Lead Client Accountant

Our client is a growing professional services business supporting a diverse portfolio of UK and international clients. They are seeking an experienced and commercially minded Lead Client Accountant to join their expanding team. This is a senior, hands-on position focused on managing a portfolio of clients, delivering high-quality accounting services, and acting as a trusted advisor on complex financial and compliance matters. The successful candidate will play a key role in maintaining strong client relationships, driving service excellence, and supporting business growth initiatives. The role would suit a technically strong accountant who enjoys client interaction, takes ownership of delivery, and thrives in a fast-paced, evolving environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Client Portfolio Management
  • Manage and develop a portfolio of clients across a range of sectors.
  • Act as the primary accounting contact for assigned clients.
  • Build and maintain strong, long-term client relationships.
  • Ensure high standards of service delivery and client satisfaction.
  • Identify opportunities to expand services and add value to client engagements.
  • Collaborate with internal stakeholders to deliver a seamless client experience.
• Accounting & Compliance
  • Prepare and review statutory accounts in accordance with UK accounting standards.
  • Produce management accounts, reconciliations, journals, and supporting schedules.
  • Oversee compliance requirements including VAT returns, Corporation Tax returns, Companies House filings, and other statutory obligations.
  • Provide technical accounting guidance on complex matters.
  • Support clients operating across multiple entities and jurisdictions.
  • Ensure deadlines and service commitments are consistently achieved.
• Advisory & Technical Support
  • Provide practical accounting and business advice to clients.
  • Support complex client projects and business initiatives.
  • Assist with onboarding new clients and designing service solutions.
  • Contribute technical expertise during proposal and business development activities when required.
  • Act as a technical resource for colleagues across the wider team.
• Team Collaboration
  • Work closely with colleagues and external delivery partners to ensure work is completed accurately and efficiently.
  • Review work prepared by junior team members and outsourced resources.
  • Provide guidance, coaching, and technical support where required.
  • Support continuous improvement initiatives and process enhancements.
• Performance & Reporting
  • Maintain accurate client records and workflow management systems.
  • Monitor delivery performance, risks, and client requirements.
  • Contribute towards agreed utilisation, retention, revenue, and client satisfaction targets.
  • Ensure strong governance and reporting across the client portfolio.

What We're Looking For

Essential

• ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent qualification.
• Minimum three years' post-qualified experience in a client-facing accounting role.
• Strong technical knowledge of UK GAAP, VAT, Corporation Tax, and statutory compliance requirements.
• Experience managing client relationships and delivering advisory services.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Commercial awareness with the ability to identify growth opportunities.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Experience working with multi-entity structures and complex client portfolios.
• Proactive mindset with a focus on continuous improvement and innovation.
• Comfortable leveraging technology and modern tools to improve efficiency and client outcomes.

Desirable

• Experience supporting international or multinational clients.
• Exposure to group structures, consolidations, and multi-currency reporting.
• Experience contributing to proposals, solution design, or new business opportunities.
• Knowledge of cloud-based accounting platforms and practice management systems.

The successful candidate will:

• Deliver consistently high-quality service to clients.
• Build trusted client relationships and act as a valued advisor.
• Maintain excellent technical standards and compliance accuracy.
• Collaborate effectively across teams and stakeholders.
• Contribute to client retention, growth, and overall business success.
• Drive efficiencies and support ongoing improvements within the finance function.