Senior
Location
Colchester
Employment Type
Permanent
Department
Business South
Description
At Larking Gowen, independence matters. It gives us the freedom to focus on long-term relationships, support our local communities and invest in our people for the future.
We believe great client service starts with great people. That's why we're committed to creating a supportive and collaborative environment where individuals can develop their careers and achieve their potential.
We're nationally recognised for our commitment to work-life balance and believe that successful careers are built in an environment where people feel supported, trusted and able to develop. Whether you're building on existing experience or looking for your next challenge, you'll join a team that values collaboration, professional development and making a difference for clients across East Anglia.
Together, we're helping our clients, communities and people succeed.
Main purpose of the role:
To deliver high-quality, technically accurate work for a portfolio of clients, acting as a role model for less experienced colleagues and building trusted client relationships. Working with the Partners and management team, the Senior will contribute to team performance, the Firm's reputation and the growth of the department, while developing towards future leadership responsibilities.
This will be achieved by providing exceptional client service, reviewing the work of junior colleagues, supporting the development of the team and helping to create an inclusive, supportive environment.
You will have responsibility for all aspects of your portfolio of clients, as well as the opportunity to be involved in business development activities.
We believe great client service starts with great people. That's why we're committed to creating a supportive and collaborative environment where individuals can develop their careers and achieve their potential.
We're nationally recognised for our commitment to work-life balance and believe that successful careers are built in an environment where people feel supported, trusted and able to develop. Whether you're building on existing experience or looking for your next challenge, you'll join a team that values collaboration, professional development and making a difference for clients across East Anglia.
Together, we're helping our clients, communities and people succeed.
Main purpose of the role:
To deliver high-quality, technically accurate work for a portfolio of clients, acting as a role model for less experienced colleagues and building trusted client relationships. Working with the Partners and management team, the Senior will contribute to team performance, the Firm's reputation and the growth of the department, while developing towards future leadership responsibilities.
This will be achieved by providing exceptional client service, reviewing the work of junior colleagues, supporting the development of the team and helping to create an inclusive, supportive environment.
You will have responsibility for all aspects of your portfolio of clients, as well as the opportunity to be involved in business development activities.
Responsibilities
General
• Manage an appropriately sized portfolio of clients, reporting directly to the Manager or Partner, with a focus on delivering great client service.
• Deliver technically accurate work on increasingly complex assignments, meeting professional and Firm standards.
• Ensure you “know your clients”, communicating with them on a regular basis to enable us to provide a proactive service.
• Raise concerns, risks and opportunities promptly with the Manager or Partner.
• Review the work of junior team members, giving clear and constructive feedback.
• Ensure the efficient use of appropriate software packages internally and support clients’ accounting systems.
• Prepare accounts, corporation tax returns and personal tax returns in line with regulatory and internal requirements.
• Manage your own workload and client expectations and assist others with their workload.
Business Development
• Identify ways to improve client service, including taking a proactive approach to advising clients on forthcoming changes and working collaboratively across teams and service lines to support clients.
• Identify opportunities to develop and grow the Firm, including having an awareness of the wide range of services that Larking Gowen offers to spot opportunities to assist clients, and flagging them to the Manager or Partner.
• Take an active part in marketing events, when appropriate, acting as an “ambassador” of the Firm and consistently demonstrating its values and OneTeam ethos.
• Begin building an external professional network.
Task Management
• Plan and prioritise your own portfolio to deliver accurate, timely and commercially relevant work.
• Work within the budgets and timeframes set.
• Consistently achieve deadlines and understand the commercial implications of actions relating to productivity, recoverability, fee income and client service.
Coaching and Development
• Coach and support less experienced colleagues, building their confidence and capability.
• Encourage others to take ownership of their learning and responsibilities.
• Reflect on feedback and experience to support continuous development and proactively identify training requirements to assist with your own personal development.
• Ensure compliance with all CPD requirements.
Other Responsibilities
• Adhere to the Firm’s risk management policies and procedures.
• Ensure work meets regulatory, professional and Firm requirements, including anti-money laundering procedures.
• Suggest improvements to processes, efficiency and quality.
• Undertake other duties to meet the demands of the business, as required.
Person Specification:
Education and Qualifications
Essential:
• Professional qualification (ACA, ACCA or equivalent).
Skills and Experience
Essential:
• Post-qualified experience within practice.
• Proven ability to manage a portfolio efficiently and effectively.
• Proven ability to adapt quickly to changing deadlines and priorities.
• Experience of dealing with client matters.
• Experience of reviewing work and coaching junior colleagues.
• Knowledge of and experience with cloud accounting software.
Desirable:
• Cloud certifications (Xero, QuickBooks).
Personal Attributes
Essential:
• Strong organisation skills.
• Excellent communication skills (written and oral), adapting style to different audiences.
• Proactive in identifying practical solutions to internal and client issues.
• Able to operate at a high level of confidentiality.
• A “can do” approach.
• Innovative and able to use own initiative.
• A commitment to drive technological and digital improvements.
• Always prioritises delivery of excellent client service.
• Acts with integrity and accountability and follows through on commitments.
