Skip to content
Send us a brief

Back to Job Openings

Assistant Financial Accountant

Location

Watford, UK

Discipline

Accounting

Salary

£32000 - £40000

Location: Watford (Hybrid)
Hours: 35 hours per week
Working pattern:4 days in-office (Tue–Fri), Mondays from home
Leave:28 days’ holiday + bank holidays
Type: Full-time, Permanent

We are recruiting an Assistant Financial Accountant for a modern, client-focused accountancy practice in Watford. You’ll prepare year-end accounts, be hands-on in Xero from day one, and work directly with business owners who value timely, accurate information. The role suits someone progressing through AAT/ACCA/ICAEW (part-qualified welcome) who wants structured learning, real responsibility, and a supportive team culture.
 

What you’ll do  

  • Prepare year-end accounts for limited companies (and some sole traders/contractors), including working papers, trial balance, journals, accruals and prepayments.

  • Own Xero day-to-day: bank reconciliation, account coding, data quality checks, app integrations and tidy ledgers ready for close.

  • Support month-end routines and management reporting packs.

  • Assist with VAT returns, CIS, and light payroll support as needed.

  • Contribute to corporation tax and basic personal tax computations from final accounts.

  • Face clients confidently: onboarding, systems set-ups, answering routine queries and explaining numbers clearly.

  • Help refine internal checklists and processes; capture learnings to improve next month/next year.

Must-haves  

  • Professional pathway: AAT, ACCA or ICAEW (qualified or part-qualified).

  • Xero experience is non-negotiable, your Xero knowledge will be tested at interview.

  • Proven year-end accounts prep experience in practice.

  • Comfortable dealing directly with £1m+ turnover clients

  • Clear written and verbal communication.

  • Strong Excel and sound grasp of double-entry and fundamental UK GAAP principles.

Nice to have  

  • Experience with common Xero add-ons and data migrations.

  • Exposure to VAT partial exemption/CIS nuances.

  • Curiosity for automation and cleaner workflows.

Benefits

  • Hybrid: 4 days in office (Tue–Fri), Mondays WFH.

  • 35 hours/week with sensible rhythms around client peaks.

  • 28 days’ holiday + bank holidays.

  • Study support and CPD aligned to your qualification route.

  • Modern tools, a collaborative team and exposure to ambitious clients.

Working style & culture  
 
You’ll join a team that values fun, excellence, communication, being a team player, and certainty, doing what we say, when we say, for colleagues and clients. Expect a supportive, development-minded environment with clear expectations and open feedback.