Senior Accountant / Pod Leader - Award Winning Practice
Senior Accountant / Pod Leader - Award Winning Practice

Senior Accountant / Pod Leader - Award Winning Practice

Milton Keynes Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a team and manage a diverse client portfolio while ensuring quality control.
  • Company: Join an award-winning accountancy firm known for its people-first culture and growth.
  • Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, private medical insurance, and long-term equity opportunities.
  • Why this job: This role offers real leadership growth in a supportive, collaborative environment with exciting social events.
  • Qualifications: Must be ACA or ACCA qualified with 5 years' post-qualification experience and strong leadership skills.
  • Other info: The firm promotes from within and values autonomy, making it ideal for ambitious accountants.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.

Job Description

Butler Rose are proud to be supporting a modern, award-winning accountancy firm experiencing significant growth following a recent acquisition. With a team of 80 and exciting plans to expand further, they are now seeking an experienced Senior Accountant / Pod Leader to take full ownership of a client portfolio and lead a growing team.

This is a standout opportunity for an ACA / ACCA qualified accountant with around 5 years' post-qualification experience, looking to move into a true leadership role – with a clear path to Senior Pod Leader, Compliance Director, and even equity in the business.

Recognised nationally – including Xero's Mid-Size Firm of the Year (2020 & 2024) and Independent Firm of the Year at the British Accountancy Awards – this firm offers a forward-thinking, people-first culture with long-term progression.

What You'll Be Doing?

  • Manage a portfolio of 50-60 clients (turnovers up to £10m; approx. £150k revenue)
  • Act as client manager – handling onboarding, billing, scoping work, and regular client meetings
  • Lead a pod of 4 team members (2 qualified, 2 trainees)
  • Oversee year-end accounts, VAT returns, and management accounts for both audit and non-audit clients
  • Carry out file reviews, delegate tasks, and maintain quality control
  • Collaborate with tax advisory and audit teams to ensure a seamless client service
  • Mentor junior staff and assist in their development and appraisals
  • Contribute to wider firm initiatives, especially as the new pods are integrated

Requirements:

  • ACA or ACCA Qualified
  • Minimum 5 years' post-qualification experience in practice
  • Strong team leadership and client management skills
  • Excellent interpersonal, organisational and communication skills
  • Commercial awareness and advisory mindset
  • Confident using cloud-based software (e.g. Xero, IRIS)
  • Hold a valid UK driving licence

Why Join?

This is the perfect next step for someone just below Partner level who is seeking real growth and progression. You'll join a firm that values autonomy and actively promotes from within. With a recent Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) structure in place, the team now owns 49% of the business, offering genuine long-term equity opportunities for those with leadership aspirations.

You'll enjoy hybrid working (3 days office / 2 from home), full flexibility around hours (core hours 9-4pm), and a 37.5-hour week. The environment is collaborative, with a strong sense of community and plenty of social events – from team bowling nights and football matches to lunchtime walks in the beautiful office grounds.

The Perks:

  • Highly competitive salary + company pension
  • Hybrid working (post-probation)
  • Private medical insurance
  • Death in service benefit
  • On-site free parking
  • Regular PDRs and clear career development to senior leadership
  • Opportunities for long-term equity through the EOT scheme
  • Supportive, people-focused culture in a growing and ambitious firm

If you're an experienced accountant ready to lead, influence, and grow your career in a firm where your future matters – this is the opportunity!

?? Apply now or contact Victoria Newing on / send your CV to v . newing @ butlerrose . com

#IND-HL-25

Butler Rose is committed to equality in the workplace and is an equal opportunity employer.Butler Rose Ltd is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.

Senior Accountant / Pod Leader - Award Winning Practice employer: Butler Rose

Butler Rose is an award-winning accountancy firm that prioritises a people-first culture and offers significant growth opportunities for its employees. With a strong focus on leadership development, hybrid working arrangements, and a collaborative environment, the firm not only values autonomy but also provides a clear path to senior roles and equity ownership through its Employee Ownership Trust structure. Join a dynamic team where your contributions are recognised and rewarded, and enjoy a supportive atmosphere filled with social events and professional development.
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Contact Detail:

Butler Rose Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Accountant / Pod Leader - Award Winning Practice

✨Tip Number 1

Network with professionals in the accounting field, especially those who have experience in leadership roles. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet potential colleagues or mentors from award-winning firms like the one you're applying to.

✨Tip Number 2

Familiarise yourself with the latest cloud-based accounting software, particularly Xero and IRIS, as these are crucial for the role. Consider taking online courses or certifications to enhance your skills and demonstrate your commitment to staying current in the field.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your leadership style and experiences in managing teams during the interview. Think of specific examples where you've successfully led a team or mentored junior staff, as this will showcase your suitability for the Pod Leader position.

✨Tip Number 4

Research the firm’s recent achievements and their culture, especially their people-first approach. Be ready to articulate how your values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their ongoing success and community spirit.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Accountant / Pod Leader - Award Winning Practice

ACA or ACCA Qualification
Post-Qualification Experience (5+ years)
Client Management Skills
Team Leadership
Interpersonal Skills
Organisational Skills
Communication Skills
Commercial Awareness
Advisory Mindset
Cloud-Based Software Proficiency (e.g. Xero, IRIS)
File Review and Quality Control
Mentoring and Staff Development
Collaboration with Tax and Audit Teams
Flexibility and Adaptability

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your ACA or ACCA qualifications and at least 5 years of post-qualification experience. Emphasise your leadership skills and any relevant experience managing client portfolios.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for accountancy and your desire to take on a leadership role. Mention specific achievements in your previous roles that demonstrate your ability to manage teams and clients effectively.

Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, focus on your interpersonal, organisational, and communication skills. Provide examples of how you've successfully led teams and managed client relationships in the past.

Showcase Your Software Proficiency: Mention your experience with cloud-based software like Xero and IRIS. If you have any certifications or training related to these tools, be sure to include them in your application.

How to prepare for a job interview at Butler Rose

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Senior Accountant and Pod Leader, demonstrating your leadership abilities is crucial. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams, mentored junior staff, and handled client relationships. This will show the interviewers that you can take ownership of a portfolio and lead effectively.

✨Familiarise Yourself with Cloud-Based Software

Since the role requires confidence in using cloud-based software like Xero and IRIS, make sure you're well-versed in these tools. If possible, brush up on any recent updates or features to discuss during the interview, showcasing your technical proficiency.

✨Understand the Firm's Culture and Values

Research the firm's people-first culture and their recent achievements, such as awards won. Be prepared to discuss how your values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their collaborative environment, especially in mentoring and team development.

✨Prepare for Client Management Scenarios

Given the client management aspect of the role, think about potential scenarios you might face with clients. Prepare to discuss how you would handle onboarding, billing, and regular meetings, as well as how you would ensure a seamless service alongside tax advisory and audit teams.

Senior Accountant / Pod Leader - Award Winning Practice
Butler Rose
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  • Senior Accountant / Pod Leader - Award Winning Practice

    Milton Keynes
    Full-Time
    43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.)

    Application deadline: 2027-08-01

  • B

    Butler Rose

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