Accountant Contract Jobs in Bristol
Finance Transformation Manager (12 month FTC)
Posted 4 days ago by Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited
The Finance & Legal Transformation Manager will spearhead complex legal entity restructuring and transformation initiati...
- Rate Negotiable
- Category Undetermined
- Work type Undetermined
- Location Bristol, Somerset, UK
Stay Updated on Contract Jobs
Never miss another opportunity with our email alerts.
Save your searches to be notified as soon as new jobs are added.
Create a free account to access remote working contract opportunities outside the UK
Sign UpCreate a free account to access remote working contract opportunities outside the UK
Sign UpCreate a free account to access remote working contract opportunities outside the UK
Sign UpCreate a free account to access remote working contract opportunities outside the UK
Sign UpCreate a free account to access remote working contract opportunities outside the UK
Sign UpCreate a free account to access remote working contract opportunities outside the UK
Sign UpCreate a free account to access remote working contract opportunities outside the UK
Sign UpCreate a free account to access remote working contract opportunities outside the UK
Sign UpSort By
Saved Searches
No saved searches yet
Filters
IR35 Status
Working Arrangements
Industry
Sector
Posted By
Country
Seniority Level
Date Posted
Contract Rate
About Our Accountant Contract Roles in Bristol
What does a accountant contractor do?
Accountant contractors are engaged to support organisations with the full range of core accounting functions, from transaction processing and month-end close through to statutory reporting, audit preparation, and financial controls. Contract engagements arise most commonly when a finance function is under-resourced during a vacancy, when additional capacity is needed during year-end or audit periods, or when a business is going through a period of change such as a system implementation or restructuring. The breadth of the accountant contracting market means engagements range from relatively straightforward bookkeeping and reconciliation work through to complex technical accounting assignments at financial controller level.
Most accountant contract roles require a recognised professional qualification such as ACA, ACCA, or CIMA, or significant demonstrable experience in lieu of formal qualification at more junior levels. Technical accounting knowledge, accuracy, and the ability to work to tight reporting deadlines are baseline expectations across the market. Proficiency with accounting software is essential: SAP, Oracle, Xero, Sage, and QuickBooks appear regularly depending on the size and type of organisation. For roles involving statutory reporting or audit liaison, strong knowledge of UK GAAP or IFRS is expected. Contractors are generally expected to require minimal supervision and to integrate quickly into existing finance team processes.
What is the market like for accountant contractors?
The accountant contracting market in the UK is one of the most steadily active in the professional services space, underpinned by the universal need for financial accounting across every sector. Demand is particularly steady at management accountant and financial controller level, where skills are transferable across industries. Year-end periods and audit seasons create reliable spikes in demand. ERP system implementations continue to generate project-based accountant roles, particularly around finance process design and data migration. Rates at the mid-market level have remained broadly stable, though qualified accountants with specific system or sector experience continue to attract a premium.
What is the contracting market like in Bristol?
Aerospace, defence, and advanced engineering distinguish Bristol from other cities of comparable size. Major employers in the north fringe and surrounding area generate consistent requirements for systems engineering, safety-critical software, and security-cleared contractors, while the Temple Quarter and harbour area house a thriving technology and digital scene producing roles in product, design, data, and full stack development. Financial services and insurance employers add further breadth. This combination of engineering heritage and a vibrant digital economy gives the city unusual variety in its contracting opportunities. Defence and aerospace roles requiring security clearance command rates that rival the capital, while the broader technology and change market offers strong opportunity at a noticeably lower cost of living.
How much do accountant contractors usually earn in Bristol?
Contract rates for accountant roles in Bristol typically range from £300 to £600 per day, depending on the scope of the role, required expertise, and the delivery expectations of the engagement.
How many accountant vacancies in Bristol are there on Quality Contracts?
Over the past twelve months, we have tracked over 400 accountant contract roles across the site, with Bristol showing consistent demand. Data reviewed up to June 2026.