Accounts Associate Partner/Partner
Department: Accounting
Employment Type: Permanent
Location: Belfast
Description
We Shine Together – Who We Are
Sumer Northern Ireland is one of the region’s leading accountancy and business advisory practices and part of the Sumer Group, the UK’s fastest-growing network of professional services firms dedicated to supporting SMEs.
Across the group, more than 2,500 specialists share a common ambition: delivering trusted, high-quality advice while maintaining the personalised, partner-led approach that sets us apart.
At Sumer NI, collaboration is at the heart of how we work. Our teams combine deep technical expertise with a practical understanding of the challenges businesses face, allowing us to provide advice that genuinely makes a difference. We are proud of the strong, long-term relationships we build with our clients and the supportive culture we create for our people.
We Make It Count – How We Work
We believe professional services should go beyond compliance. Our goal is to deliver insight, clarity and strategic value to the businesses we support.
Our partners work closely with clients to understand their ambitions and challenges, helping them make informed financial decisions and navigate change with confidence. At the same time, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of professional integrity, governance and quality.
Joining Sumer NI means becoming part of a leadership team that values collaboration, accountability and long‑term impact. Together, we work to strengthen our client relationships, develop our people and drive the continued growth of the firm.
The Role
We are seeking an experienced Accounts Partner to join our senior leadership team and play a key role in shaping the future of our firm.
This is a strategic, client‑facing leadership role responsible for overseeing the delivery of high-quality accounting and advisory services to a significant portfolio of clients. Operating at Board level, you will provide strategic direction, technical leadership, and commercial insight, ensuring our clients receive exceptional advice that supports their growth and long‑term success.
As a trusted adviser to business owners and leadership teams, you will guide clients through complex financial decisions while maintaining the highest standards of reporting, governance and compliance. Internally, you will contribute to the strategic direction of Sumer NI, helping to strengthen our service offering and grow our presence in the marketplace.
This role combines technical excellence, commercial leadership and relationship management, making it ideal for a senior professional who thrives on building trusted partnerships and influencing business outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
Client Leadership & Service Delivery
* Lead the oversight and delivery of end-to-end accounting and advisory services for a diverse portfolio of clients
* Ensure the accuracy, integrity and compliance of all client financial reporting and accounting activities
* Oversee the preparation and review of management accounts, statutory accounts and financial statements
* Maintain robust governance and quality assurance standards across client engagements
Strategic Client Advisory
* Act as a trusted adviser to business owners and senior leadership teams
* Provide strategic financial insight to support growth, risk management and long‑term planning
* Build and maintain strong client relationships, acting as a senior escalation point and key decision partner
Commercial Leadership
* Identify opportunities to enhance and expand client services
* Drive continuous improvement in accounting processes, systems and service delivery models
* Contribute to the growth and positioning of Sumer NI through market insights and client portfolio development
Collaboration & Advisory Integration
* Work closely with internal teams to provide integrated advisory solutions across audit, tax and specialist services
* Contribute to the firm’s strategic direction and leadership discussions as part of the senior management team
Corporate Finance Exposure (Optional)
* Where relevant, contribute to or support corporate finance assignments, including M&A activity, valuations, financial modelling or due diligence
Skills, Knowledge & Expertise
* Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
* Significant experience in senior client‑facing accountancy or finance roles, ideally within professional services
* Strong technical expertise in financial reporting, accounting standards and regulatory compliance
* Demonstrated experience advising senior leadership teams or boards
* Proven track record managing complex client portfolios and delivering high‑quality outcomes
* Exceptional relationship‑building and communication skills
* Commercially astute with the ability to identify opportunities and drive value for clients
* Experience in corporate finance, transaction support or financial modelling is advantageous but not essential
Why Join Us?
* A senior leadership role with influence over the strategic direction of Sumer NI
* The opportunity to work with ambitious businesses and high‑profile client engagements
* A collaborative and supportive executive‑level environment
* The chance to play a key role in the continued growth of a leading regional firm within a national group
* A competitive executive remuneration and benefits package
Belong @ Sumer
At Sumer, we know everyone’s journey is different. That’s why we’re committed to fairness, removing barriers, and giving people the support they need to do their best work. If you need any support during the hiring process, just let us know.
Our values represent what matters most to us and guide how we work every day:
* We Shine Together
* We Do the Right Thing
* We Make It Count
We know diverse teams make us stronger. That’s why we’re creating an inclusive workplace where everyone belongs and differences are valued and celebrated.
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