Hays are working with a Top 10 firm in Ipswich to source an Accounting and Business Manager for their growing team.
As a Manager, you will take ownership of a client portfolio, leading the preparation and review of accounts while ensuringpliance with relevant standards and deadlines. You will manage and develop a team, oversee workflow planning, and act as a trusted advisor to clients on a range of financial and business matters.This is a key role within the team, focused on delivering high-quality client service while contributing to the ongoing growth and development of the practice.
Key ResponsibilitiesClient & Portfolio Management
1. Manage a portfolio of clients, acting as the main point of contact
2. Build strong relationships, understanding clients’ businesses, objectives, and challenges
3. Lead year-end accounts discussions and identify opportunities to provide additional advisory services
4. Respond to client queries independently and proactively
Team Leadership & Development
5. Manage and support a team, ensuring effective workflow planning and delivery
6. Review work produced by junior team members, providing constructive feedback and coaching
7. Allocate work effectively, encouraging development through challenging assignments
8. Support recruitment, interviews, and development of junior staff
Service Delivery &pliance
9. Oversee the preparation and review of statutory accounts and financial reporting
10. Ensure all work ispleted in line with accounting standards and internal procedures
11. Manage deadlines across the portfolio to ensure timely delivery
12. Maintain high levels of accuracy and attention to detail
13. Monitor WIP and ensure timely billing, addressing any recoverability concerns
14. Challenge fee levels in line with job recovery andmercial performance
15. Contribute to proposals, tenders, and fee quotes to support new business generation
16. Drive efficiency improvements and adopt new technologies where appropriate
CorepetenciesClient Focus
17. Strong understanding of client needs, markets, and business environments
18. Ability to identify opportunities to add value and support business growth
19. Confident in managing client relationships independently
Technical Excellence
20. Maintains strong technical knowledge of accounts and business advisory services
21. Able to interpret financial results and provide meaningfulmercial insight
22. Shares knowledge with the wider team and contributes to training initiatives
Leadership &mitment
23. Takes ownership of team performance and workflow planning
24. Identifies skills gaps and supports ongoing development initiatives
25. Demonstrates enthusiasm and actively contributes to team and firm-wide activities
Technical Skills
26. Preparation and review of statutory and consolidated accounts
27. Ability to interpret financial data, including working capital and cash flow
28. Experience preparing and reviewing forecasts and projections
29. Strong understanding of VAT, including partial exemption and reverse-charge
30. Ability to identify and explain prior period adjustments
31. Experience advising on financial performance and business planning
32. Exposure to group structures, consolidations, and reliefs desirable.
Key Behaviours
33. Strong decision-making skills and confidence in managing responsibility
34. Ability to challenge existing processes and drive continuous improvement
35. Encourages independent thinking within the team
36. Demonstrates integrity and alignment with firm values
Qualifications & Experience
37. ACA, ACCA or equivalent qualified (or qualified by experience)
38. Proven experience within an accountancy practice environment
39. Demonstrable experience managing client portfolios and leading teams
40. Strong technical accounts and advisory background
What’s on Offer
41. Opportunity to lead a portfolio and play a key role in team development
42. Exposure to a broad range of clients and advisory work
43. Clear progression pathway within a growing practice
44. Supportive and collaborative working environment