Information Density: Knight Accountants – Signal Evidence & AI Readability

[H1] Knight Accountants

[H2] Accounting
[H2] Taxation
[H2] Service Charge AccountsPayroll

"I would just like to say that I have always received a fantastic service and from a company that does so much in the local community. I can’t recommend then enough" Mr R. Hastings

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[H2] Accounting

Knight Accountants in Hastings and St Leonards on Sea can guide you through the process of the complexities in financial and business management.
We like to gain a full understanding of your business so we can give advice and recommendations tailored to your specific requirements.

[IMG: Taxation]

[H2] Taxation

We specialise in small business start ups. We can advise on the best legal structure for your business, whether it best to be sole trader, LLP or Limited company, and pride ourselves on offering down to earth practical business tax advice.

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[H2] Service Charge

Service Charge accounting for residential buildings are a specialist area for Knight Accountants.We can ensure compliance with Companies House (if applicable) and as importantly compliance with the landlord and tenant acts.

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[H2] Payroll

Is your payroll system becoming to time consuming for you to deal with? You could be dealing with more important things in the business than dealing with employee wage slips. Why not contact us at Knight Accountants. We will take the burden of payroll from you as the business owner and allow you to deal with those more important things in the business.

“We have been with knight accountants for years and have always been very happy with them. They are big enough to cover all your accounting needs and small enough to care.” – Mrs K, St Leonards

[H2] About Us

Knight Accountants is a firm of accountants, and business advisors based in Hastings and St Leonards on Sea, East Sussex. Knight Accountants cover the surrounding areas of Battle and Bexhill on Sea and beyond through the South East and London areas.
As well as providing accountancy, auditing and taxation service we also provide clients with sound “real world” business advice, helping them to develop their business goals.

“Knight Accountants have been brilliant with our service charge accounts! What impressed me most was not just that they are experts in service charge but their determination to keep costs down for us! Great people and great service, would highly recommend them to anyone….” Dianne S, London

[H2] Latest News

May 19, 2026
Senior Accountant ? St Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex ⏰ Full-time or Part-time | Permanent ? Competitive Salary + Benefits...Read More...

January 24, 2024
For residents and leaseholders in properties governed by the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, the...Read More...

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November 7, 2022
INTRODUCTION I recall writing a blog around 15 years ago about how I used to...Read More...

August 24, 2022
After many months of careful planning we are pleased announced the launch of our charitable...Read More...

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[H2] Contact Us

[H3] Knight Accountants
2-6 Sedlescombe Road NorthSt Leonards on SeaEast SussexTN37 7DGUNITED KINGDOMTelephone: 01424 425113E-Mail: [email protected]

[H3] Hours
Monday:9:00 am – 5:00 pmTuesday:9:00 am – 5:00 pmWednesday:9:00 am – 5:00 pmThursday:9:00 am – 5:00 pmFriday:9:00 am – 5:00 pmSaturday:ClosedSunday:Closed

[H3] Message Us

Senior Accountant
? St Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex
⏰ Full-time or Part-time | Permanent
? Competitive Salary + Benefits (DOE)
Join a Growing Family-Run Accountancy Practice
We’re a fast-growing, family-run accountancy practice based in St Leonards-on-Sea, and we’re looking for an experienced Senior Accountant to join our friendly and supportive team.
We pride ourselves on delivering a personal, proactive service to a loyal and growing client base. As our practice continues to expand, this is an exciting opportunity for someone who wants to play a key role in shaping the future of the business while developing their own career.
If you enjoy building strong client relationships, taking ownership of your work, and being part of a close-knit team where your contribution genuinely matters, we’d love to hear from you.
The Role
You’ll work with a varied portfolio of clients including sole traders, partnerships, and growing SMEs across a range of industries.
Key responsibilities include:
Preparing year-end accounts and management accounts
Preparing corporation tax, self-assessment, and partnership tax returns
Managing bookkeeping and VAT returns
Reviewing work completed by junior team members
Supporting and mentoring junior staff
Building strong long-term client relationships
Assisting the partners with practice growth and business development
Ensuring compliance with accounting standards and HMRC requirements
About You
We’re looking for someone who is:
Experienced within an accountancy practice environment (minimum 4 years)
AAT qualified, ACCA/ACA part-qualified, or fully qualified
Confident using cloud accounting software such as Xero and QuickBooks
Organised, proactive, and able to manage their own workload
Friendly and professional with strong communication skills
A team player with a hands-on attitude and strong attention to detail
What We Offer
Supportive and friendly family-business culture
Genuine career progression opportunities
Flexible working and structured flexitime
Ongoing training and professional development
Competitive salary and benefits package depending on experience
Opportunity to make a real impact within a growing practice
Apply
To apply, please send your CV and a short covering email to:
? [email protected]

