McDougall Johnstone

Accounts Assistant

McDougall Johnstone are a Glasgow and Lanarkshire based Advisory and Accounting firm who believe that their role is to provide advisory services to assist their growing client base whilst ensuring their accounting taxation and accounting needs are met. Our offices are  located in the heart of Glasgow and Airdrie with all the transport links and city facilities on their doorstep. They are looking for an Accounts Assistant to join their team.

What they offer

• A competitive salary in addition to the payment of your training and exam fees .
• Client contact from the very start, as being a successful accountant is not just about numbers
• The opportunity for quick progression and greater responsibility if desired.
• Experience of a diverse range of clients in different sectors
• Development from exposure other services, for example Personal and Corporate Tax, VAT, Corporate Finance, Management Accounting and Payroll.
• Full study package and financial support towards your AAT/ACCA qualification and a work life balance that supports your ongoing studies, if desired.
• Our unique training programme that provides real life opportunities to apply the knowledge that you will be studying
• Additional training in soft skills
• A dedicated mentor to support and guide you
• To be part of a sociable and collaborative working environment
• Working hours are flexible 20-37.5-hour week Monday to Friday
• Flexi time policy and other benefits such as a pension scheme and annual bonus.

The Candidate

• At least 2-5 year’s relevant experience in an accounting and /or practice environment.
• Take a genuine interest in our clients and have a desire to put them first
• Full driving licence will be required

£excellent basic salary + Comprehensive Study + Benefits

Main duties

• Preparation of financial statements for SME’s
• Bookkeeping duties for our clients using Sage, Xero or Quickbooks.
• Preparation of periodical management accounts for our clients and reporting in their required format.
• Client VAT Return preparation.
• Adhering to deadlines or at least notifying the client and Manager where problems are likely to arise.
• Take responsibility for your work and must be able to multi task in an organised manner. You must time plan your own work and client appointments.
• Meeting clients face-to-face and developing good rapport acting in a professional manner.
• Writing professional letters and emails to clients. Ensure the client can understand what we are telling them.
• Offer client’s a value added service, tailor accounts to client’s needs and recognise what information they are looking for from their reports and accounts. Understand their internal controls and where weaknesses are identified, suggest improvements.
• Ensure you understand the services that McDougall Johnstone can offer and identify areas that a client could benefit from other services .
• Helping others within the department and acting as a team player.

Qualifications required

• Good Academic results in Intermediaries, Highers or Advanced Highers
• Working and up-to-date knowledge of Sage, Xero or Quickbooks
• High standard of Word and Excel.
• Bookkeeping Cloud solutions - training can be provided
• Diligent and attention to detail.
• Able to work on own initiative, but also be a team player.
• Able to focus and concentrate in a busy working environment.

Desirable

• Experience in preparing Management Accounts
• Experience in the preparation of year end accounts from incomplete records through to client sign off.