The posting
Job description
Senior Associate - Outsourcing
London – Southampton Street
Alliotts are an accountancy and tax advisory practice who can trace their origins back to 1869. With offices based in Guildford and Central London, they offer a full range of accountancy services with specialist teams who advise on business strategy and corporate finance; a very strong technology and VC team and China Desk are amongst its niche offerings.
Alliotts joined the Shaw Gibbs Group in September 2024, a growing top 35 accountancy practice who provide expert solutions for entrepreneurial businesses and private individuals.
At Alliotts, our culture is built on the belief that true value comes from excellence and care. We hold ourselves to high standards, guided by our core values, which shape how we work, behave, and interact. This ensures we consistently deliver value to our clients and support their success.
The Shaw Gibbs Group has several offices in Central and Southern England and have ambitious plans to expand our business. To support the organisation’s growth, we have created a new opportunity for a Senior Associate to join our London (Southampton Street) Outsourcing team. This is a permanent full-time role with hybrid working options.
The Role
As part of the Outsourcing team, the Senior Associate will carry out various accounting tasks including preparation and review of monthly and quarterly management accounts/statutory financial statements for a portfolio of clients. Your key responsibilities will include:
- Preparation or review of FRS105, FRS 102 1A and FRS 102 statutory financial statements, including consolidated accounts.
- Review of bookkeeping and other processes performed by client or Alliotts staff and review or preparation of standalone or consolidated management accounts using accounting software (e.g. Xero), reporting software (e.g. Fathom), Microsoft Excel or other software.
- Initial preparation of fee proposals for new business enquiries.
- Preparation of VAT returns or review of VAT returns prepared either by clients or Alliotts staff.
- Providing initial setup and ongoing assistance to clients in relation to various software systems
- Respond to and deal with general and ad-hoc client queries, passing on to appropriate person for resolution where necessary.
- Responsible for the training and supervision of new and junior members of staff in all aspects of accountancy and use of key software.
- To delegate routine work to junior staff in the team and review that work when it is completed.
Other duties and tasks:
- Maintain a keen interest in business development by promoting Alliotts as a Firm and the Shaw Gibbs Group, attending seminars and events and seeking new clients, as appropriate.
- Managing new client onboarding procedures in line with anti-money laundering regulations and firm policies, including AML/KYC, engagement letters and professional clearance.
- Cashflow forecasting and budget preparation as requested by clients.
- Preparation or review of accounts for partnerships and sole traders.
- Work with partners and staff to provide a personal, professional service for the benefit of both clients and the Firm.
- Suggestions for improvements to current processes and operations.
- Such other duties as may be reasonably expected of the post holder.
What We Can Offer You
- Opportunity to join a longstanding firm with a rich history and strong employee culture, that has recently merged with a top 40 accountancy practice
- Access to an international alliance ensuring a wide range of interesting international work and interaction with international colleagues
- A supportive working culture with an open plan hot desking office for all staff and senior leaders
- 35 hour week
- 20 days’ paid holiday (increased by 1 day for each complete year of service to 30 June up to a maximum of 5 days) + Bank Holidays + 3 or 4 Christmas closure days
- Opportunity to buy/sell annual leave
- Hybrid working to encourage a healthy work-life balance
- A positive and supportive workplace culture with frequent and varied opportunities to socialise and undertake activities with colleagues
- Opportunities for progression and specialism in areas of focus
- A volunteering day per year paid by the firm
- Ongoing training and development support
- Mental health team in the workplace and on demand counselling service available for staff 24/7 to support their wellbeing
- ESG committee within the Firm driving sustainable change for our future
- Ongoing technology initiative to ensure the Firm maximises the use and benefit of available technologies and AI to embrace change so that we don’t stand still
About You
Qualifications and Experience: Essential
- A minimum of 5 GCSEs to include Mathematics and English
- Education to degree level or equivalent
- ACA or ACCA qualified
- Experience of working effectively within a tea
- Strong IT skills including good knowledge of Microsoft Excel
- Experience using Xero software package essential
Desirable
- Work experience in Private Equity, Venture Capital, or similar Outsourcing experience within a top 100 Firm.
- At least 3 years of experience working in an accountancy practice.
- Experience or exposure to MS Dynamics 365, SAP Business One or Sage 200cloud desirable.
- Interest in developments in IT and Accountancy and their impact on operations is desirable (e.g. Cloud Accounting, Automation & Software)
Skills and Personal Qualities:
- Professional attitude – identifies and acts upon client needs and delivers excellent client services.
- Excellent interpersonal, written and oral communication skills with the ability to explain complex matters to clients and staff clearly and concisely.
- The ability to work as part of a team and to form good relationships with staff and clients.
- Meticulous attention to detail to ensure accurate work.
- Plans and organises tasks/priorities and effectively meets deadlines.
- Demonstrates good self-motivation and uses initiative appropriately to resolve problems.
- Keen to learn and develop – demonstrates understanding of own profession and keeps abreast of relevant developments.
- The ability to work flexibly with willingness to travel to client sites and the Firm’s other office in Guildford.