For residents and leaseholders in properties governed by the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, the issue of service charge accounts is of utmost importance. These accounts detail the expenses incurred by the landlord in maintaining and managing the property, and they must be certified by a qualified individual in accordance with the regulations set forth in the act.
One crucial consideration for leaseholders and landlords alike is the qualification of the accountant who certifies these service charge accounts. The responsibility of certification carries significant weight, as it’s essential to ensure accurate and compliant reporting.
So, who can certify service charge accounts under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985? Let’s delve into this topic to gain a better understanding.
The Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 provides specific guidelines regarding who is eligible to certify service charge accounts. Section 21 of the act states that the accounts must be certified by a qualified accountant. According to the legislation, a “qualified accountant” refers to a member of one of the recognized accountancy bodies, to include the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), or the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), among others.
These professional bodies have rigorous membership criteria, and individuals who attain membership are deemed to have met the requisite standards of knowledge, professionalism, and ethical conduct. Therefore, having one’s service charge accounts certified by a member of these recognized bodies provides a level of assurance regarding the competence and integrity of the accountant.
It’s important to note that not all accountants are qualified to certify service charge accounts under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985. In essence, only those who hold membership with the recognized professional bodies are eligible to provide this certification.
Another key point to consider is the understanding of the specific requirements set out in the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985. Certifying service charge accounts requires a comprehensive understanding of the legislative framework and the accounting standards relevant to the preparation of such accounts.
The accountant needs to ensure that the service charge accounts comply with the prescribed formats and contain all the required information, as outlined in the act. This includes detailing the costs incurred, providing supporting documentation, and adhering to any specific regulations applicable to the property in question.
Furthermore, the certification of service charge accounts involves verifying the accuracy of the financial information presented and confirming that the expenses are reasonable and directly related to the management and maintenance of the property. A qualified accountant possesses the expertise to perform these tasks effectively while upholding the standards of professional conduct and ethical practice.
In cases where the leaseholders challenge the service charge accounts, having them certified by a qualified accountant bolsters the credibility of the financial reporting. The accountant’s professional standing and adherence to industry regulations enhance the legitimacy of the accounts, which can be pivotal in resolving disputes and maintaining transparent communication between landlords and tenants.
It’s important to recognize that the certification of service charge accounts is not merely a formality; rather, it serves as a mechanism for ensuring accountability, transparency, and fairness in the financial management of leasehold properties. By engaging a qualified accountant for this purpose, landlords and management companies demonstrate their commitment to upholding the standards set forth in the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985.
Additionally, the expertise of a qualified accountant can contribute to effective financial management, offering insights into cost optimization, budgeting, and compliance with regulatory requirements. Their involvement can go beyond the mere certification of the service charge accounts and extend to providing valuable financial advice and guidance to landlords and property management companies.
In conclusion, the certification of service charge accounts under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 necessitates the involvement of a qualified accountant who is a member of a recognized professional body. This requirement is designed to ensure that the individual responsible for certifying the accounts possesses the necessary expertise, integrity, and adherence to professional standards.
By engaging a qualified accountant for this purpose, landlords and leaseholders can instill confidence in the accuracy and compliance of the service charge accounts, thereby fostering trust and transparency in their financial dealings. The certification process, when carried out by a qualified professional, serves as a cornerstone of good governance and responsible financial management in leasehold properties.
If you need any advice in any this area please feel free to get in touch.
Graham Knight
Service Charge Partner
[email protected]

