Accounting Assistant - Top-Rated Cornwall Accountancy Firm

Client-Focused Role - Cloud Accounting - Career Development

Are you an accounts professional who enjoys building strong client relationships, delivering high-quality work and genuinely helping businesses succeed?

Do you want to join a modern, people-focused accountancy practice that is growing strongly, investing in its team and building a reputation as one of Cornwall’s best employers?

We’re looking for an Accounting Assistant to join Harland Accountants, supporting a varied portfolio of clients across accounts preparation, VAT, bookkeeping and payroll while working closely with both colleagues and clients in a highly collaborative environment.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a progressive and ambitious practice where your communication skills, organisation and client focus will be just as valued as your technical capability.

Ready to take the next step in your accounting career with a firm that genuinely values its people and clients? 

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The Role at a Glance:

Accounting Assistant
Falmouth or Helston Based / Hybrid
Competitive Salary Plus Healthcare Benefits, Birthday Off, Career Development & More
Full Time - Permanent
Working Hours: 9am - 5pm with flexibility considered
Hybrid Working: 3 Days Office Based

Reporting to: Client Managers

Company: Award-Winning Independent Accountancy Practice
Culture: Growth Mindset | Strong Relationships | Generosity of Spirit

Your Background / Skills: Accounts Preparation, VAT Returns, Payroll, Bookkeeping, Xero, KashFlow, Client Support, Cloud Accounting
Qualifications: AAT Level 3 qualified (or working towards), QBE, or studying ACCA / ICAEW

Who we are:

Harland Accountants is a growing independent accountancy practice supporting businesses and individuals across Cornwall and beyond.

We’re passionate about helping businesses succeed and equally passionate about creating an environment where our own people can grow, develop and enjoy meaningful careers.

Our culture is built around three core values: Growth Mindset, Strong Relationships and Generosity of Spirit. We believe in supporting each other, building trusted client partnerships and continuously improving how we work and develop as a team.

We’re proud to have been shortlisted for Employer of the Year and ESG Firm of the Year at the Accounting Excellence Awards 2025, as well as being voted by our own team as a Top 10 Employer in Cornwall in both 2024 and 2025.

As the business continues to grow, we’re looking for someone who enjoys variety, values client relationships and wants to be part of a collaborative, forward-thinking practice environment.

Ready to join a firm where people genuinely enjoy working together?

Working closely with Client Managers, you’ll support the smooth delivery of client work across a varied portfolio, helping ensure deadlines are met and clients receive a responsive and professional service.

This is a broad and varied role offering exposure across accounts, VAT, bookkeeping and payroll, making it ideal for someone looking to continue building their accounting career within a progressive practice environment.

Importantly, this is not a role for someone who wants to sit quietly behind emails all day. We’re looking for someone who enjoys speaking with clients, building relationships and becoming a trusted part of the client experience.

What your day might look like:

• Preparing accounts and tax returns for a portfolio of clients
• Drafting financial statements to a high standard
• Preparing and submitting VAT returns in line with Making Tax Digital requirements
• Supporting clients with bookkeeping systems including Xero and KashFlow
• Resolving bookkeeping, VAT and payroll queries from clients
• Supporting payroll processing and related client administration
• Working closely with Client Managers to deliver high-quality client service
• Attending client meetings and supporting follow-up actions
• Managing your own workload across multiple assignments and deadlines
• Supervising and supporting Trainee Accounts Assistants
• Supporting the smooth running of systems and internal processes
• Providing reception cover where required

About You:

• AAT qualified to at least Level 3, or working towards qualification
• Alternatively qualified by experience or studying ACCA / ICAEW
• Previous experience within an accountancy practice environment
• Strong working knowledge of bookkeeping, VAT and payroll
• Experience using cloud accounting systems such as Xero or KashFlow
• Good understanding of Making Tax Digital requirements
• Comfortable speaking confidently with clients and building relationships
• Highly organised with strong attention to detail
• AI-curious and open-minded towards new technologies and ways of working
• Proactive, reliable and solutions-focused
• Able to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively
• Positive team player with strong communication skills
• Full right to work in the UK without sponsorship requirements

Why Join Harland Accountants?

• Join an award-recognised and growing independent practice
• Hybrid working with flexibility built around trust and collaboration
• Genuine career development and progression opportunities
• Supportive and people-first culture
• Opportunity to work closely with clients and make a real impact
• Modern cloud-accounting focused environment
• Friendly, collaborative and ambitious team
• Be part of one of Cornwall’s Top 10 Employers

If you’re looking for an Accounting role where you can continue developing technically while building meaningful client relationships inside a supportive and ambitious practice, we’d love to hear from you.

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