1st Formations is a UK company formation and compliance provider serving entrepreneurs, accountants, and professional advisers. Its online services cover company incorporation, company secretarial support, registered office and service address arrangements, AML and identity verification, confirmation statement filing, and access to banking referrals for UK and non-resident clients. The company also provides an Online Company Manager platform and legal document templates, combining digital tools with ongoing B2B support for businesses managing their formation and compliance responsibilities. 1st Formations is a Certified B Corporation and operates in the legal, B2B, and compliance sectors.
Senior Accountant – SME Accounts and Tax (Hybrid, UK)
Own accounting, tax, compliance, and client advisory work for SME, startup, and owner-managed businesses at 1st Formations. Help deliver accurate, scalable accountancy services while advising founders and supporting continuous improvement.
Description
- Serve as the primary accounting and compliance contact for a portfolio of SME, startup, and owner-managed clients
- Prepare and review year-end statutory accounts under UK accounting standards FRS 102 and FRS 105
- Complete and review corporation tax, VAT, and directors’ Self Assessment returns
- Check bookkeeping records and bank reconciliations for accuracy
- Produce management accounts and other financial reporting
- Guide clients on profit extraction, cash flow management, and sound financial practices
- Help onboard new clients, including setting up accounting systems and processes
- Support Making Tax Digital obligations for VAT and Income Tax
- Track statutory deadlines and ensure filings are submitted on time
- Resolve client questions independently and refer complex or high-risk issues to the Head of Accountancy
- Share expertise across the team and support or review colleagues with less experience
- Create internal guidance, templates, and resources for the AaaS team
- Spot opportunities to improve processes, tools, and client education
Requirements
- ACA- or ACCA-qualified accountant
- Five to six years of accountancy experience in practice or an in-house finance team
- Demonstrated experience preparing year-end accounts
- Practical knowledge of corporation tax, VAT, and personal tax for small businesses
- Background supporting SMEs, startups, or owner-managed businesses, or experience across a broad in-house finance function
- Ability to communicate financial topics clearly to non-specialist business owners
- Strong practical proficiency with Xero
- Experience using accounts-production and tax platforms such as TaxCalc, CCH, or IRIS
- Ability to manage several clients, shifting priorities, and statutory deadlines
- Collaborative, client-focused approach with confidence working across teams in a growing business
- Applicants are asked to provide their UK right-to-work status
Benefits
- Comprehensive benefits package
- Hybrid working arrangement
- Progression opportunities as the business grows
- Opportunity to shape customer experience and product development
- Workplace culture centred on ownership, impact, and ongoing learning