounts technicians with relevant experience will be considered) with practice experience, who enjoys variety, takes ownership of their workload, and thrives within a supportive practice environment where client service and professional development are prioritised.
Key ResponsibilitiesAccounts Preparation
- Prepare year-end financial statements for sole traders, partnerships, and limited companies in accordance with UK GAAP (FRS 102/105).
- Complete management accounts for clients as required.
- Perform bookkeeping tasks, reconciliations, and adjustments where necessary to ensure accurate reporting.
- Liaise directly with clients to gather required information and resolve queries promptly and professionally.
Tax Compliance
- Prepare corporation tax returns (CT600) and supporting schedules.
- Prepare personal tax returns (SA100) for directors, business owners, and individuals.
- Assist with VAT return preparation and Making Tax Digital (MTD) compliance.
- Identify basic tax planning opportunities and communicate these proactively to senior staff or clients.
Client Management & Advisory
- Act as a day-to-day point of contact for a portfolio of SME clients across a range of sectors.
- Provide guidance on bookkeeping systems, cloud accounting solutions (e.g., Xero, QuickBooks, Sage), and general business queries.
- Support clients with compliance deadlines and ensure work is completed in a timely manner.
- Build strong working relationships with clients based on trust, efficiency, and technical competence.
Internal Practice Support
- Assist with workflow planning and job scheduling to meet practice-wide deadlines.
- Support junior team members where required, offering guidance and review of routine work.
- Contribute to process improvements and the adoption of technology to enhance productivity and client service.
Required Skills & Experience
- Part-qualified or qualified ACA / ACCA / AAT, or qualified by experience within a general practice environment.
- Minimum 2-3 years' experience in an accountancy practice handling accounts preparation and tax compliance.
- Strong working knowledge of accounting standards relevant to UK SMEs (FRS 102/105).
- Experience with cloud accounting software such as Xero, QuickBooks, or Sage.
- Competent with tax software and practice management tools.
- Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
- Excellent communication skills and confidence interacting with clients.
- Ability to work independently, prioritise tasks, and meet deadlines in a busy SME practice environment.
Desirable Attributes
- Experience working with Northern Ireland-based SMEs and familiarity with local business sectors.
- Knowledge of payroll and CIS (although not essential).
- Willingness to support business development activities where appropriate.
- A proactive mindset with an interest in continuous learning and professional growth.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary aligned with experience and qualifications.
- Hybrid/flexible working options (where appropriate).
- Study support (if applicable) and ongoing professional development.
- Friendly, collaborative team environment within a growing Belfast practice.
- Exposure to a broad range of SME clients and varied work to support long-term career development.
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
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Skills:
audit - external audit
Benefits:
50000
WHJS1_NI