Senior Accountant / Manager

About Harrison Bernstein

Harrison Bernstein is a Kent-based chartered accountancy practice with a broad and growing client base. We work with everyone from self-employed individuals and property landlords to small limited companies, multi-unit franchise operators, and large commercial trading groups turning over £50m+. Whatever the size or complexity, we provide hands-on, Partner-led service.

What sets us apart is that we are implementing a unique AI-native platform and client-facing AI agent into the heart of our practice. This is not a bolt-on tool -it is a core part of how we deliver services, and our accountants work directly alongside the team building it. You will not just be told “we use the latest tools.” You will shape the workflows that do not exist yet.

We operate with a lean senior team, dedicated offshore support, and a culture of ownership. We are building for where the profession is heading, not where it has been.

The Opportunity

We are looking for a Senior Accountant to take full ownership of large, complex multi-entity client portfolios. You will manage end-to-end accounting, compliance, and reporting for client groups turning over £50m+, while also overseeing a handful of smaller groups and companies. This is a hands-on, high-responsibility role with direct Partner access and genuine influence over how the firm operates and grows.

You will also manage and mentor junior staff, liaise directly with clients' finance teams, provide virtual FD/FC services, and contribute to the development and deployment of our AI-powered accounting tools.

This is a flexible role with regular client visits in the Kent area, primarily Dartford and West Malling. You must be able to travel to these locations. We have offices in Gravesend, but day-to-day attendance is not required -flexible work-from-home arrangements are fully supported. The emphasis is on client delivery and results, not presenteeism.

For the right person, this role offers long-term progression including potential equity participation and profit share.

Role and Responsibilities

Client Services (80%)

Own the end-to-end month-end and quarter-end close process for two large multi-company client groups (franchise operators and commercial trading groups turning over £50m+) and approximately six smaller groups and standalone companies
Supervise and review bookkeeping staff to ensure reconciliations of bank, debtors, creditors, intercompany balances, VAT, PAYE, wages, accruals, and prepayments are maintained accurately and on a timely basis
Prepare group consolidated management accounts (monthly and quarterly) and coordinate with clients' finance department teams to ensure timely completion of all reporting requirements
Prepare internal audit-ready files and act as the primary liaison with clients' external auditors
Oversee VAT returns, Corporation Tax filings, and Quarterly Instalment Payment (QIP) timelines across the portfolio
Manage timely submission of all statutory filing requirements (Companies House, HMRC) and report progress to the Partner
Prepare draft personal income tax Self Assessment returns for directors and key individuals
Assist the Partner with ad hoc group tax planning, corporate finance advisory, and acquisition due diligence work
Manage and mentor two internal senior bookkeepers: set weekly priorities, review outputs, and support their professional development
Provide virtual FD/FC services to clients, including cashflow forecasting, KPI reporting, and board-level financial commentary

AI and Technology Implementation (20%)

Use GenAI tools and modern finance technology (including our custom AI platform) to streamline tasks, reduce manual processing, and improve accuracy
Liaise with our internal engineering team to design, test, and iterate new AI-enabled workflows, platforms, and client-facing agents
Act as a subject-matter expert bridging accounting domain knowledge and technical product development
Support the onboarding of new SME client accounts and contribute to light business development activity

What Success Looks Like

In the First 3 Months

Completed handover of all assigned client portfolios and established working relationships with client finance teams
Delivered at least one full month-end cycle independently for each major client group
Hands-on with our AI platform and tools (Claude, ChatGPT) as part of your daily workflow, actively using them to streamline accounting tasks and improve output quality

In the First 12 Months

Full autonomous ownership of your client portfolio with consistent on-time delivery across all deadlines
Measurable improvement in team output quality and efficiency through mentoring and process refinement
Active contributor to at least two AI/technology initiatives that streamline accounting workflows
Trusted advisor to clients, with demonstrable impact on client retention and satisfaction

Qualifications and Experience

ACCA member or finalist (FCCA or ACA designation advantageous)
4–7+ years of hands-on accounting experience, including significant exposure to multi-entity SME groups
Demonstrable experience producing consolidated management accounts, group reporting, and statutory financial statements
Practical working knowledge of UK VAT, PAYE, Corporation Tax, and Companies House filing requirements and timelines
Confident, fluent English (spoken and written) with clear and professional stakeholder communication skills
Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple client deadlines simultaneously
You must be a UK citizen or hold a current UK Working Visa. We cannot provide sponsorship at this time.

Software and Tools

You will be expected to work with the following software on a daily or regular basis. Prior experience is desirable but full training will be provided where needed.

Xero -Core cloud accounting platform (advanced use including multi-entity configurations)
Joiin -Group consolidation and multi-entity reporting
Mayday -Intercompany reconciliation
Iris Elements -Statutory accounts preparation and Corporation Tax filing
Office 365 Suite -Excel (advanced), Word, Outlook, Teams, and SharePoint
Claude / ChatGPT -GenAI tools for drafting, analysis, and workflow automation
Custom AI Platform -A unique AI-native accounting platform and client-facing AI agent being implemented across the practice

Desirable Experience

Audit working paper preparation and external auditor liaison experience
Comfortable using GenAI tools: able to write clear prompts, critically verify outputs against source documents, and iterate until results are accurate
Experience providing virtual FD/FC or CFO advisory services to SME clients

What We Offer

Competitive base salary of £60,000–65,000 (dependent on experience) with OTE performance bonus
Long-term progression pathway with potential equity participation and profit share for the right candidate
ACCA subscription fees, CPD, and ongoing professional development fully funded
Employer pension contributions
Generous holiday allowance plus bank holidays
Hybrid working arrangement (Kent-based offices with flexibility)
Direct access to Partner-level leadership and genuine influence over firm strategy
The rare opportunity to work at the intersection of accounting and AI product development, shaping tools that will define the future of the profession

Ready to apply?

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