Accountant in Practice for 12-month maternity contract Your new company Hays are working with and growing Chartered Accountancy practice, providing expert financial guidance to a diverse range of clients, from individuals to SMEs. They have a close-knit team who pride themselves on delivering a personalised and high-quality service. Due to maternity leave, they are looking for a skilled accountant to join them on a fixed-term basis. The role is ideally full-time, but they will also consider part-time, or reduced/ flexible hours. Your new role We are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented accountant to manage client accounts and ensure smooth financial operations during this maternity cover period. The ideal candidate will be either Qualified by Experience (QBE) or professionally qualified (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) and have experience in a similar practice environment.Key Responsibilities: Preparation of statutory accounts and financial statements for limited companies, sole traders, and partnerships. Management of VAT returns, bookkeeping, and reconciliations. Handling personal and corporate tax compliance and liaising with HMRC when necessary. Ensuring accurate financial reporting and supporting clients with financial queries. Assisting with payroll processing and compliance. Providing ad-hoc financial advice and support to clients. Working closely with the team to maintain high standards of service delivery. What you'll need to succeed QBE or ACA/ACCA/CIMA qualification. Previous experience in a small accountancy practice. Strong technical knowledge of UK accounting standards and tax regulations. Proficiency in accounting software such as Xero, QuickBooks, Sage, or similar. Excellent attention to detail and problem-solving skills. Strong communication and interpersonal skills to support clients effectively. Ability to work independently and manage multiple client accounts. What you'll get in return This is a great opportunity to join a friendly and growing business. The role is ideally full-time but the client will consider part-time, reduced or flexible hours for the right candidate. What you need to do now 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. 4687322