At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team, ensuring top-notch client service and operational excellence.
- Company: Join Ascendant, a forward-thinking accounting firm redefining the industry.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonus potential, and company share scheme.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive culture focused on professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a growing firm that values innovation and client relationships.
- Qualifications: Must be ACA/ACCA/CIMA qualified with 5+ years in accountancy.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 60000 € per year.
Location: Sheffield S10
Working hours: Monday – Friday 9:00 – 18:00
Annual leave: 25 days plus bank holidays
Salary: up to £60,000 per annum dependent on experience
Bonus: Annual Performance-related
Equity: Company share scheme, (subject to scheme rules/eligibility)
Qualification: Professionally qualified (ACA/ACCA/CIMA or equivalent)
Experience: At least 5 years’ post qualification experience
About Us
Ascendant is a UK group with offices nationwide, in London, Milton Keynes and Yorkshire. This role is part of Nunns Accounting Services Ltd, a long established firm which makes up Ascendant’s Yorkshire region. We are on a significant growth drive over the next 3–5 years, and this is a newly created senior role designed to strengthen leadership at site level and drive consistent operational excellence as we grow.
Role Summary
This is a senior leadership role responsible for the full site and day-to-day delivery across Client, People, Operations, and Compliance. You will lead the team, maintain and grow client relationships, and ensure high standards of quality, governance, and performance. You will report to the Operations Director and will be expected to lead by example, embed the company values, and deliver a high-performing, client-first practice.
Key responsibilities
- Site leadership and performance: Take full accountability for day-to-day site performance, ensuring consistent delivery across client service, operational execution, and compliance. Set clear expectations and standards, driving excellence across quality, turnaround times, and client experience. Lead by example in living and reinforcing company values.
- People leadership: Lead, mentor, and manage the practice team, maintaining high standards of performance and professional development. Run structured performance management, including quarterly reviews, coaching, and development planning. Support hiring, onboarding, and retention activities as the site grows.
- Client leadership: Own and maintain key client relationships, ensuring proactive communication and high satisfaction. Conduct client meetings to discuss financial performance, recommendations, and practical improvements. Handle escalations professionally and ensure issues are resolved quickly and permanently.
- Technical delivery oversight: Oversee preparation and review of annual accounts and statutory financial statements for a range of clients. Oversee production and review of management accounts and performance reporting, including clear commentary and actionable recommendations. Supervise bookkeeping, VAT returns, and payroll processing, ensuring accuracy and timely submission. Ensure all client records are accurate, up to date, and compliant with UK standards (including FRS 102 and FRS 105 where applicable).
- Compliance and governance: Liaise with HMRC and Companies House on behalf of clients. Support clients with Making Tax Digital (MTD) requirements and good digital record-keeping. Maintain confidentiality and ensure adherence to GDPR and data protection obligations. Stay up to date with changes in accounting and compliance requirements and ensure the practice adapts accordingly.
- Operational excellence: Drive continuous improvement of internal processes, templates, and workflows. Implement and maintain strong controls, checklists, and reporting to ensure predictable delivery. Work closely with the Operations Director and wider group to standardise best practice across sites.
What success looks like (first 6–12 months)
- A stable, well-led site with clear standards, strong team morale, and consistent delivery.
- Improved client experience: fewer escalations, stronger retention, and proactive relationship management.
- Operational improvements implemented (workflows, QA, reporting) that scale with acquisitions.
Qualifications and experience
- ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualified (essential).
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in a UK accountancy practice.
- Demonstrable leadership experience (team management, coaching, performance management).
- Strong working knowledge of UK GAAP, Companies Act requirements, and HMRC compliance.
Required skills
- Proven ability to lead and develop teams in a practice environment.
- Excellent written and verbal communication (English), with the ability to explain financial matters clearly to non-finance clients.
- Strong client relationship management and stakeholder handling.
- Proficiency with modern accounting software (e.g., Xero, QuickBooks, Sage).
- Strong analytical and problem-solving capability.
- High attention to detail and strong organisational skills.
- Ability to manage multiple deadlines and prioritise effectively.
- Discretion and professionalism when handling sensitive information.
- Forward-thinking, motivated, and self-sufficient—able to lead beyond the numbers.
Equal opportunities: Ascendant Accountants is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of background.
Senior Practice Lead, Sheffield in Northampton employer: Ascendant
Ascendant is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises innovation and employee development. Located in Sheffield, the Senior Practice Lead role provides opportunities for professional growth within a supportive team environment, alongside competitive benefits such as a generous annual leave package, performance-related bonuses, and a company share scheme. Join us in redefining the accounting industry while enjoying a fulfilling career that values your contributions and fosters long-term relationships with clients.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Practice Lead, Sheffield in Northampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, or even hit up LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Senior Practice Lead role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, don’t hold back on sharing your knowledge. Discuss trends in accounting, compliance, or tech solutions. This will show them you’re not just another candidate but a thought leader.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews like it’s game day! Research the company inside out, understand their values, and think about how you can contribute to their growth. Be ready to discuss how you can drive operational excellence and client satisfaction.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team at Ascendant.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Practice Lead, Sheffield in Northampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Practice Lead role. Highlight your relevant experience, especially in leadership and client management, and don’t forget to showcase your qualifications like ACA, ACCA, or CIMA.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for our team at Ascendant. Mention how your values align with ours and share specific examples of how you've driven operational excellence in previous roles.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:We want to see your leadership style! In your application, include examples of how you've led teams, managed performance, and fostered a positive work environment. This will help us understand how you can contribute to our growth.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our innovative team at Ascendant.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ascendant
✨Know Your Numbers
Make sure you brush up on your technical knowledge, especially around UK GAAP and compliance requirements. Be ready to discuss how you've applied this in your previous roles, as it shows you're not just qualified but also experienced in real-world scenarios.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples of how you've led teams in the past. Think about specific situations where you mentored someone or improved team performance. This role is all about people leadership, so demonstrating your ability to inspire and manage a team will be key.
✨Client Relationships Matter
Be ready to talk about how you've maintained and grown client relationships. Share stories that highlight your proactive communication and problem-solving skills, especially when handling escalations. This will show that you understand the importance of client satisfaction.
✨Embrace Continuous Improvement
Think about processes you've improved in your previous roles. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve implemented changes that led to operational excellence. This aligns perfectly with their goal of driving continuous improvement, so showcasing your forward-thinking mindset will set you apart.
