Job title:  Payroll & Accounts Assistant

 

Location: Mevagissey, Cornwall/hybrid working considered

Hours: 20 hours per week

Salary: Approximately £32,000 per annum, based on a 37.5-hour week, £17k per annum pro rata

Reporting to: Practice Manager/Client Manager

 

The Role

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We are looking for an experienced and organised Payroll & Accounts Assistant to join our team on a part-time basis.

 

This is a 20-hour-per-week role, offering a salary of £17,000 per annum, equivalent to approximately £32,000 full-time equivalent.

 

The role would suit someone who enjoys working with a varied client base, has strong attention to detail and is confident managing payroll and bookkeeping tasks within an accountancy practice, bookkeeping practice or payroll bureau environment.

 

You will support the team with client payrolls, bookkeeping, VAT preparation and general client work, helping ensure that clients receive accurate, timely and compliant support.

 

Key Responsibilities

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• Processing fortnightly, four-weekly and monthly client payrolls

• Preparing and submitting RTI returns to HMRC

• Processing starters, leavers, statutory payments and pension contributions

• Supporting auto-enrolment pension administration

• Responding to payroll queries from clients in a clear and professional manner

• Maintaining accurate bookkeeping records for a portfolio of clients

• Posting bank transactions, sales invoices, purchase invoices and journals

• Completing bank reconciliations

• Assisting with VAT return preparation and Making Tax Digital compliance

• Supporting digital accounting and bookkeeping processes for clients

• Liaising with HMRC, pension providers and clients where required

• Keeping client records accurate, up to date and well organised

• Supporting the wider team with ad hoc client work and administration

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​About You

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We are looking for someone who is reliable, accurate and comfortable working with confidential client information.

 

You will ideally have:

• A professional, friendly and client-focused approach

• Confidence communicating with clients by email and telephone

• A willingness to learn and keep up to date with changing payroll, VAT and compliance requirements

• Previous payroll and/or bookkeeping experience

• Experience working in an accountancy practice, bookkeeping practice or payroll bureau environment

• Good knowledge of PAYE, RTI and auto-enrolment

• Experience preparing bookkeeping records and reconciliations

• Familiarity with cloud accounting software such as Xero, QuickBooks, Sage or similar

• Strong attention to detail

• Good organisational skills and the ability to manage deadlines

 

Desirable but Not Essential

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• AAT qualification or working towards AAT

• Payroll qualification or relevant practical payroll experience

• Experience with CIS

• Experience preparing VAT returns

• Knowledge of accountancy practice systems

• Experience supporting small businesses, sole traders and limited companies

 

What We Offer

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• Friendly, supportive and professional team environment

• Varied client work across different sectors

• Opportunity to develop your skills in payroll, bookkeeping, VAT and wider accountancy practice work

• A values-led workplace where accuracy, honesty, client care and practical support matter

• 20 hours per week

• £17,000 per annum salary

• 5% pension contribution

• Health insurance/health benefits

• Parking provided

• Based in beautiful Mevagissey, Cornwall, with hybrid working considered depending on experience and business needs

 

Our Values

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• Trust - we build strong relationships through clear communication and reliable advice.

• Credibility - we take pride in accurate, compliant and professional work.

• Integrity - we act transparently, ethically and with respect.

• Customer Focused - we listen carefully, tailor our support and focus on what matters most to each client.

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To Apply

 

Please send a covering letter and CV to adminteam@forthaccountancy.com

or contact us on 0330 056 9912 for an informal conversation.