Principal Accountant (UK Accounting & Tax)

About the role

We are seeking a Principal Accountant to lead UK accounting and tax services for a portfolio of clients. Based in Colombo, you will work aligned with the UK calendar, delivering high‑quality financial reporting and advisory.

Key responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of UK‑based clients across multiple industries.
• Prepare and review monthly management accounts, VAT returns, payroll, statutory accounts, corporation tax computations and self‑assessment returns.
• Lead client meetings, present financial information and act as the first point of escalation for accounting and tax queries.
• Support accounting software implementation, process improvement and automation initiatives.
• Review work prepared by junior accountants to ensure technical accuracy and UK legislative compliance.
• Drive continuous improvement, internal controls and service delivery standards.
• Lead ad‑hoc accounting, finance and compliance projects.

Required profile

• Minimum 2‑3 years of UK accounting experience and overall 5+ years in accounting.
• Fully qualified or part‑qualified accountant (ACCA, CIMA, ICAEW, ICAS, CMA or equivalent).
• Strong knowledge of UK accounting standards, corporation tax, VAT, payroll and year‑end accounts.
• Excellent spoken and written English communication skills.
• Leadership, mentoring and problem‑solving abilities.

Required skills

• Proficiency in Xero.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel.
• Experience with QuickBooks, Sage, FreeAgent, TaxCalc, Dext or Hubdoc (preferred).