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- Tasks: Manage a diverse client portfolio and ensure compliance for tax and accounting.
- Company: Join Affinia, a top UK accountancy firm with over 300 years of combined heritage.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, hybrid working, and professional membership support.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team that values growth, inclusivity, and community impact.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified Accountant with 5+ years in a leading accountancy practice.
- Other info: Flexible working patterns available; we celebrate diversity and equal opportunity.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Affinia is a leading, UK Top 50 Accountancy firm. Through successful acquisitions and organic growth, the firm has seen significant development within the last 18 months. Last October we launched our new brand ‘Affinia’ which saw the coming together of Richard Edwards Group and six other likeminded firms across the East & South East of England to form a combined challenger accounting, tax and business advisory firm. With a combined heritage spanning over 300 years, we have more than 400 accountancy professionals based in Stratford, Colchester, Chelmsford, Ipswich, Halstead, Harlow, Orpington, Sidcup and Sutton. We advise businesses, government and public sector organisations and individuals in the UK and internationally across seven principal practice groups: Accountancy & Advisory, Tax and Planning, Audit Services, Corporate Finance, Digital Solutions, Payroll and Financial Planning.
We have invested continuously in technology and gained in-depth knowledge across a broad range of markets, growing through acquisitions and private investment. We offer an exceptional service to our clients, with access to our sector experts to develop the strategy that will help them reach their goals. We keep a finger on the industry pulse, so our clients receive the best short to medium and long-term advice.
Purpose of the role: Affinia is recruiting for an Accounts Manager to come and join the Accounts department in our Halstead office. Working with the senior management team, you will manage a client portfolio of approximately 50 clients – diverse, different entity types and sizes with full support from the Director and the senior management team.
Accountabilities:
- Overseeing and taking responsibility of a portfolio of clients to ensure compliance for tax and accounting purposes with support from the senior management team.
- Be the first point of contact for your clients, working closely with the designated Director and senior management team.
- Assisting and taking the lead in the supervision of team members and the management of workflow through the office immediately.
- Collaboratively work with other departments within our group.
- Undertake the review of compliance work including year-end statutory accounts, VAT returns, management accounts and personal/company tax returns.
- Assisting clients with queries and advising clients where necessary.
- Assisting Directors with ad hoc projects.
- Begin to proactively build a network of professional contacts for the firm with a view to drive growth on both compliance and advisory work.
- Own and manage Work in progress and billing requirements on their portfolio.
- Take a lead role in supporting and training staff to ensure continued excellence and development of individuals.
- Additional responsibilities as and when identified in association with expectations of the role.
Skills/Qualifications:
- Ideally you will have a minimum of 5 years+ practice experience working for a leading Accountancy Practice.
- Previous experience as a high-level senior or assistant manager essential.
- Previous experience with assisting the management of a client portfolio and delivering a suite of services or substantial client contact and interaction desired.
- A qualified Accountant (ACA/ACCA).
- The ability to convey and explain ideas.
- Strong IT/Microsoft abilities.
- Exceptional communication skills essential.
- Driving licence desirable (due to travel to clients on an ad-hoc basis).
- Ideally hands-on experience with some client facing in a previous role.
- Previous experience of CCH desirable.
Core Benefits:
- 25 days holiday (FTE) plus Bank Holidays.
- Professional membership support.
- Auto enrolment Pension Scheme.
- Agile/Hybrid Working Policy.
- Dress for your Diary Policy.
- Free parking.
Affinia is a flexible business which has embraced a hybrid working model where our colleagues enjoy a mix of home and office working. We welcome applications from people looking for flexible and agile roles and we are happy to explore your preferred working patterns as part of your application.
Affinia is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our policy is unequivocal: we do not tolerate discrimination based on age, disability, sex, race, religion or belief, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, or sexual orientation. We pride ourselves on being an inclusive organisation that actively promotes equality of opportunity for all, valuing the right mix of talent, skills, and potential. We welcome applications from a diverse range of candidates, and selection for roles is based solely on individual merit.
Contact Detail:
Affinia Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Accounts Manager (Within Practice) (Halstead)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Affinia's recent developments and their new brand identity. Understanding their mission and values will help you align your approach during interviews and discussions, showcasing your genuine interest in the firm.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current employees or professionals in the accountancy field to gain insights into the company culture and expectations. This can provide you with valuable information that can be used to tailor your conversations during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience managing client portfolios and how you've successfully navigated challenges in previous roles. Be ready to share specific examples that demonstrate your ability to handle diverse clients, as this is a key aspect of the Accounts Manager role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your IT skills, particularly with Microsoft applications, as well as any experience with CCH software. Being able to discuss your technical proficiency will highlight your readiness for the role and your ability to adapt to the firm's systems.
We think you need these skills to ace Accounts Manager (Within Practice) (Halstead)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in accountancy and client management. Emphasise your qualifications (ACA/ACCA) and any specific achievements that align with the role's requirements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the role and the firm. Mention your experience managing client portfolios and how you can contribute to Affinia's growth and success.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, focus on key skills such as communication, IT proficiency, and team leadership. Provide examples of how you've successfully used these skills in previous roles.
Showcase Your Understanding of the Firm: Demonstrate your knowledge of Affinia and its values in your application. Mention their commitment to community impact and how you align with their culture and goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Affinia
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Accounts Manager, you'll be expected to have a solid grasp of financial concepts. Brush up on key accounting principles and be prepared to discuss your experience with managing client portfolios and compliance work.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Exceptional communication is essential for this role. Be ready to demonstrate how you've effectively communicated complex financial information to clients in the past, and how you can build strong relationships with them.
✨Highlight Team Leadership Experience
Since the role involves supervising team members, share examples of how you've successfully led teams or managed workflows in previous positions. This will show your capability to support and train staff effectively.
✨Prepare for Client Scenarios
Expect questions about how you would handle specific client situations or queries. Think of examples from your past experience where you provided valuable advice or resolved issues for clients, as this will demonstrate your problem-solving skills.
