Accountant in Ilkley

Baltic Recruitment are currently recruiting for a Permanent and Experienced Accountant for a client located in Ilkley, West Yorkshire. Our client is seeking an experienced, qualified Accountant with tax knowledge and experience to take responsibility for a significant portfolio of client fees while playing a key leadership role within the practice. This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially minded professional who enjoys building client relationships, leading teams, driving operational improvements, and contributing to business growth.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Client Relationship Management
  • Act as the primary point of contact for a portfolio of clients, building trusted long-term relationships.
  • Review and discuss financial statements and reports with clients, providing clear commercial insight.
  • Prepare and maintain client profile summaries.
  • Analyse financial information and recommend practical actions to improve business performance.
  • Provide proactive advice on accounting, taxation, profitability, and business improvement opportunities.
  • Negotiate engagement terms and service agreements where appropriate.
  • Maintain strict confidentiality of client information and ensure compliance with professional standards.
  • Identify and report potential money laundering risks in accordance with regulatory requirements.
• Accounts & Tax Review
  • Review accounts, tax returns, and other work prepared by the accounts team to ensure technical accuracy and compliance.
  • Assist the Head of Tax with technical tax matters and planning opportunities.
  • Ensure compliance with relevant accounting standards, tax legislation, and regulatory requirements.
  • Provide guidance and support to team members on complex accounting and taxation issues.
• Account Management
  • Ensure timely and accurate billing, fee collection, and overall portfolio profitability.
  • Work closely with the shared services team in India to monitor invoice production and client fee collection.
  • Liaise directly with clients where necessary to resolve billing or payment matters.
  • Review and standardise client engagement letters and service documentation.
• Leadership & Team Management
  • Lead, mentor, and develop UK-based accounting staff while effectively managing the shared services team in India.
  • Foster collaboration across all office locations to deliver an exceptional client experience.
  • Monitor workloads, deadlines, and quality standards to ensure efficient service delivery.
  • Drive continuous improvement by identifying and implementing best practices across the practice.
  • Support the management of office operations, IT systems, and security alongside senior leadership.
• Business Development
  • Support the Business Development Director in winning new business opportunities.
  • Meet prospective clients to understand their requirements and prepare tailored proposals, with Director support where appropriate.
  • Identify opportunities to expand services to existing clients through proactive relationship management.
  • Contribute to the continued growth and development of the practice.
• Professional Development
  • Maintain up-to-date technical knowledge through CPD, professional training, industry publications, and networking.
  • Keep informed of changes in accounting standards, tax legislation, and regulatory requirements.

Applicants:

• ACA, ACCA, or equivalent professional accounting qualification or qualified by experience.
• Strong taxation knowledge and practical experience.
• Experience reviewing statutory accounts and tax work.
• Excellent client relationship and communication skills.
• Previous team leadership or management experience.
• Strong commercial awareness and problem-solving ability.
• High level of attention to detail and organisational skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and cloud-based accounting software.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

Working Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm based at our client's Ilkley office, however once settled into the role; there is flexibility to work from home when needed. Salary is negotiable.