Accounts Director/ Accounting Manager

An established and growing independent accountancy and business advisory firm is looking to appoint an experienced Accounts Director to lead a portfolio of owner-managed business clients. This is a senior leadership position, ideal for someone with a strong background in practice who enjoys combining technical excellence with commercial advice, people leadership and strategic client management. You'll play a key role in shaping the future of the accounts function while helping clients achieve their long-term business objectives.

As Accounts Director, you will oversee a diverse client portfolio, acting as a trusted adviser across accounting, compliance and business advisory matters. You'll lead and develop a team of managers and accountants, ensuring exceptional service delivery, high technical standards and strong client relationships. Alongside managing existing clients, you'll identify opportunities to grow service offerings, support business development initiatives and contribute to the firm's wider strategic objectives.

• Manage and develop a portfolio of owner-managed business clients.
• Act as the lead adviser on accounting, compliance and business advisory matters.
• Build long-term client relationships, providing strategic financial guidance.
• Review and oversee the preparation of statutory accounts, management accounts and tax compliance work.
• Lead, mentor and develop managers and members of the accounts team.
• Provide technical support and quality assurance across complex assignments.
• Work collaboratively with other service lines to deliver joined-up client solutions.
• Monitor portfolio performance, including budgets, deadlines and profitability.
• Identify opportunities to expand client relationships through additional services.
• Drive improvements in systems, processes and operational efficiency.
• Support digital transformation initiatives, including automation, data analytics and AI adoption.
• Contribute to strategic planning alongside the senior leadership team.
• Monitor KPIs and ensure team performance aligns with business objectives.

You'll be an experienced practice professional with a proven ability to lead teams, manage key client relationships and provide commercially focused advice. You'll also bring:

• Significant experience within an accountancy practice.
• Strong technical knowledge of UK accounting standards and compliance.
• Excellent leadership and people management skills.
• Commercial awareness with a proactive approach to identifying opportunities.
• Outstanding communication and relationship-building abilities.
• Strong organisational and project management skills.
• A collaborative approach with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• High levels of integrity, professionalism and client focus.

This role plays an important part in the firm's continued growth and will involve:

• Supporting business development initiatives.
• Building and maintaining professional referral networks.
• Attending networking and client events where appropriate.
• Identifying opportunities to introduce additional advisory services to existing clients.

Competitive salary dependent on experience. Hybrid working. Generous annual leave entitlement. Private healthcare. Pension scheme with salary sacrifice options. Ongoing professional development and career progression. Employee referral scheme. Health and wellbeing benefits. Electric vehicle and cycle-to-work schemes. Regular social and team events. The opportunity to join a well-established, forward-thinking independent practice with genuine opportunities to progress into senior leadership.