Accounting & Business Manager - Music

Location: Hybrid Working – London N3 / EC4M

Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 35 hour week (Flexitime)

Reporting to: Accounts & Business Services Associate Director

Direct Reports: Accounts & Business Services Assistant Manager, Senior, Semi-Senior

Note: We're open to exceptional candidates at Assistant Manager, Manager or Senior Manager level. This is a growth opportunity, so we're focused on finding the right person rather than recruiting to a fixed grade. Whether you're an aspiring Assistant Manager ready for the next step, an established Manager, or an experienced Senior Manager looking for a new challenge, we'd love to hear from you. What matters most is your ability to demonstrate leadership potential, build strong client relationships, and bring genuine passion for the Music, Media & Entertainment sector. We will appoint at the level that best reflects your experience, capability and potential (salary will be adjusted appropriately).

About BKL

BKL is a Top 40 accountancy and advisory business supporting a diverse client base, from entrepreneurs and high-net-worth individuals to ambitious owner-managed businesses and multinational groups. With a legacy spanning over 130 years, we’ve evolved into a modern, purpose‑driven business that balances profit with impact. We are proud to be a certified B Corp, reflecting our commitment to sustainability, transparency, and responsible governance. As a member of DFK International, we support clients locally and internationally with cutting‑edge expertise and a personal touch. We believe all clients deserve the same level of care, innovation, and excellence.

About the Team

You’ll be joining the Business Management team within the Music, Media & Entertainment pod, a growing, specialist team that's part of our largest Service Line, ABS (Accounts & Business Services). The team works closely with entrepreneurs, high‑profile individuals, their advisers and more, supporting them with a range of specialist music, sport, media and entertainment issues, including contracts, tour budgeting accounting, and VAT.

The role of Manager is to lead the delivery of Business Management services for a portfolio of clients within the music industry, ensuring full compliance with relevant standards and statutory requirements. Fully established as a portfolio lead, the Manager oversees a growing and commercially valuable client base, providing tailored financial, operational, and strategic support to artists, talent and music businesses. As head of the Pod, the Manager takes overall responsibility for performance, driving team development, collaboration, and high service standards. Recognised as a trusted adviser within both the firm and the sector, they act as the main point of contact for clients, offering commercially focused insights and guidance to support their careers, businesses and long‑term financial success.

How You’ll Make a Difference

• Technical
  • Ensures accuracy and completeness across all client outputs.
  • Reviews tour accounts, VAT returns, and year‑end files.
  • Provides technical guidance on complex accounting or compliance matters.
  • Advises clients within scope and flags when specialist input is needed, including liaising with royalty consultant re audits or non‑UK tax specialists.
  • Leads adoption and correct use of systems and tools across the team.
  • Reviews workflows and reporting to improve efficiency and data accuracy.
  • Manages and reviews the data work that is managed through Karbon ensuring that the data is reliable and up to date.
  • Identifies processes gaps and drives systems improvements.
  • Oversees pod‑level metrics and understands key financial indicators.
  • Owns personal CPD compliance and professional development.
  • Actively engages in internal and external learning to strengthen leadership and technical skills.
  • Seeks and applies feedback to grow in role.
  • Monitors CPD progress within the pod to ensure compliance, without owning others development plans.
• Quality
  • Drives high standards and timely delivery across the pod’s client portfolio.
  • Uses coaching and review points to improve output quality.
  • Plans ahead for peak periods and ensures realistic timelines and resourcing.
  • Delegates effectively across the team based on skills and capacity.
  • Personally, manages complex or sensitive client work.
  • Tracks key deliverables and intervenes early to remove blockers.
  • Balances direct delivery with oversight and team enablement.
• Communication
  • Communicates clearly and confidently with clients and internal stakeholders.
  • Delivers feedback constructively in both structured and informal settings.
  • Leads team meetings and shares updates from leadership or technical sessions.
• Collaboration and Teamwork
  • Builds collaboration across pods and wider team to solve shared challenges.
  • Leads cross‑functional or departmental initiatives.
  • Fosters a culture of openness, trust and shared responsibility.
  • Offers hands‑on support where resources or expertise is needed.
• Client Relationship Management
  • Manages end to end client relationships across the portfolio.
  • Leads conversations around scope, fees and service levels.
  • Identifies evolving client needs and responds proactively.
  • Ensures consistent, high‑quality service aligned with client expectations.
• Ethics and Professional Conduct
  • Sets and upholds strong standards of ethics, confidentiality and compliance.
  • Acts quickly and transparently when issues arise.
  • Holds others accountable to professional conduct and firm values.
  • Models integrity in all internal and client‑facing interactions.
• Leadership and Mentoring
  • Leads 1:1s, pod meetings, and regular coaching conversations.
  • Oversees performance reviews and supports career development planning.
  • Coaches team members to become independent problem‑solvers.
  • Shapes a growth‑minded culture through resilience, curiosity and openness.

