Bookkeeper

Kelsall, Cheshire West and Chester CMR Jobs Limited The Opportunity An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Bookkeeper to join an independently owned, long-established firm of Chartered Accountants in Cheshire. This is a new position created through continued growth and increasing client demand, particularly around Making Tax Digital. You will join a friendly team and take responsibility for the day-to-day bookkeeping and VAT requirements of your own portfolio of clients. The Role Working closely with the firm's Portfolio Managers, you will manage bookkeeping and VAT work across a varied portfolio of SME clients, trades and professions. Your responsibilities will include: * Managing the day-to-day bookkeeping for a portfolio of clients. * Processing and coding sales and purchase transactions. * Completing regular bank reconciliations and resolving discrepancies. * Preparing VAT workings and VAT returns. * Monitoring VAT deadlines and proactively chasing clients for information. * Applying the correct VAT treatment to transactions. * Maintaining accurate ledgers and keeping client records up to date. * Reviewing figures and identifying unusual transactions or significant changes. * Acting as a key point of contact for clients on bookkeeping and VAT matters. * Dealing with client queries by phone and email. * Working closely with Portfolio Managers and colleagues across accounts, tax and payroll. * Managing multiple clients and deadlines simultaneously within a practice environment. * Working with cloud accounting systems including Xero, QuickBooks, FreeAgent and Sage, as well as Excel. About You The key requirement is proven bookkeeping and VAT experience rather than specific qualifications. You will ideally have: * Solid experience working across multiple clients or entities. * Strong practical bookkeeping experience. * Good understanding of double entry and basic accounting principles. * Hands-on experience preparing VAT returns. * Experience working within Making Tax Digital requirements. * Experience using at least one cloud accounting system. * Good understanding of bank reconciliations and ledger maintenance. * Confidence communicating directly with clients and chasing information when required. * Strong organisation skills and the ability to manage multiple deadlines. * A good eye for detail and the common sense to recognise when figures don't look right. Accountancy practice experience would be a strong advantage, particularly if you are used to time recording, billing and managing several clients at once. Candidates coming from industry will also be considered where they can demonstrate the required bookkeeping and VAT experience and have a genuine interest in moving into practice. Formal qualifications are not essential. The firm is open to qualified-by-experience bookkeepers with strong practical experience. The Firm You will be joining a team of around 25 people in the Cheshire office, including five Partners. The culture is friendly, collaborative and down-to-earth. It is a busy environment, but one where people genuinely enjoy working together. The firm places a strong emphasis on personal relationships, both internally and with clients. There are no call centres or ticketing systems - clients know their accountant and receive a genuinely personal service