INTRODUCTION
I recall writing a blog around 15 years ago about how I used to manage service charge accounts year-end routines when I worked for Block Managing Agents which started in the year 2000. I thought I would give it another go all these years later…
Without sounding too biased, I have always believed that the accounts department of a Managing Agent is the heart of the firm. It pumps the blood around in the body, in other words, it brings primary cashflow to the Blocks/Schemes and a secondary cashflow to the Managing Agent (of course you still need to be paid).
HOW IT WORKS
Generally speaking, the majority of the Block year-ends will be December, March, June and September to either coincide with the month end of the traditional quarter dates.
This is where the “4 WAVE APPROACH” idea comes into play. The idea is that a large volume of work falls due on the same day. The idea is to clear that work before the next wave comes crashing in so to speak.
I will try to work the example below as a 12-month cycle of how I used to operate the Accounts Department. This may be slightly repetitive but effectively the 4 waves are the same in essence. In this example below I will work through how I would have approached 2023.
1. Around the beginning of December 2022 I would send out all due demands/budgets that are due on 25th December 2022 and 1st January 2023. That way we can begin to chase in any due funds as soon as possible after the due date.
2. WAVE 1. This then clears the way for the first wave! December year-ends could amount to over one-third of your year-ends (guesswork from experience). I would allow a couple of weeks to allow for bank statements to be reconciled and purchase invoices to arrive and processed into the system. I would then start to work on the year-end packs and get these sent to the Accountancy firm carrying out the certification or audit. My deadline, I would set myself, is to get these returned and signed by around the 1st March 2023.
3. Around the beginning of March 2023 I would send out all due demands/budgets that are due on 25th March 2023 and 1st April 2023. That way we can begin to chase in any due funds as soon as possible after the due date.
4. WAVE 2. March year-ends could amount to over one-third of your year-ends (guesswork from experience). I would allow a couple of weeks to allow for bank statements to be reconciled and purchase invoices to arrive and processed into the system. I would then start to work on the year-end packs and get these sent to the Accountancy firm carrying out the certification or audit. My deadline, I would set myself, is to get these returned and signed by around the 1st June 2023.
5. Around the beginning of June 2023 I would send out all due demands/budgets that are due on 24th June 2023 and 1st July 2023. That way we can begin to chase in any due funds as soon as possible after the due date.
6. WAVE 3. June year-ends is usually a smaller year-end batch. I would allow a couple of weeks to allow for bank statements to be reconciled and purchase invoices to arrive and processed into the system. I would then start to work on the year-end packs and get these sent to the Accountancy firm carrying out the certification or audit. My deadline, I would set myself, is to get these returned and signed by around the 1st September 2023.
7. Around the beginning of September 2023 I would send out all due demands/budgets that are due on 29th September 2023 and 1st October 2023. That way we can begin to chase in any due funds as soon as possible after the due date.
8. WAVE 4. September year-ends is usually a smaller year-end batch. I would allow a couple of weeks to allow for bank statements to be reconciled and purchase invoices to arrive and processed into the system. I would then start to work on the year-end packs and get these sent to the Accountancy firm carrying out the certification or audit. My deadline, I would set myself, is to get these returned and signed by around the 1st December 2023.
SUMMARY
I love an analogy so here goes…
When the first wave crashes over your head you need to be able to stand up, draw breath and be ready for the next wave. If you have not been able to do this by the time the next wave comes it can soon become overwhelming, difficult to manage and not knowing which task to prioritise next.
This is the key…slight plugging of our services to follow…
In order for this to work the Accountancy firm you use needs to have good turnaround times. Having worked in the industry I can relate to having to wait a long period of time to certify figures that have been reconciled and presented well. I know all too well that balancing adjustments and LPE1’s (used to be Landlords Questionnaires when I was a nipper) need producing.
Your external accountant is an integral part of your team and offering to your clients. If you get this right you are half-way there.
CONTACT
If you like what you have read and think we may be able to work together please feel free to get in touch for an informal chat. If you are getting this level of service from your Accountant then I am pleased for you and we are always here in the future.
Graham Knight FCCA
[email protected]
01424 425113

After many months of careful planning we are pleased announced the launch of our charitable arm Knight Foundation.
The main aim of the Charity is to help combat Mental Health amongst children in Hastings, St Leonards on Sea and the surrounding areas. We will have a proactive and reactive approach with a substantial amount of activities for children to take part irrespective of their background.
We have already held some initial meetings as well as an exciting strategic partnership involving a local charity.
There will be some exiting announcements to follow and look forward to sharing these with you.
Note: Knight Foundation is currently a not-for-profit registered organisation and will apply for Charity status once £5,000 turnover is achieved.
For details on how you can support Knight Foundation please contact;
01424 425113 or [email protected]