At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage a diverse portfolio of clients and ensure timely reporting and compliance.
- Company: Join PKF, a leading global accountancy brand with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Full-time role with career progression, competitive salary, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities to grow and learn in a commercial setting.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by simplifying complex financial challenges for various industries.
- Qualifications: ACCA/ACA qualified with supervisory experience and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Overview of Firm
PKF Littlejohn is one of the leading challenger firms in the UK with offices in London, Leeds and Manchester. We are also an active member of PKF Global, an international network of legally independent accounting firms that gives us an on the ground presence in 150 countries around the world with access to more than 20,000 people across 440 offices globally.
We provide a full range of audit, accountancy, tax and advisory services, and are experts at simplifying complexity. We are particularly well-known for working with complex clients with challenging issues in fast-moving and highly technical areas, such as the insurance industry, the global capital markets and the not for profit sector. Our aim is to understand people, the organisations they run, and what matters to them, so we can simplify complexity and help them achieve their ambitions.
Introduction to the Division
The Business Solutions team provides a range of accounting, advisory and compliance services. We will support businesses with their day to day finance functions and provide a scalable and flexible solutions to fit their needs, create clarity in complex situations and continue to adapt so that we can progress with them.
We provide as much or as little as the client requires to complement or run a fully outsourced solution and are guided on the level of service support required.
The majority of our solutions are cloud-based, enabling real time information and allowing our clients to have remote access and visibility of data. Our team recognises the importance of careful coordination to ensure an efficient, quality service.
The team works with a variety of clients across many sectors with varying regulatory and reporting requirements, and we have specialist knowledge of a range of industries – from financial services, renewable energy, technology, professional practices and hospitality.
You’ll gain a deeper insight into the businesses we work for, and as your experience grows, so will your opportunities.
Responsibilities
Portfolio Management
- Manage a portfolio of clients, ensuring deadlines, quality standards, and budgets are met
- Review management accounts, VAT returns, and statutory financial statements
- Act as primary client contact, addressing queries and delivering insights
- Lead client onboarding, including setting up or migrating accounting systems, advising on appropriate solutions, and ensuring a smooth transition
Technical Delivery
- Apply strong UK GAAP and IFRS knowledge to review and resolve complex issues
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of accounting, VAT and compliance developments
- Review consolidations, cashflows, and ad hoc reporting (forecasting, KPI’s, group reporting etc)
- Deliver and oversee ad hoc client projects (e.g. process improvements, clean-ups, system implementations, secondments), ensuring high-quality output and commercial delivery
Client Relationships
- Build strong, trusted relationships with clients
- Lead meetings and provide clear, commercially focused advice
- Identify opportunities to enhance service delivery and add value
- Coordinate effectively with internal teams (e.g. Audit, Tax, VAT, Payroll) to deliver a seamless and joined-up service to clients
Team Leadership
- Manage, coach, and develop junior team members
- Allocate and review work effectively across the team
- Foster a collaborative and high-performing team culture
- Lead the appraisal process, including setting objectives, delivering performance reviews, and supporting ongoing development and progression of team members
Operational Management
- Manage multiple priorities and changing demands effectively
- Oversee WIP, billing, and portfolio profitability
- Proactively identify out-of-scope work and scope changes, ensuring timely agreement of additional fees
- Contribute to wider team initiatives and ad hoc projects (e.g. process improvements, system implementations, internal change programmes)
- Ensure compliance requirements are met across the portfolio, including oversight of KYC processes and periodic reviews
Business Development
- Support and lead business development activities
- Attend pitch meetings and contribute to proposals
- Scope work, prepare fee quotes, and onboard new clients efficiently
- Support targeted BD campaigns to drive growth
Person Specification
Qualifications & Experience
- ACA/ACCA qualified (or equivalent), with post-qualified experience
- Proven Manager-level experience within practice
- Experience of financial services clients and FCA reporting is desirable (e.g. Insurance brokers/intermediaries and Wealth and Asset Management)
Skills & Attributes
- Strong technical accounting knowledge (UK GAAP and IFRS)
- Highly organised with ability to manage multiple priorities
- Strong commercial awareness and problem-solving skills
- Confident communicator with strong client-facing skills
- Proactive and able to take ownership of decisions
- Collaborative leader who supports and motivates teams
Systems & Software
- Strong experience with cloud accounting tools (e.g. Xero, Dext)
- Experience with larger systems (e.g. Iplicit, Dynamics) is desirable
- Broad exposure to systems such as Sage, QuickBooks, CaseWare
Business Solutions Manager in Leeds employer: PKF Littlejohn
PKF Littlejohn LLP is an exceptional employer that fosters a supportive and dynamic work culture, particularly within its expanding VAT team. With a strong emphasis on professional development, employees are encouraged to pursue training opportunities and take on leadership roles, ensuring a clear path for career progression. Located in a vibrant area, the firm offers a collaborative environment where innovative thinking is valued, making it an ideal place for ambitious professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Solutions Manager in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events and connect with professionals in the accounting and advisory sectors. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your past work, especially any complex projects you've handled. This will help you stand out during interviews and demonstrate your expertise.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your responses. Focus on articulating how your experience aligns with the needs of the Business Solutions team at PKF.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team and contributing to our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Solutions Manager in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Business Solutions Manager role. Highlight your accounting qualifications, supervisory experience, and any relevant software knowledge to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about this role and how your background aligns with our mission at PKF. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Since we’re looking for someone with a solid understanding of accounting software like Xero and Sage, make sure to mention your proficiency in these tools. If you’ve done any technical research or implemented system enhancements, don’t forget to include that too!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to keep track of your application status. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at PKF Littlejohn
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Business Solutions Manager, you'll be dealing with financial data daily. Brush up on your accounting principles and be ready to discuss how you've managed financial statements or VAT returns in the past. This shows you’re not just familiar with the numbers but can also apply them effectively.
✨Showcase Your Client Management Skills
You'll need to establish strong relationships with clients, so prepare examples of how you've successfully managed client portfolios before. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them, as this will demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and client care focus.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Relevant Software
PKF values technical accuracy and efficiency, so make sure you know your way around accounting software like Xero, Dext, and QuickBooks. If you have experience with these tools, be ready to discuss how you've used them to improve processes or enhance client service.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions that test your understanding of VAT reporting requirements and other technical aspects of the role. Brush up on recent changes in regulations or best practices in the industry, as this will show your commitment to staying informed and your proactive approach to technical research.
