Part-Qualified Accountant - Independent Firm, Colchester

Part-qualified Accountant

Colchester, Essex

Salary up to £40,000

AAT Level 4

Are you a part-qualified accountant looking for a new challenge?

Are you looking for a supportive firm that can support your development and qualification towards chartered accountancy status?

If so, this could be the perfect opportunity for you!

We are looking for a dedicated and detail-focused Part-Qualified Accountant to join our established independent accounting firm in Colchester.

This role is perfect for a driven professional currently completing or recently finishing AAT Level 4 and actively working toward full ACA or ACCA qualification. You'll play a key role in delivering accurate accounting and tax services to a diverse range of small to medium-sized businesses across multiple sectors. Your responsibilities will include managing client accounts, preparing financial statements, handling VAT and payroll submissions, and supporting audit and advisory work. You'll grow within a supportive, collaborative team with access to mentorship, structured learning, and opportunities to build lasting client relationships. Your work will directly contribute to client success and the firm's continued growth.

Responsibilities:

• Prepare and review monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in line with UK GAAP and IFRS.
• Maintain client accounts through bookkeeping, reconciliations, and ledger updates using cloud accounting platforms (e.g., Xero, QuickBooks, Sage).
• Accurately prepare and submit VAT returns, PAYE, and CIS filings on schedule.
• Assist with corporate and personal tax returns, including self-assessment and CT600 forms.
• Support audit and review engagements by gathering documentation and testing controls.
• Deliver timely client reporting such as management accounts and cash flow forecasts.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory standards and firm internal policies.
• Work closely with clients to resolve queries and improve financial processes.
• Help refine firm systems and workflows for greater efficiency.
• Progress toward full ACA or ACCA qualification with regular support and tracking.

Part-qualified Accountant

• AAT Level 4 qualification with active progress toward ACA or ACCA.
• Relevant experience in accounts practice or a similar accounting environment, preferably in a small to medium-sized firm.
• Solid knowledge of UK tax rules, including VAT, PAYE, and corporation tax.
• Proficiency in cloud accounting software (Xero, QuickBooks, Sage) and advanced Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, complex formulas).
• High level of accuracy, attention to detail, and strong time management.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development.
• Valid right to work in the UK.

• Candidates must be actively pursuing ACA or ACCA with documented evidence of progress (e.g., passed exams, current study plan).
• The firm provides dedicated support and study time to help you achieve your qualification goals.

Part-qualified Accountant

• Competitive salary package
• Flexible working
• Excellent career progression opportunity for development to chartered accountant status.

Please contact Andy Irvine on , or Andrew Irvine LinkedIn for a confidential conversation.

Refer a friend

We're keen to remain the leading provider of the best accountancy talent in the South-East. We are continually exploring ways to expand our network and we know that great candidates like you can introduce us to other equally brilliant people. We're looking to work with the best accountancy practice and tax staff in the South-East so if your friends, family or colleagues are considering a new opportunity and can demonstrate relevant experience, we'd love to speak to them.

For every candidate you refer and we subsequently place into a permanent position, we will give you up to £500 of Love2Shop vouchers. (Terms & Conditions apply).