Client Services Manager in Luton

Hello Recruitment is delighted to be recruiting a Client Services Manager for a vibrant Accountancy Practice based in Luton, Bedfordshire. The role involves managing a varied portfolio of audit (where applicable) and non-audit clients, overseeing the delivery of high-quality statutory accounts and audit assignments (where applicable), and leading, developing, and mentoring junior team members. This is a key role within the firm, offering exposure to a broad client base and clear opportunities for progression.

Portfolio expectations: Up to £750k

Key Responsibilities include:

• Client Management: Manage a diverse portfolio of audit (where applicable) and accounts clients, acting as the main point of contact, taking responsibility for team/resource planning, management of WIP and billing (in accordance with our internal KPIs), efficient use of IT resources available, client onboarding, engagement, and disengagement in conjunction with the admin team. Build and maintain strong client relationships, providing a high level of service and technical support. Identify opportunities for additional services and assist partners with business development.
• Accounts: Review statutory accounts prepared under UK GAAP (FRS 102 and FRS 105) and, where applicable, IFRS. Resolve technical accounting issues, escalating complex matters where appropriate. Ensure accounts are completed efficiently, within budget, and to a high technical standard. Ensure that files are complete and delivered to the Directors in a timely manner to enable Director review prior to client meetings. Ensure compliance with relevant accounting standards, ethical requirements, and internal firm procedures. Contribute to accounts quality initiatives. Keep up to date with changes in accounting and regulatory standards.
• Audit (Where applicable): Plan, manage, and review statutory audit assignments from planning through to completion. Resolve technical auditing issues, escalating complex matters where appropriate. Ensure that files are complete and delivered to the Directors in a timely manner to enable Director review prior to fieldwork commencing and client meetings. Ensure compliance with UK auditing standards, ethical requirements, and internal firm procedures. Contribute to audit quality initiatives and support internal and external monitoring visits. Keep up to date with changes in accounting, auditing, and regulatory standards.
• Tax: Ensure that corporate tax compliance matters are met. Consider tax planning opportunities, ensuring that clients are given good, pro-active advice as to limiting their tax liabilities within the boundaries of the legislative framework. Ensure personal tax compliance requirements are met and be responsible for the whole process. Consider tax planning opportunities and identify changes in client circumstances that need attention. Ensure compliance requirements for P11D are met. Deal with other tax issues as they arise including ATED, CGT, IHT, HMRC tax enquiries.
• Company Secretarial: Ensure the data held on Companies House is correct, current & kept up to date. Where data is out of date or changes are required, to be responsible for ensuring those changes are made and submitted to Companies House either in line with the client requirements or statutory guidelines.
• Ad Hoc Tasks: Attend & actively participate in management meetings and workflow meetings. Assist the director or client with ad hoc projects as requested.
• Team Leadership: Lead, supervise, and mentor staff, including seniors and trainees taking an active role in recruitment for your team and responsibility for probationary reviews, appraisals, and formal and on-the-job training. Review work prepared by junior staff and provide clear, constructive feedback. Assist with workflow planning and resourcing across assignments.

Person Specification:

• Essential: ACA or ACCA qualified (or equivalent), significant experience within a UK accountancy practice, including audit if applicable, strong technical knowledge of UK GAAP and UK auditing standards (if applicable), experience managing and reviewing relevant assignments, proven ability to manage multiple clients and deadlines, strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Desirable: Experience working with owner-managed businesses and SMEs, exposure to group audits and consolidations, experience of staff development and performance management, familiarity with accounting and audit software such as MWP, CaseWare, CCH, IRIS, or similar.

What We Offer: Competitive salary of up to £60000 and benefits package, hybrid and flexible working options, clear career progression and development opportunities, supportive and collaborative working environment, ongoing technical and professional training.