Bookkeeper / Payroll Administrator

Experienced Bookkeeper – Accountancy Practice

Location: Central Birmingham

We are seeking an experienced Bookkeeper to manage day-to-day bookkeeping for a portfolio of clients across various industries.

Applicants must have at least two years’ hands-on bookkeeping experience within an accountancy practice, including responsibility for multiple client accounts. Practical experience using both Xero and QuickBooks is essential.

This position requires someone who can undertake routine bookkeeping independently, identify and resolve discrepancies, and maintain accurate records within agreed deadlines. It is not a trainee or entry-level position.

The Role

You will work closely with clients and our accounting team, maintaining their financial records and preparing supporting information for VAT returns, payroll and year-end accounts.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Managing bookkeeping for a portfolio of sole traders, partnerships and limited companies.
• Processing sales and purchase invoices, receipts and payments, ensuring transactions are correctly allocated.
• Reconciling bank accounts, credit cards and relevant control accounts, investigating and resolving differences.
• Maintaining accurate sales, purchase and nominal ledgers.
• Reviewing records for missing invoices, duplicate entries and incorrect postings.
• Preparing VAT returns for review and identifying queries requiring further attention.
• Preparing and posting journals, including accruals and prepayments where required.
• Preparing bookkeeping records and supporting schedules for year-end accounts.
• Preparing weekly and monthly payment runs.
• Supporting payroll processing, including PAYE and workplace pension administration.
• Contacting clients directly to obtain outstanding information and resolve bookkeeping queries.
• Managing competing deadlines and keeping the team informed of progress.

Essential Requirements

• At least two years’ bookkeeping experience within an accountancy practice.
• Experience managing bookkeeping for several clients simultaneously.
• Strong practical knowledge of both Xero and QuickBooks.
• Experience preparing bank reconciliations and VAT returns.
• A sound understanding of double-entry bookkeeping and the ability to identify and correct posting errors.
• The ability to complete routine bookkeeping independently and recognise when an issue needs to be referred to an accountant.
• Confidence communicating directly with clients.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Excel.
• Strong organisation, attention to detail and the ability to meet deadlines.

Desirable Experience and Qualifications

• AAT qualification or equivalent practical experience.
• Payroll processing experience, particularly using Moneysoft.
• Experience with Dext, Hubdoc or Sage.
• Knowledge of CIS and workplace pension submissions.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV, clearly setting out your accountancy practice experience, the bookkeeping software you have used and the responsibilities you have undertaken.

Your application should explain your experience managing multiple client accounts, completing bank reconciliations and preparing VAT returns.

Applications must demonstrate the essential experience outlined above.

No agencies, please. We welcome applications directly from candidates only.

Pay: £10.85-£13.00 per hour

Application question(s):

• How many years of bookkeeping experience do you have within an accountancy practice?
• How many client accounts have you managed simultaneously?
• Have you personally prepared VAT returns and completed bank reconciliations? Please describe your responsibilities.
• What bookkeeping work have you completed independently using Xero and QuickBooks, and how recently?

Work Location: In person