Accounts Assistant (Practice Experience Required)

Assistant Accountant – Accountancy Practice

Location: Manchester Airport area, M22 5WY
Salary: Up to £30,000 per year, depending on experience
Job type: Full-time, permanent
Hybrid working: Up to two days per week from home once settled

About COPA Accounting

COPA is a growing digital accountancy practice supporting ambitious businesses across e-commerce, agencies, professional services, property and technology.

We’re looking for an Assistant Accountant with previous accountancy practice experience to join our team. You’ll work closely with our qualified accountant, helping prepare accounts and tax returns, keep client records up to date and deliver a responsive service.

This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys working with different businesses, takes pride in their work and wants to develop as our firm grows.

What you’ll be doing

• Preparing year-end accounts and supporting working papers for limited companies and sole traders.
• Preparing Corporation Tax computations and returns for review.
• Preparing personal Self Assessment tax returns.
• Completing bookkeeping, bank reconciliations and VAT returns.
• Requesting client records and following up on outstanding information.
• Resolving routine queries and keeping clients informed of progress.
• Keeping our practice management system up to date and managing your workload against deadlines.
• Working with the wider team to improve processes and make good use of cloud accounting software.

You’ll receive support and review from experienced colleagues, with increasing responsibility as your confidence and skills develop.

What we’re looking for

• Previous experience working in a UK accountancy practice.
• Practical experience preparing accounts, bookkeeping and VAT returns.
• AAT qualified or studying towards AAT, ACA or ACCA. We’re also happy to consider candidates with strong relevant experience.
• Experience using Xero or similar cloud accounting software.
• Good attention to detail and clear, friendly communication.
• The ability to organise your workload, meet deadlines and raise questions or blockers early.
• A proactive approach and willingness to learn.

You don’t need to have experience in every area listed, but you should be comfortable taking accounts preparation and routine compliance work forward with appropriate support.

What we offer

• Salary of up to £30,000, reflecting your experience and capabilities.
• Hybrid working, with up to two days per week from home once settled.
• Training and qualification support, with the package agreed around your studies.
• Opportunities to progress as COPA continues to grow.
• Direct support from experienced accountants and the partners.
• Modern systems, including Xero and cloud-based practice tools.
• A friendly team where questions, ideas and improvements are welcome.
• Regular team socials and a modern office near Manchester Airport.

Interested?

Please apply with your CV and a short note outlining your practice experience, current studies and notice period.

We’re looking to appoint as soon as possible and will review applications as they arrive.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: Up to £30,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Additional leave
• Company pension
• Flexitime
• On-site parking
• Sick pay
• Work from home

Experience:

• practice: 1 year (required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Manchester M22 5WY