About The Firm

Long established and dynamic, medium-sized firm that provide the full range of professional services including audit and accounts, management consultancy, payroll and taxation. Their aim is to be the ‘go to’ firm for small and medium sized enterprises providing a truly excellent professional service that is tailored to meet clients’ needs and requirements. Clients range from all fields of business, industry, the professions and arts, including large corporates operating nationally and internationally, privately owned businesses of every size, partnerships, sole traders and self-employed individuals and non-resident landlords.

Role Summary

You will be primarily providing support to the Directors and Managers where your main duties for this position will involve managing client relationships, supervising and training junior members of staff and developing the firm’s business via cross selling and attending networking events. You will also be assigned a portfolio of accounts clients.

Key tasks and responsibilities

• Deal with and manage a portfolio of clients
• Take primary responsibility for managing and delivering work for a portfolio of clients on behalf of various partners/Directors providing a book keeping, VAT, management and year end accounts compliance service. This includes work for limited companies, partnerships and sole traders, using both manual and computerised accounting systems.
• Work will include the planning, review and finalisation of accounts (including initial preparation work where necessary), dealing with clients’ taxation affairs and advising clients on general commercial business related matters.
• Manage and train staff on a day-to-day basis in respect of portfolio work, including working with the Accounting Solutions Supervisors to plan and allocate work within the team, based on level of experience and competence. This will include effective motivation, training and development and monitoring and evaluating work to ensure that departmental targets and objectives are met.
• Review work prepared by team members, providing constructive feedback and direction and guidance on performance improvement. Provide regular feedback on overall performance, informally and through the firm’s appraisal process.
• Provide supervision and task support to the wider team, sharing knowledge and providing guidance. Act as a ‘go to’ person for technical accounting queries from clients and other colleagues.
• Identify opportunities to refine existing departmental procedures to deliver a better quality service and to develop and promote the department.
• Other ad hoc duties as may be required from time to time in order to assist the smooth running of the department or to provide additional assistance to clients.

Key Skills, Abilities and Personal Attributes

• Significant previous experience in accounts preparation, book keeping and VAT work and qualified to at least ACCA or ACA standard (or equivalent by experience)
• Can demonstrate a strong technical and commercial knowledge and understanding of accounts processes including (but not limited to) knowledge of current accounting standards, VAT and tax matters
• Previous team management or supervisory experience
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, partners and clients.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively using written and verbal communication.
• Ability to work autonomously, but also collaboratively supporting colleagues as needed
• Flexible and adaptable approach to work, particularly during peak periods of work
• Ability to organise self and others, monitoring multiple deadlines and prioritising tasks to ensure completed accurately and on time
• Good attention to detail and the ability to assess situations and problem solve, proactively managing client and team relationships
• Strong leadership and management skills, with an ability to manage people effectively to raise performance and build engagement
• Confident IT and systems skills, with a track record of understanding client’s needs and using technologies to achieve effective management.
• Ability to use computerised accounts software, including Sage, Xero and Quick Books and confident Excel skills.