Accounting Practice Manager in London

The Accounting Practice Manager leads the review and delivery of high-quality accounting and tax services across a large portfolio of SME clients. You'll oversee work produced by our outsourced team, handle complex client queries, and maintain compliance standards at scale in a high-volume, tech-enabled environment. ACA or ACCA qualification and experience in a recognised UK accounting firm are required.

We're looking for an experienced Accounting Practice Manager to lead the delivery of accounting and tax services across our growing portfolio of SME clients. This is a senior, high-ownership role at the heart of our newly created Accounting-as-a-Service division. You’ll be the primary technical authority for the practice — reviewing accounts produced by our outsourced delivery team, handling complex client queries, and ensuring quality and compliance at scale. Our model is high-volume and tech-enabled, and we’re looking for someone who has operated at pace before and knows how to manage a large client portfolio without compromising on standards. The ideal candidate has built their career across both top-tier professional firms and smaller practices, gaining broad exposure across industries, tax structures, and service lines.

Key Responsibilities

• Review and approve accounts, corporation tax returns, and VAT returns prepared by our outsourced team, ensuring accuracy and compliance under FRS 102 and FRS 105.
• Manage a large and growing portfolio of SME clients, acting as their primary escalation point for accounting and tax matters.
• Handle ad hoc client queries via phone, Teams, and email — covering corporation tax, dividend strategies, personal tax, VAT, and general compliance.
• Oversee and quality-assure work submitted by the outsourced bookkeeping and accounts production team.
• Develop and maintain standardised review processes and a centralised client FAQ library to support efficient delivery at scale.
• Guide and mentor junior colleagues, and collaborate with internal teams including operations and client services.
• Stay current with UK accounting standards, HMRC guidance, and relevant legislative changes.

What We’re Looking For

• ACA or ACCA qualified — this is a firm requirement.
• 10–14 years of total accounting experience in UK-based practice.
• Background from a recognised top 20–60 accounting firm, with manager or senior manager level experience.
• Experience in smaller or mid-size practices to give breadth across industries, client types, and service lines beyond a single specialism.
• Experience managing a portfolio of 100+ clients; 200–300+ is a strong advantage.
• Deep knowledge of UK corporation tax, personal tax, VAT, and FRS 102/105.
• Proficient with Xero.
• Confident reviewing accounts at pace and volume.
• Strong communicator with a proactive, commercially minded approach.

What We Offer

• £80,000–£90,000 salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Hybrid working model.
• A genuine opportunity to shape and lead a new division from the ground up.
• Clear progression pathways as the practice scales.
• A culture that values ownership, impact, and continuous improvement.

1st Formations is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, criminal history, disability, or gender identity. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.