30th April, 2026
Client Accountant / Manager - growing independent firm
Southend-on-Sea
Hybrid working offered
£40,000-£50,000
An established and forward-thinking independent Chartered practice in Southend-on-Sea is looking to appoint a Client Accountant / Manager to take ownership of a client base undergoing some exciting growth.
Working primarily with owner-managed businesses and SMEs, the firm prides itself on delivering practical, high-quality advice, building trusted relationships and embracing modern systems.
This role will therefore suit a confident practice professional who enjoys working closely with clients, taking responsibility for outcomes and supporting the development of others.
The Role
This is a broad and autonomous role combining technical delivery and client management. You will manage your own client workload from start to finish while acting as a sounding board for both clients and colleagues.
Alongside preparing and reviewing accounts and tax work, you will help shape processes, review junior team output and ensure work is completed efficiently, accurately and on time.
Key Responsibilities
* Acting as lead contact for a portfolio of SME and owner-managed business clients
* Overseeing the preparation and review of year-end accounts and related tax work with an emphasis on personal tax
* Reviewing personal tax returns and self‑assessment filings
* Delivering management accounts and performance reports where required
* Reviewing junior staff work and providing technical and practical guidance
* Maintaining strong relationships built on clear communication and trust
* Systems: Statutory accounts and tax are prepared using SAPA, alongside a suite of cloud platforms such as Xero, QuickBooks and Sage.
About You
* Several years' experience in a general practice role with exposure to accounts and personal tax (minimum 5)
* Previous responsibility for managing clients independently
* Strong organisational skills and a natural ability to prioritise workloads
* Comfortable reviewing work and supporting less experienced team members
* Commercially minded with a client‑focused approach
* Based within reasonable commuting distance of Southend-on-Sea
What's on Offer
* Competitive salary between £45,000 and £50,000, depending on experience
* Hybrid working and flexible hours available following a qualifying period
* A varied role with genuine responsibility and autonomy
* Welcoming, professional team environment with long‑term career prospects
* Stable firm with a loyal client base and exciting forward growth plans
This is a genuinely exciting role, a great firm and lovely people. If you are looking for a new permanent firm to grow with, please apply now!
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