Client Manager - Accountancy Practice

We are seeking an experienced and client-focused Client Manager / Portfolio Manager to join our growing accountancy practice. This is a non-audit role focused on managing a portfolio of owner-managed businesses, SMEs, and high-net-worth individuals, providing proactive accounting, tax, and advisory services. The successful candidate will be responsible for maintaining strong client relationships, overseeing service delivery, reviewing work prepared by junior team members, and identifying opportunities to add value to clients' businesses.

Key Responsibilities

• Portfolio Management
  • Manage a diverse portfolio of clients across various sectors.
  • Act as the primary point of contact for clients, building and maintaining strong professional relationships.
  • Ensure timely delivery of accounts, tax returns, and advisory services.
  • Monitor workflow and deadlines to ensure compliance with statutory requirements.
  • Conduct regular client meetings to discuss business performance, tax planning, and future objectives.
• Accounts Tax
  • Review statutory accounts prepared under UK GAAP and FRS 102/FRS 105.
  • Review corporation tax returns and associated computations.
  • Review self-assessment tax returns for directors, sole traders, and high-net-worth individuals.
  • Provide tax planning and advisory support where appropriate.
  • Assist clients with management accounts, cash flow forecasting, and business planning.
• Client Advisory
  • Provide proactive business and financial advice to clients.
  • Identify opportunities for improving profitability, efficiency, and tax position.
  • Support clients with business growth strategies, financing requirements, and restructuring projects.
  • Liaise with external stakeholders including banks, solicitors, financial advisers, and HMRC.
• Team Management
  • Review work prepared by junior and semi-senior team members.
  • Provide technical guidance, mentoring, and training.
  • Assist with resource planning and workload allocation.
  • Support the development and progression of team members.
• Practice Development
  • Identify opportunities to expand services within existing client relationships.
  • Participate in networking events and business development activities.
  • Support fee reviews and engagement renewals.
  • Contribute to continuous improvement of internal processes and client service standards.

Person Specification

• Essential ACA / ACCA qualified (or qualified by experience with significant practice experience).
• Minimum 5 years' experience within a UK accountancy practice.
• Strong experience managing a client portfolio.
• Excellent knowledge of statutory accounts preparation and tax compliance.
• Experience reviewing work and supervising junior staff.
• Strong communication and relationship management skills.
• Commercially aware with a proactive approach to client service.
• Experience using accounting software such as Xero, QuickBooks, Sage, and cloud-based systems.

• Desirable Experience in business advisory and tax planning.
• Exposure to specialist sectors such as property, healthcare, construction, or professional services.
• Business development and networking experience.
• ICAEW or ACCA practising environment experience.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Portfolio fee recovery and profitability.
• Client retention and satisfaction levels.
• Timely completion of compliance deadlines.
• Quality of work and technical compliance.
• Development of junior team members.
• Identification and conversion of advisory opportunities.
• Growth in portfolio fees and service offerings.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package.
• Performance-related bonus.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
• Professional development and training support.
• Clear progression pathway to Senior Manager or Partner level.
• Pension scheme.
• Generous annual leave entitlement.
• Employee wellbeing initiatives.

This role would suit an experienced Accountant, Senior Accountant, Assistant Manager, or Client Manager currently working within practice who enjoys managing client relationships and providing advisory-led services rather than undertaking audit work. The successful individual will be commercially minded, technically strong, and passionate about helping clients achieve their business objectives.