Junior Accountant / Senior Bookkeeper
Job Title: Junior Accountant / Senior Bookkeeper
Location: Crawley (Office Based)
Salary: Up to £30,000 depending on experience, prorated.
Job Type: Part-Time, 4 day working week. Monday to Thursday, 22 hours per week. 9.00am to 3.00pm (Can be flexible), 30min unpaid lunch.
About Us
Optimise Accountants & Tax Advisors are a dynamic, technology-driven accounting firm committed to delivering innovative financial solutions. We leverage cloud-based systems, automation, and data-driven insights to provide exceptional service to our clients.
Our business thrives on collaboration, continuous learning, and embracing modern accounting practices with our clients at the centre.
As we continue to grow, we are looking for a Junior Accountant / Senior Bookkeeper who is eager to take the next step in their career, work with exciting clients, and develop within a progressive and supportive environment.
The Role
As a Junior Accountant / Senior Bookkeeper, you will play a key role in delivering high-quality accounting services to a diverse portfolio of clients to include sole traders, partnerships and limited companies.
As the second hire for the firm, you will work closely with the Managing Director to take ownership of tasks and develop your expertise in cloud accounting and bookkeeping services.
Key Responsibilities
- Maintain accurate books for a portfolio of clients using Xero, QuickBooks & Sage (and associated apps such as Dext and Hubdoc).
- Lead the MTD ITSA requirements from April 2026.
- Process purchase and sales invoices, reconcile bank accounts, credit cards, and loan balances, on a weekly and monthly basis.
- Manage VAT returns (Standard, Flat Rate, Cash Accounting) and ensure compliance with MTD for VAT.
- Assist in year-end preparation, liaising with accountants on final adjustments.
- Maintain fixed asset registers, accruals, and prepayments schedules.
- Identify process improvements and support the adoption of new technology.
- Prepare monthly & quarterly PAYE and CIS reconciliations.
- Prepare client queries for missing information / clarification to ensure accurate bookkeeping / VAT returns on a monthly basis and ensure timely responses.
What We're Looking For
- AAT Level 3 or 4 qualification (or equivalent experience).
- 3+ years' bookkeeping experience, ideally within an accountancy practice.
- Experience with cloud-based accounting software (e.g., Xero, QuickBooks, Dext).
- Familiarity with construction, e-commerce and retail clients, desirable.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and maintain accuracy under pressure.
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with a client-focused approach.
- A proactive mindset, keen to embrace new technologies, modern accounting practices and explore different ways of doing things.
- Confidence to work independently to deliver client expectations without management oversight.
- Strong understanding of UK VAT rules, CIS, and basic payroll journals.
- Excellent reconciliation and troubleshooting skills.
What We Offer
- A flexible working model to suit your lifestyle with only a 4 day working week with full time equivalent pay.
- Competitive salary with company pension, and private medical insurance for immediate family.
- Full study support for professional qualifications (if applicable).
- 28 days holidays (including bank holidays), prorated.
- £100 a month well being allowance.
- Regular CPD training and career development opportunities.
- A vibrant, collaborative, and tech-driven work environment.
- Second hire - huge potential for career development as the company grows.