Assistant Manager in Manchester

At S&W, we help our clients thrive by simplifying the complex, illuminating new paths, and shaping solutions that make a difference. As one of the UK’s top 10 fastest-growing accountancy firms, we have been a trusted partner since 1881—helping businesses and individuals meet challenges and seize opportunities across generations.

Built on expertise and driven by ambition, we provide a comprehensive range of services, including tax and accountancy, advisory and assurance, corporate finance, and restructuring. We are defined by our purpose—to help navigate challenges, unlock potential, and achieve the extraordinary.

Job Description

We\’re seeking a talented qualified Accountant with relevant experience in an accountancy practice setting to join our team in Manchester to provide clients with an efficient and effective service, through the control and efficient use of the department resources and by performing the work for clients within the portfolio. You will liaise with other departments to ensure close liaison on client affairs and assisting in administration tasks to ensure a smooth running of the department.

This is a permanent role to be based at our Manchester office for a minimum of 3 days per week once up and running. In the initial period you would be required to attend the office 5 days per week for training purposes.

As an Assistant Manager your responsibilities will include among others

• Managing your own portfolio of clients whilst working as part of a team to provide clients with a range of services including statutory accounts, bookkeeping, management accounts, VAT returns, corporation tax returns, software implementation and \’health-checks\’ of their systems
• Giving exceptional client service, taking the lead in managing and developing client relationships
• Identifying opportunities on client portfolio
• Be familiar with our internal accounting software as well as other cloud accounting technologies
• Providing advice and solutions to clients in response to their accounting queries
• Using automation to improve efficiencies for our clients\’ finance function and prioritising tasks for clients, whilst monitoring time against budget

Qualifications

Skills and Experience

• Qualified accountant (ACA or ACCA) or qualified by experience
• Demonstrable experience working in professional practice
• Experience working on statutory accounts preparation, VAT returns, management accounts, corporation tax and bookkeeping
• Technically capable and able to manage complex client work
• Demonstrable experience of managing people and clients
• Experience of dealing with senior stakeholders both internally and externally

Experience of the following software is desirable:

• Silverfin
• Xero
• Sage
• Quickbooks
• Excel

Additional information

• Private medical insurance
• Life assurance
• Pension contribution
• Generous holiday package
• Option to purchase additional holiday
• Shared parental leave
• Fully funded training towards professional qualifications
• Cycle to work scheme
• Season ticket loan
• Eye care support