Business Services Senior

As our team continues to grow, we are seeking a talented individual to join us as a Grade 3 Business Services Senior to ensure timely and accurate delivery of technical services.

Dafferns is a leading audit and accounting firm dedicated to providing excellent service to our clients across a wide range of service, industrial and not for profit sectors. We provide audit, assurance, accounts, tax, and advisory services, with proactive advice and ethical tax planning – we work with ambitious small, medium, and large UK and international businesses, charities, business owners and private individuals.

Job description

The Business Services Senior will work closely with managers to lead the preparation of statutory accounts for SME UK companies, bookkeeping and processing predominantly on Xero, including the preparation of VAT returns. Along with the compliance aspect of the role, providing guidance to trainees to ensure delivery of high-quality services to our clients. This role offers an excellent opportunity for individuals pursuing a career in accounting and gaining practical experience in a dynamic professional environment.

Key responsibilities

Preparation of FRS102 (1A) and FRS105 statutory accounts. Including, preparation of group accounts
Experience in, but not essential – conducting grant audits, independent examinations and corporate tax computations
Demonstrate a strong understanding of core skills in accounts preparation and be technically sound
Experience in accounts packages particularly Xero and Sage
Bookkeeping and management accounts preparation and reporting using Xero and Sage
Preparation of VAT returns
A wider knowledge of the issues affecting small businesses especially in corporate and personal tax
Confident to liaise with clients and deal with client queries in a timely manner
Manage workloads and take responsibility to ensure all tasks are completed to a high standard, according to deadlines and within budgets set
Liaise with clients to ensure that information is received in sufficient time to prepare accounts
To use initiative in problem solving in all aspects of a client business ranging from help with Xero to VAT
Able to carry out ad hoc assignments with assistance
To identify opportunities for additional work / cross selling
Apply knowledge of Dafferns services, specialisms, markets and core client base, highlighting potential business opportunities to line manager
Develop assistants in the team by on the job training, directing and supervising their work
Receive feedback and discuss this with the managers, to apply in future
Report to Managers, Directors or Partners depending on assignment
Delegate work to and review work of trainees and semi-seniors
Ensure compliance with relevant standards, regulatory requirements, and internal policies and procedures
Actively participate in training sessions and professional development opportunities to enhance knowledge and skills
Build relationships with clients to clarify information whilst maintaining client confidentiality
Work collaboratively with team members to achieve tasks efficiently and effectively
Support colleagues and contribute to a positive and inclusive team environment

Qualifications and skills

Appropriate relevant experience in a similar role or environment (3 years or more)
Recently professionally qualified or finalist – ACA / ACCA
Strong analytical and compliance skills with an attention to detail
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to work effectively in a team environment and independently when necessary
Show enthusiasm and commitment by taking responsibility for work tasks and quality through to completion, with also managing own workload and deadlines in conjunction with manager
Be aware of relevant financial targets and constraints, contribute to achieving these, keeping managers informed of progress
Convert options into recommendations and resolutions
Understand need for continuous learning
Maintain high professional standards of conduct and practice
Effective use of IT and use of Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint) and accounting software
Driving licence necessary as the role will be office based but local travel will be included

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits package
Opportunities for career growth
Supportive work environment with a focus on professional development with an ongoing training package if applicable
Exposure to diverse clients and industries
A full-time position, 37.5 hours per week
Structured internal training sessions, soft skills training, on assignment training and internal mentoring within the team
Annual holiday starting from 22 days per annum, plus bank holidays
Company Pension – 4% employee / 4% employer contributions after qualifying period of 3 months
Death in Service Life cover (with up to six times salary) after qualifying period of 3 months