Job Title: Accountant / Senior Bookkeeper (Onboarding & Setup)
Location: Remote/Hybrid
Employment Type: Full-time / Part-time
Salary: Up to £40,000
Job Summary:
We are seeking an experienced Accountant / Senior Bookkeeper to lead the onboarding and setup of new bookkeeping clients. The role involves setting up clients on our accounting systems, bringing historical records up to date, and ensuring accurate books from day one. Strong Xero knowledge and hands-on experience are essential, including configuring accounts and cleaning up existing Xero records. Responsibilities include running structured onboarding calls, reviewing financial information, configuring bookkeeping software, assisting with delegating tasks to the bookkeeping team, and ensuring records are accurate and compliant. This role is key to delivering a smooth onboarding experience and establishing a strong foundation for ongoing services.
Key ResponsibilitiesClient Onboarding & Setup
*Lead the onboarding of new bookkeeping clients from start to finish
*Conduct setup calls with clients to understand their business, systems, and bookkeeping needs
*Gather and review all relevant financial data (bank statements, prior records, accounting files, etc.)
*Set up client files in Xero
*Configure chart of accounts, VAT settings, tracking categories, and integrations
*Set up bank feeds, payment platforms, and third-party app connections
Bookkeeping Clean-Up & Catch-Up
*Bring new clients’ books fully up to date from their last reconciled period
*Reconcile bank and credit card accounts
*Review and correct historical transactions
*Identify and resolve posting errors, duplicates, and miscodings
*Prepare clean trial balances and VAT-ready records
Client Communication
*Run onboarding and setup calls with new clients
*Clearly explain what information is needed and timelines for completion
*Keep clients informed of progress and any issues found
*Provide a professional and supportive onboarding experience
Internal Handover & Documentation
*Prepare a clean handover to the ongoing bookkeeping team
*Document client-specific processes and notes
*Flag risks, outstanding issues, or advisory opportunities
*Ensure internal systems and workflows are fully updated
RequirementsEssential
*3+ years’ experience in UK bookkeeping/accounting
*Strong experience with Xero
*Solid knowledge of UK VAT, bank reconciliations, and bookkeeping best practices
*Experience cleaning up and catching up messy or incomplete books
*Excellent communication skills (written and verbal)
*Strong attention to detail and organisational skills
Desirable
*AAT/ACCA qualified or part-qualified (or equivalent experience)
*Experience working in a UK accounting practice
*Knowledge of multiple bookkeeping platforms (Xero, QuickBooks, FreeAgent)
*Experience creating or improving financial processes
*Experience working with e-commerce businesses and platforms (e.g. Shopify, Amazon, Etsy, etc)
What We Offer*Competitive salary based on experience
*Flexible and remote working arrangements
*Opportunity to shape and improve our bookkeeping process
*Supportive, growing team environment
*Career progression opportunities