Senior Bookkeeper

About Starfish Accounting

Starfish Accounting Ltd is an independent, growing accountancy firm known for its human-centred, high-quality, and compassionate service that small business clients rely on. The firm has been recognized as a finalist for the Accounting Excellence Small Firm of the Year and for Xero’s Small Firm of the Year award in recent years. In 2025, Starfish became a B Corp certified organization, reflecting its strong commitment to social and environmental responsibility.

Role Overview and Responsibilities

As a Senior Bookkeeper, you will be part of a dedicated team managing a portfolio of clients. Your duties include maintaining accurate Xero accounting records ensuring compliance and punctual delivery of reconciliations, VAT returns, invoicing, credit control, and month-end closings. You will lead new client onboarding by setting up bookkeeping systems on Xero and other cloud accounting platforms, while rectifying previous errors.

You will foster strong client relationships by providing clear, confidential communication about bookkeeping and VAT issues, ensuring client satisfaction. Additionally, identifying opportunities to streamline processes through automation and improved use of cloud technologies, including tools like Xenon Connect, is essential. Running bookkeeping health checks and highlighting areas in need of attention will also be part of your responsibilities.

Supporting your team’s development through mentoring, sharing best practices, and contributing ideas to boost processes and the client experience will be expected.

Candidate Profile and Requirements

This role suits candidates who enjoy interpersonal engagement, possess a sense of accountability, and appreciate the innovations offered by digital bookkeeping tools. The position does require strong communication skills, including comfort with phone and video client meetings.

Applicants must have proven experience working in bookkeeping within a practice environment and comprehensive knowledge of Xero. Excellent interpersonal abilities, a proactive attitude, organisational skills to juggle competing deadlines, and leadership qualities with openness to continuous improvement are required. Ideally, candidates will have completed or be pursuing AAT qualifications, though those qualified through experience are also encouraged to apply.

Additional Information and Application Process

Starfish Accounting promotes an inclusive and equitable recruitment process, encouraging applicants from diverse backgrounds. The deadline for applications is 5pm on Tuesday 18th August, with interviews scheduled in the weeks commencing 24th and 31st August 2026.

Applicants must submit a CV and tailored cover letter outlining their motivation and qualifications for the role.