At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage client portfolios, lead teams, and ensure compliance with accounting standards.
- Company: Top 10 firm in Ipswich with a focus on growth and development.
- Benefits: Clear progression pathway, supportive environment, and exposure to diverse clients.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for continuous improvement and professional growth.
- Why this job: Take ownership of client relationships and make a real impact in a collaborative team.
- Qualifications: ACA, ACCA or equivalent, with experience in accountancy practice and team leadership.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Hays are working with a Top 10 firm in Ipswich to source an Accounting and Business Manager for their growing team. As a Manager, you will take ownership of a client portfolio, leading the preparation and review of accounts while ensuring compliance with relevant standards and deadlines. You will manage and develop a team, oversee workflow planning, and act as a trusted advisor to clients on a range of financial and business matters. This is a key role within the team, focused on delivering high-quality client service while contributing to the ongoing growth and development of the practice.
Key Responsibilities
- Client & Portfolio Management
- Manage a portfolio of clients, acting as the main point of contact
- Build strong relationships, understanding clients' businesses, objectives, and challenges
- Lead year-end accounts discussions and identify opportunities to provide additional advisory services
- Respond to client queries independently and proactively
- Team Leadership & Development
- Manage and support a team, ensuring effective workflow planning and delivery
- Review work produced by junior team members, providing constructive feedback and coaching
- Allocate work effectively, encouraging development through challenging assignments
- Support recruitment, interviews, and development of junior staff
- Service Delivery & Compliance
- Oversee the preparation and review of statutory accounts and financial reporting
- Ensure all work is completed in line with accounting standards and internal procedures
- Manage deadlines across the portfolio to ensure timely delivery
- Maintain high levels of accuracy and attention to detail
- Commercial & Operational Management
- Monitor WIP and ensure timely billing, addressing any recoverability concerns
- Challenge fee levels in line with job recovery and commercial performance
- Contribute to proposals, tenders, and fee quotes to support new business generation
- Drive efficiency improvements and adopt new technologies where appropriate
Core Competencies
- Client Focus
- Strong understanding of client needs, markets, and business environments
- Ability to identify opportunities to add value and support business growth
- Confident in managing client relationships independently
- Technical Excellence
- Maintains strong technical knowledge of accounts and business advisory services
- Able to interpret financial results and provide meaningful commercial insight
- Shares knowledge with the wider team and contributes to training initiatives
- Leadership & Commitment
- Takes ownership of team performance and workflow planning
- Identifies skills gaps and supports ongoing development initiatives
- Demonstrates enthusiasm and actively contributes to team and firm-wide activities
Technical Skills
- Preparation and review of statutory and consolidated accounts
- Ability to interpret financial data, including working capital and cash flow
- Experience preparing and reviewing forecasts and projections
- Strong understanding of VAT, including partial exemption and reverse-charge
- Ability to identify and explain prior period adjustments
- Experience advising on financial performance and business planning
- Exposure to group structures, consolidations, and reliefs desirable.
Key Behaviours
- Strong decision-making skills and confidence in managing responsibility
- Ability to challenge existing processes and drive continuous improvement
- Encourages independent thinking within the team
- Demonstrates integrity and alignment with firm values
Qualifications & Experience
- ACA, ACCA or equivalent qualified (or qualified by experience)
- Proven experience within an accountancy practice environment
- Demonstrable experience managing client portfolios and leading teams
- Strong technical accounts and advisory background
What's on Offer
- Opportunity to lead a portfolio and play a key role in team development
- Exposure to a broad range of clients and advisory work
- Clear progression pathway within a growing practice
- Supportive and collaborative working environment
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
Accounts and Business Manager in Ipswich employer: Hays Senior Finance
Join a Top 10 firm in Ipswich that prioritises employee growth and development within a supportive and collaborative work culture. As an Accounts and Business Manager, you will have the opportunity to lead a diverse client portfolio while benefiting from clear progression pathways and exposure to a wide range of advisory services. This role not only allows you to enhance your technical skills but also empowers you to make a meaningful impact on both clients and team members alike.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Accounts and Business Manager in Ipswich
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, or even hit up LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Accounts and Business Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your technical skills and experience in managing client portfolios. Be ready to discuss how you've added value in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its clients. Understand their business objectives and challenges so you can tailor your responses. This will show you're genuinely interested and ready to be a trusted advisor.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for talented individuals like you to join our growing team.
We think you need these skills to ace Accounts and Business Manager in Ipswich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Accounts and Business Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing client portfolios and leading teams, as these are key aspects of the job. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to deliver high-quality client service and drive business growth. This will help us see the impact you've made in previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, be clear and concise. Avoid jargon and keep your language straightforward. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point, making it easy for us to see your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to submit all the necessary documents in one go. Plus, it helps us keep track of your application!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays Senior Finance
✨Know Your Clients
Before the interview, research the firm’s client portfolio and understand their industries. This will help you demonstrate your ability to build strong relationships and act as a trusted advisor, which is crucial for the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Highlight your experience in workflow planning and team development, as this role requires strong leadership to support junior staff and ensure effective delivery.
✨Demonstrate Technical Excellence
Brush up on your technical knowledge regarding statutory accounts and financial reporting. Be ready to discuss your experience with VAT, cash flow, and prior period adjustments, as these are key areas for the position.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your decision-making skills and ability to challenge existing processes. Think of specific scenarios where you’ve driven improvements or added value to clients, as this will showcase your commercial acumen.
