At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead client portfolios, manage teams, and deliver high-quality financial advisory services.
- Company: Top 10 accounting firm in Ipswich with a focus on growth and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, extensive benefits, and clear career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive environment with modern offices and a commitment to continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by advising diverse clients and developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: ACA, ACCA or equivalent, with experience in accountancy and team management.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
Hays are working with a Top 10 firm in Ipswich to source an Accounting and Business Advisory Manager or Senior Manager for their fast-growing team. 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 and can be appointed at Manager or Senior Manager level.
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 are 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
- Highly competitive salary along with extensive benefits
- New, modern offices
If you're interested in this role, please contact Cara Whyte at Hays or click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV. 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 & Business Advisory Manager or Senior Manager in Ipswich employer: Hays Senior Finance
Join a leading and rapidly growing service and wholesale group based on the outskirts of Cheltenham, where you will thrive in a dynamic work environment that promotes a healthy work-life balance with hybrid working options. As a Senior Financial Accountant, you will not only oversee a small team but also have ample opportunities for professional growth and development within a supportive culture that values your contributions and encourages continuous learning. With competitive salary packages and a focus on employee well-being, this company stands out as an excellent employer for finance professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
