Accounting Associate

Ballards LLP - TAX |AUDIT | CONSULTANCY

Job Role: Business Services - Accounts Associate / Senior Accounts Associate

Location: Worcester and Droitwich

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Working pattern: Hybrid: working across Worcester and Droitwich offices

Experience: Previous accountancy practice experience essential

Qualifications: Part-qualified ACA/ACCA, AAT-qualified or qualified by experience (QBE)

Department: Business Services

About Ballards

At Ballards, we're more than accountants – we're trusted business advisers, strategic partners and problem solvers. Since 1985, we've helped ambitious businesses, charities and private clients grow through accountancy, tax, audit and consultancy services.

With over 150 colleagues across the Midlands, we combine the opportunities of a growing independent firm with a collaborative, people-first approach. We invest in professional development, encourage initiative and give our people the opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

Role Overview

We're looking for an experienced practice professional to join our Business Services team. This opportunity is suited to someone who is part-qualified, AAT-qualified or qualified by experience, and who already has practical experience preparing accounts and supporting clients within an accountancy practice.

You'll work on a varied portfolio of clients, preparing year-end accounts, supporting corporation and personal tax compliance, and assisting with bookkeeping, VAT and management accounts. Depending on your experience, you'll also review more straightforward work, help managers keep portfolios on track and support junior colleagues. The scope and level of responsibility will reflect your experience and technical capability.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare year-end statutory accounts and supporting working papers for a range of clients, including more complex assignments where appropriate.
• Prepare corporation tax computations and returns, and assist with personal tax returns, for review by senior colleagues.
• Undertake bookkeeping, VAT return preparation and management accounts work as required.
• Liaise directly with clients to obtain information, resolve queries and ensure work progresses efficiently.
• Support managers and portfolio holders in planning, monitoring and completing client compliance assignments to agreed deadlines.
• Review straightforward accounts or bookkeeping work prepared by less experienced colleagues, where appropriate to your experience.
• Support, coach and share knowledge with trainees and junior team members as your experience allows.
• Maintain accurate working papers and a high standard of technical quality, attention to detail and client service.
• Collaborate with colleagues across the Worcester and Droitwich offices and develop awareness of the wider services available to clients.
• Contribute to a positive, inclusive team environment and identify opportunities to improve ways of working.

About You

Essential

• Previous experience working within an accountancy practice (essential).
• Part-qualified ACA or ACCA, AAT-qualified, or qualified by experience with relevant practice-based skills.
• Practical experience preparing accounts and supporting working papers for client review.
• A working understanding of corporation tax and/or personal tax compliance, with willingness to develop across both areas.
• Strong organisational skills, attention to detail and ability to manage competing deadlines.
• Confident written and verbal communication skills and a professional, client-focused approach.
• Ability to work collaboratively, take ownership of assigned work and respond constructively to feedback.
• Able to work across the Worcester and Droitwich offices.

Desirable

• Experience preparing VAT returns, bookkeeping or management accounts.
• Experience reviewing junior colleagues' work or supporting trainee development.
• Exposure to more complex accounts assignments and assisting with client portfolios.
• An interest in continuing professional study or developing into a more senior role.

Why Join Ballards?

• Varied client work across accounts, tax, bookkeeping and management accounts.
• Opportunities to develop your technical skills and progress your career within a growing independent firm.
• Supportive colleagues and access to experienced managers, directors and partners.
• Hybrid working and a competitive salary and benefits package.
• 25 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, pension, life assurance, electric car and cycle-to-work schemes, flexible holiday purchase, enhanced family pay and an Employee Assistance Programme.

If you have accountancy practice experience and are looking for a role where you can contribute from day one while continuing to develop, we'd love to hear from you.