Construction & Real Estate Accounts Senior

At Cowgills, part of the Sumer Group (one of the UK’s fastest-growing accountancy practices), we know our people are at the heart of everything we do. We’re not just colleagues – we’re a community. Our ethos, With You, means when our team thrives, our clients do too. We’re committed to creating an environment where you can grow professionally and personally, with access to mentorship, learning opportunities, and a clear path for progression.

We are looking for a Accounts Senior to deliver high-quality statutory accounts and corporation tax compliance services to a specialist portfolio of construction and real estate clients. The Accounts Senior will report to, and work closely with, the Senior Accounts Manager, clients and colleagues across the wider firm, taking responsibility for assignments to completion and helping to build strong, long-term client relationships.

This is a specialist sector role. The successful candidate must have relevant Construction & Real Estate experience and a genuine interest in developing deeper knowledge of the sector.

Key Responsibilities

Statutory Accounts and Financial Reporting

• Prepare statutory accounts for limited companies, LLPs, partnerships, groups and owner-managed businesses under FRS 102.

• Prepare consolidated financial statements and supporting consolidation workings for group structures.

• Prepare clear and complete working paper files, including balance sheet reconciliations and supporting schedules.

• Review client accounting records, identify issues and liaise directly with clients to obtain information and resolve queries.

• Ensure assignments are completed accurately, efficiently and within agreed deadlines and budgets.

• Assist the Senior Accounts Manager with technical accounting matters and more complex assignments. Corporation Tax

• Prepare corporation tax computations and CT600 returns for individual companies and groups.

• Prepare current and deferred tax provisions for inclusion within statutory accounts.

Construction & Real Estate Sector Work

• Prepare accounts and corporation tax computations for contractors, housebuilders, property developers, property investment companies, landlords, real estate groups and special purpose vehicles.

• Apply appropriate accounting treatment to construction contracts, including revenue recognition, contract costs, work in progress, accrued income, deferred income and contract profitability.

• Understand property development and property investment business models, funding structures and group arrangements.

• Develop and maintain knowledge of financial, accounting and commercial developments affecting the Construction & Real Estate sector.

• Contribute to the continued development of the firm’s specialist Construction & Real Estate offering.

Client and Team Responsibilities

• Keep the Senior Accounts Manager informed of assignment progress, emerging issues, deadlines and client requirements.

• Support, coach and review the work of trainees and junior colleagues where appropriate.

• Work collaboratively with colleagues across accounts, tax, audit and advisory teams.

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

• Relevant experience within an accountancy practice environment.

• Practical experience working with clients across both the Construction and Real Estate sector.

• Experience preparing statutory accounts for limited companies, groups and owner-managed businesses.

• Experience preparing corporation tax computations and CT600 returns.

• Experience with company groups and related corporation tax issues.

• Experience accounting for construction contracts, including revenue recognition, work in progress and contract profitability.

• Working knowledge of FRS 102 and applicable UK financial reporting requirements.

• A genuine and demonstrable interest in the Construction & Real Estate sector.

• Ability to communicate confidently with clients and colleagues and manage work to deadlines.

• Strong attention to detail, organisational skills and proficiency in Excel and accounts production software.

Belong @ Sumer

At Sumer, we know everyone’s journey is different. That’s why we’re committed to fairness, removing barriers, and giving people the support they need to do their best work. If you need any support during the hiring process, just let us know.

Our values represent what matters most to us and guide how we work every day:

• We Shine Together

• We Do the Right Thing

• We Make It Count

We know diverse teams make us stronger. That’s why we’re creating an inclusive workplace where everyone belongs and differences are valued and celebrated.

About Cowgills

When we work together, great things happen.

At Cowgills, we’re more than just accountants and business advisors, we’re your business partners, dedicated to helping you grow and succeed.

Entrepreneurial, straight-talking, and truly invested in your success, we’re with you every step of the way. We don’t just show up once a year to run the numbers and vanish. Whether you’re just starting out, growing fast, or facing a few bumps in the road, we’re here for all of it — from funding and tax to deals and strategy.

Clear thinking. Honest advice.

We’ve worked hard to be one of the North West’s leading and fastest growing firm of accountants and business advisors. We’re straight talking and entrepreneurial, with a focus on the commercial realities businesses face. That’s why clients count on us. We invest time in getting to know the businesses we work with, enabling us to give structured advice that makes a tangible difference.

In 2024, Cowgills became part of Sumer Group – a collaboration of renowned regional accountancy practices with a shared vision to champion local small to medium-sized enterprises.

By bringing together the best in advisory & business services, Sumer Group retains the value that community-based practices offer and combines this with the scale, breadth of expertise and technologies that only a national organisation can muster.

Through our unique approach, we believe we can make a real positive impact and achieve growth for our company, our colleagues and our clients. Together, we are about doing the right things, putting people first and delivering the best possible services to those who sit at the heart of our economy and communities.

People first. Always.

We’re a team of 250+ smart, energetic, down to earth people who care about doing a great job and doing it with a bit of personality. We work across many sectors, from property & construction, manufacturing & engineering, leisure & hospitality, technology and much more.

No egos. No corporate speak. Just people helping businesses grow.

Ready to get started?

Whether you’ve got big plans, tricky problems, or just need someone who gets it, we are here for you. Drop us a line, come in for a brew (with locations in Bolton, Liverpool, Manchester, Stockport and Wigan), and let’s see where we can take your business together.

We take our clients on a growth journey, which can start as early as accounts management and evolves alongside their ambitions.

Whether it’s scaling operations, navigating complex transactions, or planning for retirement, our full-service offering ensures continuity and expert guidance at every stage. We want you, our clients, to view us as true business partners – helping make informed decisions, maximise value, and prepare for the future