Business Services Manager (Legal Sector) in Leeds

Business Services Manager (Legal Sector) in Leeds

Leeds Full-Time 55000 - 65000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a specialist legal client portfolio and develop your team in a dynamic environment.
  • Company: Respected professional services firm with a strong presence in the legal sector.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, generous leave, and ongoing professional development.
  • Other info: Join a values-driven firm with ambitious growth plans and excellent career opportunities.
  • Why this job: Accelerate your leadership career with clear progression to Senior Manager level.
  • Qualifications: ACA, ACCA or ICAS qualified with 5+ years' UK practice experience.

The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.

Salary: £55,000+ & Clear Senior Manager Progression

Location: Leeds Area | Hybrid Working

Lead a Specialist Legal Sector Portfolio and Accelerate Your Leadership Career

Are you an ACA, ACCA or ICAS-qualified practice professional looking for the next step in your career? Do you want to manage a specialist client portfolio, develop a team, and work towards a clear path to Senior Manager level and beyond? Our client is a highly respected and growing professional services firm with a strong presence in the legal sector. Due to continued growth, they are seeking a Business Services Manager to join their specialist Legal Sector team in the Leeds area, with flexible hybrid working arrangements available.

This is an excellent opportunity for a talented practice professional who enjoys combining client relationship management, technical excellence, team leadership, and business development within a collaborative and ambitious environment.

The Opportunity:

As a key member of the Business Services team, you will take ownership of a varied portfolio of legal sector clients, ranging from owner-managed firms through to larger and more complex organisations. You will play a pivotal role in delivering exceptional client service while supporting the development and performance of junior team members.

Key Responsibilities

  • Manage a portfolio of legal sector clients, ensuring exceptional service delivery
  • Oversee the preparation and submission of:
    • Statutory accounts
    • Management accounts
    • Business tax returns
    • Personal tax returns
  • Review assignments completed by Business Services Assistants and Seniors
  • Provide technical guidance and support on complex accounting and taxation matters
  • Lead client communications and attend client meetings alongside senior stakeholders
  • Ensure all compliance work is delivered accurately and within deadline
  • Carry out line management responsibilities, including:
    • One-to-one meetings
    • Performance reviews
    • Goal-setting discussions
    • Student and trainee development reviews
  • Build strong client relationships and identify opportunities to add value
  • Support business development initiatives and network building activities
  • Assist in the growth and development of the specialist Legal Sector service offering

What We're Looking For

We are seeking a technically strong and commercially aware professional with experience managing client portfolios within a UK accountancy practice environment.

Essential Requirements

  • ACA, ACCA or ICAS qualified
  • 5+ years' UK Practice experience in Accounts, Business Services or Outsourcing
  • Experience managing a portfolio of clients within an accountancy practice
  • Strong technical knowledge of:
    • UK GAAP
    • FRS 102
    • Financial statement preparation
    • Corporation Tax compliance
    • Personal Tax compliance
  • Experience reviewing work completed by junior team members
  • Strong client relationship management skills
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities
  • Proven ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities
  • Full UK Driving Licence

Desirable Experience

  • Previous experience working with legal sector clients
  • Experience mentoring, coaching and developing staff
  • Exposure to business development and networking activities
  • Knowledge of practice management and workflow systems

Career Progression & Development

This role has been created with succession and growth in mind and offers a genuine route into senior leadership.

Future Opportunities Include

  • Clear progression pathway to Business Services Senior Manager
  • Increased responsibility for larger and more complex clients
  • Greater involvement in strategic client advisory work
  • Leadership and mentoring opportunities
  • Ongoing technical, management and leadership development
  • Access to structured CPD and professional training programmes

Salary & Comprehensive Benefits Package

Salary: £55,000+ per annum

Competitive package dependent upon experience

Performance-related progression opportunities

Hybrid and flexible working arrangements

Benefits

  • Employer pension scheme with life assurance (4x salary) and income protection
  • 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
  • Ability to purchase up to 5 additional days' annual leave
  • Health cash plan offering medical benefits and retail discounts
  • Employee Assistance Programme providing confidential 24/7 support
  • Paid professional subscriptions and membership fees
  • Comprehensive CPD and technical development support
  • Flu vaccinations and eye care support
  • Client referral incentive scheme
  • Modern and flexible working environment
  • Ongoing investment in leadership and management development

Why Join Our Client?

  • Join a growing and respected specialist Legal Sector team
  • Work with an established portfolio of high-quality legal clients
  • Gain exposure to complex and varied assignments
  • Play a key role in team development and client growth
  • Enjoy genuine career progression opportunities
  • Be part of a values-driven firm with ambitious growth plans

If you are an ambitious Business Services Manager looking to specialise further within the legal sector and advance your career within a growing professional services firm, we would welcome a confidential discussion.

David Hawthorne-Finch
Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions (H-FTS)
Email: d.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com

For a confidential conversation regarding this opportunity and your longer-term career aspirations, please contact David directly. All applications and enquiries will be treated in the strictest confidence. Our client is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender identity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. No information will be shared with our client without your prior consent.

Business Services Manager (Legal Sector) in Leeds employer: Hawthorne-finch Talent Solutions

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that values autonomy and high standards of client care. Located in Leeds, the firm provides its employees with competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and a health cash plan, alongside ample opportunities for professional growth and development. Joining this team means being part of a supportive environment where your contributions are recognised and encouraged.

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Contact Details:

Hawthorne-finch Talent Solutions Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Business Services Manager (Legal Sector) in Leeds

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 Hawthorne-finch Talent Solutions. 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 Business Services Manager (Legal Sector) in Leeds

ACA, ACCA or ICAS qualification
Client Relationship Management
Technical Knowledge of UK GAAP
Financial Statement Preparation
Corporation Tax Compliance
Personal Tax Compliance
Team Leadership

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 Hawthorne-finch Talent Solutions.

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 Hawthorne-finch Talent Solutions'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 Hawthorne-finch Talent Solutions

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 Hawthorne-finch Talent Solutions.

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 Hawthorne-finch Talent Solutions 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 Hawthorne-finch Talent Solutions 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.