At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the ABS team to drive operational excellence and innovation.
- Company: Join BKL, a top accountancy firm committed to sustainability and client care.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on team development and client experience.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a purpose-driven environment with a focus on ethical leadership.
- Qualifications: ACA or ACCA qualified with 9+ years in Accounts and Business Services.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 110000 £ per year.
Location: Hybrid Working – London EC4M / N3
Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 35 hour week (Flexitime)
Reporting to: Head of Service Line
Salary: £80,000 - £110,000
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. BKL is 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.
Your Opportunity
The Accounts & Business Services Operations Director ensures the ABS team operates as a unified, high‑performing department aligned with the firm’s strategy. This internal leadership role drives operational excellence, consistency, and innovation across all ABS disciplines, supporting sustainable growth and profitability through efficient delivery, strong client relationships, and high‑quality output. You will champion the development of people and teams, embed robust quality and risk controls, and leverage insight from data, technology, and marketing to strengthen BKL’s ABS proposition. By challenging existing ways of working and promoting continuous improvement, you will help future‑prove the ABS function, ensuring it delivers an exceptional client experience while supporting long‑term commercial success through ethical leadership, innovation, and scalable delivery.
How You’ll Make a Difference
- Department and Strategic Planning: Align the ABS team structure, capacity, and operating model with the firm’s strategic goals, ensuring effective collaboration across service lines and with other departments. Drive innovation and continuous improvement in processes, systems, and delivery models to improve efficiency, margin, and client experience. Oversee forecasting, utilisation, and pricing insights to ensure work is delivered profitably and at scale, supporting sustainable growth.
- Operational Excellence and Quality: Establish and embed robust quality controls, workflows, and risk management frameworks to ensure consistent, accurate, and timely delivery of client work. Champion best practice across accounts preparation, management reporting, bookkeeping, and advisory services, ensuring compliance with professional standards and internal policies. Support Pod Leaders in balancing skill sets, capacity, and technical capability to meet changing client demand and regulatory requirements.
- Team Development: Foster a high‑performance culture where teams live the firm’s values, collaborate effectively, and take ownership for outcomes. Partner with People and Culture to identify talent, manage succession planning, and reduce key person risk across the ABS function. Drive performance management, capability uplift, and leadership development within ABS Pods, developing future leaders and strengthening accountability.
- ABS Growth, Technology, and Client Proposition: Strengthen BKL’s ABS proposition by working with Marketing and Growth to articulate clear service offerings and value‑led messaging. Identify opportunities to expand advisory services, improve client segmentation, and enhance cross‑referrals with Tax, Audit, and other service lines. Champion the effective use of technology and data to improve client insight, automate routine work, and enable teams to focus on higher‑value activity.
You’ll Be Ideal for This Role If You Have:
- ACA or ACCA qualified or equivalent professional qualification, or 9+ years’ experience in Accounts and Business Services
- Demonstrated senior leadership experience within an ABS or comparable professional services environment
- Strong understanding of accounts production, management accounts, bookkeeping, and advisory‑led service delivery
- Proven track record of growing teams, improving operational performance, and enhancing client outcomes
- Experience of quality control, regulatory compliance, and risk management within an accounting function
- Strong commercial and strategic planning capability, including pricing, capacity planning, and profitability
- Excellent communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills
BKL is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified candidates eligible to work in the UK. GDPR training will be required for all staff involved in the role.
Operations Director in London employer: BKL
BKL is an exceptional employer that champions a culture of innovation, collaboration, and professional growth, making it an ideal place for the Operations Director role. With a commitment to sustainability as a certified B Corp, employees benefit from a flexible hybrid working environment in London, competitive salaries, and opportunities for leadership development within a supportive team. The firm prioritises operational excellence and client satisfaction, ensuring that every team member can contribute to meaningful outcomes while enjoying a balanced work-life dynamic.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Director in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the hunt for an Operations Director role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a great opportunity!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching BKL and its values. Understand their commitment to sustainability and how they operate as a B Corp. This will help you align your answers with their mission and show that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your experience in driving operational excellence and team development. Highlight specific examples where you’ve improved processes or led teams to success, as this will resonate well with the hiring managers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and serious about joining BKL as their next Operations Director.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Director in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Operations Director role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant achievements in accounts and business services to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role at BKL and how your values align with our commitment to sustainability and excellence.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive operational excellence and team development. Numbers and results speak volumes!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at BKL
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Operations Director, you'll need to demonstrate a strong grasp of financial metrics. Brush up on key performance indicators relevant to accounts production and management reporting. Be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive operational excellence in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership capabilities. Prepare examples that highlight your experience in developing teams and fostering a high-performance culture. Think about specific instances where you’ve successfully managed change or improved team dynamics.
✨Understand BKL's Values
BKL is a certified B Corp, so it's crucial to align with their commitment to sustainability and ethical leadership. Familiarise yourself with their mission and values, and be prepared to discuss how your own values align with theirs during the interview.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to drive innovation. Think through potential challenges in operational delivery and how you would approach them. This will show your strategic thinking and readiness to tackle real-world issues.
