Accounts Manager (Practice firm) in Harlow

Affinia is the UK’s largest purpose‑led, purpose‑built Accountancy firm, focused on building stronger, more valuable relationships.

With over 1,000 colleagues across the East, South East, London and the Midlands, we are dedicated to supporting our clients, colleagues and communities.

We advise businesses, public sector organisations, charities and individuals throughout the UK and internationally across six Service Lines – Accountancy & Advisory, Tax and Planning, Audit & Assurance, Corporate Finance, Payroll and Corporate Recovery.

Our team also offers in‑depth sector expertise across a number of sectors, ensuring our clients receive the best short to medium and long‑term advice, tailored to them.

We are committed to delivering excellence in every aspect of our work, adapting to the evolving technology and regulatory landscape while consistently exceeding client expectations.

Our people are our most valuable asset.

We are therefore committed to supporting our colleagues throughout their professional development, providing guidance and training at whatever stage of their career they join us.

Purpose Of The Role

As a Manager within the Accounts team, you will play a critical leadership role in delivering high‑quality accounting services to a diverse portfolio of clients.

You will oversee the planning, execution, and review of complex assignments, ensuring technical compliance, commercial effectiveness, and exceptional client service.

Responsible for managing and developing a team of Assistant Managers, Seniors, and Trainees, you will lead by example, fostering a culture of performance, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

You will act as a key point of contact for clients, maintaining strong relationships and identifying opportunities to add value through advisory, tax planning, and process efficiencies.

Working closely with Associate Directors and Directors, you will also contribute to departmental strategy, business development efforts, and internal projects, helping to drive growth and profitability within the practice.

• Accountabilities
• Manage a portfolio of clients across a range of industries, ensuring the timely and accurate delivery of statutory accounts, management reports, VAT returns, and other services.
• Plan, allocate, and monitor assignments across the team, ensuring jobs are delivered on time, within budget, and in line with internal quality standards.
• Review complex accounts and tax computations prepared by Assistant Managers and Seniors, providing clear feedback and resolving technical queries.
• Act as the main point of contact for key clients, building strong relationships, addressing complex queries, and identifying areas for additional support or advisory services.
• Monitor WIP, billing, and recovery rates on all client jobs. Ensure fee discussions, scope management, and overruns are handled professionally and proactively.
• Provide ongoing coaching, mentoring, and performance feedback to team members. Lead regular 1:1s and support development plans for Assistant managers, Seniors, and Trainees.
• Conduct formal performance appraisals and participate in progression and promotion decisions. Support recruitment, onboarding, and workforce planning within the team.
• Ensure adherence to UK GAAP (FRS 105 and FRS 102 specifically.

Where relevant IFRS), company policies, ethical standards, and regulatory requirements.

Flag and address any emerging risks.

• Assist Directors in preparing client proposals, attending pitches, and identifying new business opportunities within your portfolio or wider network.
• Contribute to the development of internal processes, systems, and efficiencies within the Accounts service line.

Lead or participate in project‑based initiatives where appropriate.

Skills/Qualifications

• ACA, ACCA, or equivalent professional qualification (fully qualified)
• Ideally 5+ years' experience in a UK accountancy practice
• Up‑to‑date CPD record and strong working knowledge of UK GAAP (especially FRS 102, with IFRS an advantage)
• Advanced experience in preparing and reviewing statutory accounts, VAT returns, and corporate tax computations
• Proficient in practice management and accounting software (e. g. CCH, Xero, Sage, Quick Books)
• Strong understanding of WIP, billing, and commercial metrics in a professional services environment
• Proven experience in supervising, mentoring, and developing junior staff
• Confident in delivering feedback and conducting appraisals
• Ability to manage team workflow, delegate effectively, and oversee performance
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with clients and internal stakeholders
• Ability to manage client relationships, resolve issues, and provide proactive, value‑added advice
• Commercially aware with the ability to discuss fees, scope changes, and service opportunities
• Highly organised and able to manage multiple priorities
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities
• Professional, credible, and aligned with the firm’s values and culture
• Culture & Core Benefits

At Affinia, our culture is driven by ambition and a commitment to positively impact all the communities we serve.

We are dedicated to the success, development, and wellbeing of our colleagues, helping them achieve their goals and seize the opportunities that come with our growth.

• Alongside a flexible and inclusive work environment, we offer the following core benefits:
• Opportunity to purchase 3 extra days holiday per year.
• Auto enrolment Pension Scheme with True Potential.
• 3 x salary - Death in Service.
• Professional membership support.
• Paycare – claim money back for Dental / Optical / Professional Therapies
• Dress for your Diary Policy.

Please note that this job profile is not an exhaustive list of duties but merely an outline of the key components of the role.

You may be required by your line manager to take on additional responsibilities when requested.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.

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