At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage a diverse portfolio of legal clients and lead a dynamic team.
- Company: Respected professional services firm with a strong legal sector presence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Genuine progression opportunities to senior management roles.
- Why this job: Accelerate your leadership career in a collaborative and ambitious environment.
- Qualifications: ACA, ACCA or ICAS qualified with 5+ years' UK practice experience.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Salary: £55,000+ & Clear Senior Manager Progression
Location: Leeds Area | Hybrid Working
Lead a Specialist Legal Sector Portfolio and Accelerate Your Leadership Career
Are you an ACA, ACCA or ICAS-qualified practice professional looking for the next step in your career? Do you want to manage a specialist client portfolio, develop a team, and work towards a clear path to Senior Manager level and beyond?
Our client is a highly respected and growing professional services firm with a strong presence in the legal sector. Due to continued growth, they are seeking a Business Services Manager to join their specialist Legal Sector team in the Leeds area, with flexible hybrid working arrangements available.
This is an excellent opportunity for a talented practice professional who enjoys combining client relationship management, technical excellence, team leadership, and business development within a collaborative and ambitious environment.
The Opportunity:
As a key member of the Business Services team, you will take ownership of a varied portfolio of legal sector clients, ranging from owner-managed firms through to larger and more complex organisations. You will play a pivotal role in delivering exceptional client service while supporting the development and performance of junior team members.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage a portfolio of legal sector clients, ensuring exceptional service delivery
- Oversee the preparation and submission of:
- Statutory accounts
- Management accounts
- Business tax returns
- Personal tax returns
- Review assignments completed by Business Services Assistants and Seniors
- Provide technical guidance and support on complex accounting and taxation matters
- Lead client communications and attend client meetings alongside senior stakeholders
- Ensure all compliance work is delivered accurately and within deadline
- Carry out line management responsibilities, including:
- One-to-one meetings
- Performance reviews
- Goal-setting discussions
- Student and trainee development reviews
- Build strong client relationships and identify opportunities to add value
- Support business development initiatives and network building activities
- Assist in the growth and development of the specialist Legal Sector service offering
What We're Looking For
We are seeking a technically strong and commercially aware professional with experience managing client portfolios within a UK accountancy practice environment.
Essential Requirements
- ACA, ACCA or ICAS qualified
- 5+ years' UK Practice experience in Accounts, Business Services or Outsourcing
- Experience managing a portfolio of clients within an accountancy practice
- Strong technical knowledge of:
- UK GAAP
- FRS 102
- Financial statement preparation
- Corporation Tax compliance
- Personal Tax compliance
- Experience reviewing work completed by junior team members
- Strong client relationship management skills
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities
- Proven ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities
- Full UK Driving Licence
Desirable Experience
- Previous experience working with legal sector clients
- Experience mentoring, coaching and developing staff
- Exposure to business development and networking activities
- Knowledge of practice management and workflow systems
Career Progression & Development
This role has been created with succession and growth in mind and offers a genuine route into senior leadership.
Future Opportunities Include
- Clear progression pathway to Business Services Senior Manager
- Increased responsibility for larger and more complex clients
- Greater involvement in strategic client advisory work
- Leadership and mentoring opportunities
- Ongoing technical, management and leadership development
- Access to structured CPD and professional training programmes
Salary & Comprehensive Benefits Package
Salary: £55,000+ per annum
Competitive package dependent upon experience
Performance-related progression opportunities
Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
Benefits
- Employer pension scheme with life assurance (4x salary) and income protection
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Ability to purchase up to 5 additional days' annual leave
- Health cash plan offering medical benefits and retail discounts
- Employee Assistance Programme providing confidential 24/7 support
- Paid professional subscriptions and membership fees
- Comprehensive CPD and technical development support
- Flu vaccinations and eye care support
- Client referral incentive scheme
- Modern and flexible working environment
- Ongoing investment in leadership and management development
Why Join Our Client?
- Join a growing and respected specialist Legal Sector team
- Work with an established portfolio of high-quality legal clients
- Gain exposure to complex and varied assignments
- Play a key role in team development and client growth
- Enjoy genuine career progression opportunities
- Be part of a values-driven firm with ambitious growth plans
If you are an ambitious Business Services Manager looking to specialise further within the legal sector and advance your career within a growing professional services firm, we would welcome a confidential discussion.
David Hawthorne-Finch
Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions (H-FTS)
Email: For a confidential conversation regarding this opportunity and your longer-term career aspirations, please contact David directly. All applications and enquiries will be treated in the strictest confidence. Our client is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender identity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. No information will be shared with our client without your prior consent.
Business Services Manager (Legal Sector) in Leeds employer: Trades Workforce Solutions
Aurora Energy Research is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work culture in the heart of Oxford. With a focus on employee growth and development, we provide ample opportunities for professional advancement while ensuring a flexible, hybrid working environment that promotes work-life balance. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to innovation in energy research, where your contributions will directly impact user engagement and product excellence.
Contact Details:
Trades Workforce Solutions Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Services Manager (Legal Sector) in Leeds
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We think you need these skills to ace Business Services Manager (Legal Sector) in Leeds
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