• Applies sound professional judgement and seeks guidance when appropriate.
• Stays composed and maintains quality under pressure and in busy periods.
• Contributes positively to team morale and a supportive, inclusive culture.
In return you will have support to establish your career with Larking Gowen at a pace that suits you both personally and professionally. We also offer benefits which include:
• Manage an appropriately sized portfolio of clients, reporting directly to the Manager or Partner, with a focus on delivering great client service.
• Deliver technically accurate work on increasingly complex assignments, meeting professional and Firm standards.
• Ensure you “know your clients”, communicating with them on a regular basis to enable us to provide a proactive service.
• Raise concerns, risks and opportunities promptly with the Manager or Partner.
• Review the work of junior team members, giving clear and constructive feedback.
• Ensure the efficient use of appropriate software packages internally and support clients’ accounting systems.
• Prepare accounts, corporation tax returns and personal tax returns in line with regulatory and internal requirements.
• Manage your own workload and client expectations and assist others with their workload.
Business Development
• Identify ways to improve client service, including taking a proactive approach to advising clients on forthcoming changes and working collaboratively across teams and service lines to support clients.
• Identify opportunities to develop and grow the Firm, including having an awareness of the wide range of services that Larking Gowen offers to spot opportunities to assist clients, and flagging them to the Manager or Partner.
• Take an active part in marketing events, when appropriate, acting as an “ambassador” of the Firm and consistently demonstrating its values and OneTeam ethos.
• Begin building an external professional network.
Task Management
• Plan and prioritise your own portfolio to deliver accurate, timely and commercially relevant work.
• Work within the budgets and timeframes set.
• Consistently achieve deadlines and understand the commercial implications of actions relating to productivity, recoverability, fee income and client service.
Coaching and Development
• Coach and support less experienced colleagues, building their confidence and capability.
• Encourage others to take ownership of their learning and responsibilities.
• Reflect on feedback and experience to support continuous development and proactively identify training requirements to assist with your own personal development.
• Ensure compliance with all CPD requirements.
Other Responsibilities
• Adhere to the Firm’s risk management policies and procedures.
• Ensure work meets regulatory, professional and Firm requirements, including anti-money laundering procedures.
• Suggest improvements to processes, efficiency and quality.
• Undertake other duties to meet the demands of the business, as required.
Person Specification:
Education and Qualifications
Essential:
• Professional qualification (ACA, ACCA or equivalent).
Skills and Experience
Essential:
• Post-qualified experience within practice.
• Proven ability to manage a portfolio efficiently and effectively.
• Proven ability to adapt quickly to changing deadlines and priorities.
• Experience of dealing with client matters.
• Experience of reviewing work and coaching junior colleagues.
• Knowledge of and experience with cloud accounting software.
Desirable:
• Cloud certifications (Xero, QuickBooks).
Personal Attributes
Essential:
• Strong organisation skills.
• Excellent communication skills (written and oral), adapting style to different audiences.
• Proactive in identifying practical solutions to internal and client issues.
• Able to operate at a high level of confidentiality.
• A “can do” approach.
• Innovative and able to use own initiative.
• A commitment to drive technological and digital improvements.
• Always prioritises delivery of excellent client service.
• Acts with integrity and accountability and follows through on commitments.
• Applies sound professional judgement and seeks guidance when appropriate.
• Stays composed and maintains quality under pressure and in busy periods.
• Contributes positively to team morale and a supportive, inclusive culture.
In return you will have support to establish your career with Larking Gowen at a pace that suits you both personally and professionally. We also offer benefits which include:
- Generous Holiday Allowance
- Life Assurance
- Pension with employer
- Medicash Plan
- Paid sickness
- Professional subscriptions
- Group Income Protection
- Annual salary review
- Option to purchase PMI
Requirements
Senior
Within Business South
Based in Colchester or Ipswich
Reports to Manager and Partner
Working hours (Full time 37.5 hours)
Salary starting from £38,000 dependent on experience
Within Business South
Based in Colchester or Ipswich
Reports to Manager and Partner
Working hours (Full time 37.5 hours)
Salary starting from £38,000 dependent on experience
Working at Larking Gowen
At Larking Gowen, our people get the very best career opportunities in accountancy and business advice. Whether you're just starting out and you’re looking for an Apprenticeship or Graduate opportunity or you've been working in the business for some time, we'll make sure you get all the support you need to take you to the next step in your career and beyond.
We pride ourselves on being a friendly business that looks after our people and is active in the community. As soon as you join us, you'll be working hands-on, and starting to build your own professional relationships.
Larking Gowen has been around for more than 130 years. We have gone from strength to strength and have built our reputation for loyalty and reliability. We're also forward looking, keeping abreast of change in a fast-moving environment.
Platinum credited training provider
Pension scheme (salary exchange)
Paid professional subscriptions
Rewards for client referrals
Social responsibility and charity support
Social and sports activities
Suggestion scheme and Innovation Fund
Paid holiday and option to purchase additional holiday through salary exchange
Corporate membership providing discounts on theatre and arts
Market Leading MediCash Programme
Employee Assistance Programme
3 x salary Death In Service
