Accounts Manager

We are recruiting for the following position for our Middlesbrough office.

As an Accounts Manager at Clive Owen LLP, you’ll play a key role in shaping how we deliver high‑quality accounting services across a diverse and exciting client base. This isn’t just about managing compliance work — it’s about leading a team, driving improvement, and helping clients thrive. If you’re motivated by continuous improvement, innovation and making a real impact, you’ll feel at home here.

What you’ll be doing:

• Lead and develop a portfolio of client assignments across a range of industries, ensuring high‑quality delivery and an excellent client experience.
• Plan and manage year‑end accounts work, collaborating with managers, senior managers and partners to ensure all engagements meet the relevant reporting standards.
• Inspire, support and manage your team — including allocating work, coaching, reviewing output, holding weekly updates, providing feedback and completing appraisals.
• Use digital tools and technology to streamline processes, enhance accuracy, and drive efficiencies across the department.
• Build trusted relationships with clients and support them with practical accounting and commercial advice.
• Oversee the preparation of working papers, financial statements and client files in line with firm standards.
• Monitor job progress, ensuring assignments are completed on time and within budget, and manage monthly billing for your portfolio.
• Represent the firm confidently by attending client meetings, networking events and relevant team or departmental discussions.
• Contribute ideas that improve our systems, processes and ways of working, supporting the firm’s culture of continual improvement.

What we’re looking for:

• ACA/ACCA qualified with recent general practice experience.
• Strong technical knowledge across accounts (and ideally tax).
• Experience supervising or managing a team.
• Proven ability to lead assignments from planning through to completion.
• Excellent communication skills and confidence engaging with clients and colleagues.
• Strong organisational and problem‑solving skills, with a proactive and adaptable approach.
• A commitment to delivering exceptional client service and building long‑term relationships.
• Ability to travel to client sites when needed.
• Experience with Sage, Xero, QuickBooks, Iris, Caseware or MyWorkPapers.
• Leadership & People Management – sets clear expectations, empowers others, and builds a strong, motivated team.
• Working with People – communicates openly, builds relationships and promotes a positive team culture.
• Communication – delivers clear, confident written and verbal communication tailored to the audience.
• Technical Expertise – applies strong accounting knowledge and leverages technology to achieve high‑quality outcomes.
• Analysis & Judgement – interprets information effectively and develops workable solutions.
• Planning & Organisation – prioritises effectively, manages time well and achieves deadlines.
• Client Focus – seeks to understand client needs, delivers high standards and builds trust.
• Resilience & Adaptability – stays focused under pressure, responds well to challenges, and seeks continuous improvement.