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- Tasks: Lead a diverse client portfolio and deliver top-notch accounting and advisory services.
- Company: Join a top 40 accountancy firm with a modern, people-first culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working, and comprehensive health benefits.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with genuine career progression and wellbeing initiatives.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing your leadership skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with strong technical expertise and people management skills.
The predicted salary is between 52000 - 58000 £ per year.
A well-established, Top 40 accountancy and advisory firm with a strong heritage and a modern, purpose-driven outlook is seeking a Business Services Manager to support the growth of its Business Services offering. The firm works with a diverse client base ranging from entrepreneurs and owner-managed businesses to larger, complex and international groups. Known for its collaborative culture, commitment to sustainability and people-first values, this organisation offers an environment where high performance is balanced with wellbeing and development.
As Business Services Manager, you will take ownership of a varied client portfolio and lead the delivery of high-quality accounting and advisory services. This is a key leadership role, responsible for managing a growing Business Services “pod” within a hybrid working environment based in Cardiff. You will act as the main point of contact for clients, providing high-level advice, overseeing complex accounting and VAT matters, and ensuring all statutory and regulatory requirements are met. Alongside client delivery, you will manage and develop a team, encourage collaboration across departments, and help identify opportunities to enhance services and streamline processes.
Key responsibilities include:
- Reviewing complex management accounts and statutory accounts
- Overseeing complex VAT returns, including cross-border and partial exemption matters
- Managing clients with audited entities and complex group structures
- Ensuring timely and accurate year-end adjustments
- Leading and developing a team, managing workloads and supporting progression
- Acting as a trusted advisor to clients, including overseas parent companies
- Working closely with audit, tax and other internal teams to deliver joined-up solutions
- Identifying opportunities for additional services and cross-selling
- Reviewing and improving processes to drive efficiency without compromising service quality
What you'll need to succeed:
- Qualified accountant (ACCA, ACA, CIMA or equivalent) with strong technical expertise and proven experience managing client portfolios
- Excellent knowledge of Xero, Sage and cloud accounting systems
- Strong understanding of VAT, including postponed VAT accounting
- Up-to-date knowledge of accounting standards such as FRS 102
- Experience dealing with HMRC and managing multiple deadlines
- Statutory accounts experience (preferred)
- Proven people management and leadership capability
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
- A proactive, solutions-focused mindset with the ability to lead by example
What you'll get in return:
- Competitive salary of £52,000 - £58,000
- Comprehensive benefits package and a flexible, hybrid working model (35-hour week with flexitime)
- Private medical insurance and health cash plans
- Pension scheme and group life assurance
- Enhanced family leave and generous holiday entitlement
- Professional qualification support and structured development pathways
- Leadership development, mentoring and coaching opportunities
- Wellbeing initiatives and employee discount schemes
- A collaborative, inclusive culture with genuine career progression
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.
Business Services Manager - Cardiff employer: Hays
Contact Detail:
Hays Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Services Manager - Cardiff
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend local events, and join relevant online groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with yours. This will help you showcase why you're the perfect fit for their team during the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your experience and how it relates to the role of Business Services Manager. Highlight your leadership skills and ability to manage client portfolios effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Business Services Manager - Cardiff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Business Services Manager role. Highlight your qualifications, especially in accounting and client management, to show us you're the right fit!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you’re passionate about this position and how your background aligns with our values. A personal touch can really make you stand out from the crowd!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves managing a team, be sure to include examples of your leadership experience. We want to see how you've developed others and driven collaboration in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, apply directly through our website. This ensures your application gets to the right people quickly and shows us you're serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays
✨Know Your Numbers
Brush up on your technical knowledge, especially around accounting standards like FRS 102 and VAT regulations. Be ready to discuss how you've applied this knowledge in past roles, as it shows you can handle the complexities of the position.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in managing teams and developing talent. Think about specific situations where you led a project or improved team performance, as this will resonate well with their focus on people management.
✨Understand Their Culture
Research the firm’s commitment to sustainability and collaboration. Be prepared to discuss how your values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their people-first culture, which is crucial for a role that involves client interaction and team leadership.
✨Prepare for Client Scenarios
Anticipate questions about handling complex client situations, such as managing audited entities or cross-border VAT issues. Practise articulating your thought process and solutions, as this will demonstrate your proactive, solutions-focused mindset.