At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage client portfolios, deliver high-quality accounting services, and provide expert financial advice.
- Company: A growing professional services business with a diverse client base.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Collaborative team culture focused on continuous improvement and innovation.
- Why this job: Be a trusted advisor and make a real impact on clients' financial success.
- Qualifications: ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent with at least three years' experience.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
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.
Lead Client Accountant employer: CMR Jobs
As a dynamic professional services business, our client offers an exceptional work environment that fosters collaboration and innovation. Employees benefit from a strong focus on personal and professional growth, with opportunities to engage in diverse projects across various sectors. Located in a vibrant area, the company promotes a culture of excellence and client-centric service, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in accounting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Client Accountant
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like CMR Jobs. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Client Accountant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to CMR Jobs.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on CMR Jobs's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at CMR Jobs
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with CMR Jobs.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at CMR Jobs will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former CMR Jobs employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
