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- Tasks: Lead a team of accountants while managing prestigious residential portfolios.
- Company: Specialist property management company focused on quality and development.
- Benefits: Up to £47,000 salary, hybrid working, study support, and social events.
- Why this job: Step into leadership with hands-on portfolio management in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Five years' accounts experience and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Genuine progression opportunities and excellent work-life balance.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 52000 £ per year.
Location: 1 day per month in office, Cambridge or Manchester
Salary: Up to £47,000 DOE
Contract: Full-time, Monday-Friday
Highlights
- Lead a small team of three client accountants whilst managing a high-quality portfolio of prestigious residential developments
- Genuine progression opportunity from senior accountant to team leadership with comprehensive training and mentorship support
- Flexible hybrid working with just one office day per month, offering excellent work-life balance
About the opportunity
A specialist property management company overseeing large-scale residential developments across the UK is seeking a Client Accounts Team Leader to join their Cambridge-based finance function. This role offers the chance to step into team leadership whilst maintaining hands-on portfolio management, making it ideal for senior accountants ready to progress their careers without losing technical involvement. The position combines supervisory responsibilities with direct estate finance management, ensuring you develop leadership capabilities whilst staying connected to the work that drives results.
What makes the role exceptional
The company operates with a quality-over-quantity philosophy, managing high-end portfolios where accuracy and resident experience take precedence over volume processing. This approach creates a more rewarding working environment where your technical expertise genuinely impacts the developments under management. You’ll benefit from structured training programmes and clear development pathways, working within an organisation that invests in building internal talent rather than seeking fully-formed leaders. Previous management experience isn’t required—mentoring a couple of team members or demonstrating leadership potential positions you well for consideration. The hybrid arrangement requires just one office visit monthly (with flexibility to attend either Cambridge or Manchester), providing autonomy whilst maintaining team connection. Working hours finish at 4:30pm on Fridays, supporting genuine work-life balance.
Key Responsibilities
- Monitor team workload and ensure timely, accurate completion of milestones including service charge accounts, budgets, and year-end reporting
- Undertake internal reviews of service charge accounts ensuring compliance with ARMA and ICAEW guidelines
- Provide training, mentorship and leadership to three client accountants through regular one-to-ones and team meetings
- Manage finances for a portfolio of estates, maintaining compliance with company policies and sector standards
- Ensure monthly bank reconciliations are completed with all transactions investigated and no accounts overdrawn
- Reconcile opening balances for estates transferred from other agents, ensuring accurate Qube integration
- Conduct annual staff appraisals and probation reviews for team members
- Resolve team queries before escalation, encouraging solution-focused problem-raising
Requirements
- Five years' accounts experience with strong technical foundation
- Part-qualified CIMA/ACCA/ACA or qualified by experience
- Preparation of year-end accounts (accounts practice background desirable but not essential)
- Experience mentoring or supporting colleagues, demonstrating leadership potential
- Excellent numeracy and analytical skills with confident handling of financial information
- Strong communication abilities across written and verbal formats
- Proficiency in Microsoft programmes, particularly Excel
- Right to work in the UK
Rewards and benefits
- Hybrid working with only one office day monthly (Cambridge or Manchester)
- Pension scheme
- Study support for professional qualifications
- Holiday purchase scheme allowing additional leave beyond standard entitlement
- Smart Health programme
- Life assurance
- Regular social events
- Birthday leave
- Long service awards recognising tenure
- PerkBox discount platform
- Cycle to work scheme
- Employee referral programme
We are an equal opportunities recruiter, valuing diversity and inclusion and welcoming applications from all suitably qualified individuals, regardless of background. Interested in learning more? This role offers a genuine stepping stone into team leadership within a supportive environment that prioritises development over perfection. If you’re ready to progress beyond pure technical work whilst maintaining portfolio involvement, we’d welcome a conversation about how this opportunity aligns with your career goals.
Client Accounts Team Lead in Cambridge employer: Deverell Smith Recruitment Ltd
Contact Detail:
Deverell Smith Recruitment Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Client Accounts Team Lead in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections on LinkedIn or at industry events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. We want to show that you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for the team. Tailor your answers to reflect how your experience aligns with their values.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or family. We can’t stress enough how important it is to be comfortable talking about your skills and experiences in a way that feels natural.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A simple thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, we love seeing candidates take initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Client Accounts Team Lead in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Client Accounts Team Leader role. Highlight your leadership potential and any relevant accounts experience to show us you’re the right fit!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you’re excited about this opportunity. Share specific examples of how you've mentored others or managed accounts, and let your personality shine through!
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Since we value accuracy and financial expertise, be sure to mention your proficiency in Microsoft Excel and any experience with year-end accounts. This will help us see your strong technical foundation.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get to know you better!
How to prepare for a job interview at Deverell Smith Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Client Accounts Team Leader, you'll need to demonstrate strong numeracy and analytical skills. Brush up on your financial knowledge, especially around service charge accounts and year-end reporting. Be ready to discuss how you've handled financial information in the past.
✨Show Leadership Potential
Even if you haven't held a formal management position, think of examples where you've mentored or supported colleagues. Prepare to share these experiences during the interview, highlighting your ability to lead and develop others, which is key for this role.
✨Understand the Company Culture
This company values quality over quantity and focuses on high-end portfolios. Familiarise yourself with their approach to property management and be prepared to discuss how your values align with theirs. This will show that you're not just looking for any job, but that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their mission.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, training opportunities, and the company's approach to work-life balance. This shows your interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
