About Us:
Harrison Bernstein is a Kent-based Chartered Accountancy practice serving a broad and growing client base, from self-employed individuals and property landlords through to multi-unit franchise operators and commercial trading groups with turnover of £50m+.
We are building a genuinely forward-looking practice. We are integrating AI-powered tools and workflows into the heart of how we deliver services, and our senior team works directly alongside the people building them. If you want to shape the future of accounting rather than just keep pace with it, this role is for you.
The Role:
We are looking for a Senior Accountant to take full ownership of large, complex multi-entity client portfolios. You will manage end-to-end accounting, compliance, and reporting for client groups turning over £50m+, while also overseeing a number of smaller groups and standalone companies.
This is a hands-on, high-responsibility position with direct access to Partner-level leadership and genuine influence over how the firm operates and grows.
Reporting to: Partner
Direct reports: 2 Senior Bookkeepers
Location: Hybrid - Kent (client visits primarily in the Dartford and West Malling areas; office based in Gravesend, though day-to-day attendance is not required)
Key Responsibilities:
Client Services (approx. 80% of the role)
* Own the end-to-end month-end and quarter-end close process for two large multi-company client groups and approximately six smaller groups and standalone companies
* Supervise and review bookkeeping staff across bank, debtor, creditor, intercompany, VAT, PAYE, payroll, accruals, and prepayment reconciliations
* Prepare group consolidated management accounts (monthly and quarterly) and liaise with clients' finance teams on all reporting requirements
* Act as primary liaison with clients' external auditors and prepare audit-ready files
* Oversee VAT returns, Corporation Tax filings, and QIP timelines across the portfolio
* Manage statutory filing obligations with Companies House and HMRC
* Prepare draft Self-Assessment returns for directors and key individuals
* Support the Partner with ad hoc tax planning, corporate finance, and acquisition due diligence
* Manage and mentor two senior bookkeepers, including setting priorities and supporting their professional development
* Provide virtual FD/FC services including cashflow forecasting, KPI reporting, and board-level financial commentary
AI and Technology (approx. 20% of the role)
* Use AI and modern finance technology tools as part of your daily workflow to improve accuracy and reduce manual processing
* Collaborate with our internal team to design, test, and iterate AI-enabled accounting workflows and client-facing tools
* Act as a subject-matter expert bridging accounting practice and technology development
What We're Looking For:
Essential
* ACCA member or finalist (FCCA or ACA advantageous)
* 4–7+ years of hands-on accounting experience, including significant multi-entity SME group exposure
* Demonstrable experience producing consolidated management accounts, group reporting, and statutory financial statements
* Solid working knowledge of UK VAT, PAYE, Corporation Tax, and Companies House filing requirements
* Strong communication skills — confident dealing directly with clients' finance teams and senior stakeholders
* Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple client deadlines simultaneously
Desirable
* Audit working paper preparation and external auditor liaison experience
* Comfortable using AI tools (e.g. Claude, ChatGPT) — able to write clear prompts, verify outputs, and iterate
* Experience providing virtual FD/FC or CFO advisory services to SME clients
Software (training provided where needed)
* Xero (advanced, including multi-entity configurations)
* Joiin, Mayday, Iris Elements
* Office 365 (Excel advanced, Teams, SharePoint)
* AI tools including Claude (Anthropic) and ChatGPT
What We Offer:
* Salary of £60,000–£65,000 depending on experience, plus performance bonus
* Long-term progression pathway including potential profit share and equity participation for the right candidate
* Professional fees, subscriptions, CPD, and ongoing development fully funded
* Employer pension contributions
* Generous holiday allowance plus bank holidays
* Hybrid working — results-focused, not presenteeism-focused
* Direct access to Partner-level leadership
* A genuine opportunity to work at the intersection of accounting and technology, helping to shape tools that will define the profession
How to Apply:
Please send your CV and a brief note explaining your interest and relevant experience to, quoting reference SAUK002.