You’ll Be Ideal for This Role If You Have:

• Experience
  • Typically, 6+ years of accounts and business service experience, with several years in a managerial role.
  • Managing a portfolio with a focus on profitability within the ABS function.
  • Representing the firm externally and contributing to its strategic growth.
  • Several years’ experience within a managerial role.
• Skills
  • Strategic thinking and commercial acumen.
  • Strong leadership and team management skills, with experience developing high‑performing teams.
  • Excellent stakeholder management and ability to build lasting client relationships.
  • Business development capabilities, including identifying new opportunities and driving growth.
  • Ability to handle complex and high‑profile engagements.
• Qualifications
  • ACA / ACCA qualified (or equivalent) with significant post‑qualification experience.

We know you have a lot to offer, which is why we give you the freedom to thrive, no matter who you are or what your background is.

Our Values

• Think Big – Be curious, brave, and open to new ideas.
• In It Together – Collaborate, care, and build an inclusive culture.
• Take Pride – Strive for excellence and believe in your impact.
• Do the Right Thing – Act with integrity, honesty, and fairness.
• Enjoy It – Bring your whole self to work and have fun doing it.

Working With Us: Your Benefits, Wellbeing & Development

At BKL, we’re committed to creating a people‑first workplace where everyone can thrive. We offer a carefully curated benefits package, wellbeing support, and meaningful development opportunities that empower you to grow your career.

Snapshot of our Benefits Package

• Private Medical Insurance (PMI) – including mental health cover, hospital treatment & 24/7 GP access.
• Health Cash Plans – covering everyday costs like dental, optical & physiotherapy and an Employee Assistance Programme.
• Pension scheme – helping you save for retirement in a tax‑efficient way.
• Group Life Assurance – peace of mind with financial protection for your loved ones.
• Cashback & savings portal – discounts across hundreds of high‑street and online retailers.
• Cycle to Work Scheme – spread the cost of a new bike and accessories tax‑free.
• Electric Vehicle Scheme – sustainable transportation options that include roadside support and servicing.
• Free Mortgage Advice – expert guidance for your home‑buying journey.
• Season Ticket Loan – support with travel expenses.
• Enhanced Family Leave – generous leave policies for family‑related needs.
• Holiday Entitlement – generous entitlement which increases with promotion.

Development & Growth

• Clear development pathways and progression frameworks.
• Professional qualifications support – including study time and funding.
• Internal mentoring, coaching, and buddying schemes.
• Leadership development programmes to help you grow with us.
• Regular check‑ins and performance conversations – driven by your goals, not just metrics.

Take Your Next Step

Ready to grow your career with a company that balances ambition with purpose? Apply today and discover how far you can go at BKL.

Our recruitment process typically involves three stages:

• An introductory Teams call with our Talent Acquisition team.
• A first‑stage interview with two team members.
• A final interview at our London office, including a tour to give you a feel for our working environment.

Compliance & Equal Opportunities

In addition to the responsibilities listed above, you will be required to undertake GDPR training in order to fully understand the regulations and ensure all work is carried out in a compliant manner. As part of any recruitment process, BKL collects and processes personal data relating to job applicants. BKL is committed to being transparent about how it collects and uses that data and to meeting its data protection obligations. BKL is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified candidates eligible to work in the UK.