Chartered Accountant (Manager) in London

Upstreamly is a modern chartered accountancy and advisory firm helping ambitious businesses grow with confidence. Headquartered in London, with offices in Aberdeen and Porto, we support clients across the UK and internationally with accounting, tax, advisory and outsourced finance services. We are regulated by the ICAEW and pride ourselves on delivering high‑quality advice with a personal, relationship‑led approach.

Our clients range from entrepreneurial SMEs and fast‑growing businesses to international groups operating across multiple jurisdictions. Many operate in innovative sectors including technology, fintech, energy, renewables and university spin‑outs. Many of our clients view us as an extension of their finance function, relying on us not only for compliance services but also for commercial insight and practical business advice. Clients choose us because we combine technical expertise with commercial pragmatism, helping them make better decisions and build stronger businesses.

We are an ambitious and growing firm. In recent years we have expanded our team, locations and service offering by focusing on client experience, technology, company culture and developing great people. We are looking for individuals who enjoy taking ownership, building trusted relationships, supporting the development of others and helping ambitious businesses succeed.

The Delivery Team sits at the heart of Upstreamly's client service offering, supporting businesses with accounting, tax, VAT, payroll and advisory services. As Upstreamly continues to grow, we are expanding our management team to support an increasing client portfolio and further strengthen our Delivery function.

Reporting to the Head of Delivery, the Chartered Accountant (Manager) will play a key role in managing client relationships, overseeing the delivery of high‑quality accounting services, and supporting the development of our team.

You will be responsible for managing a portfolio of entrepreneurial and growing businesses, acting as their primary point of contact and building trusted long‑term relationships. You will oversee the delivery of accounts, tax, VAT and payroll services, review work prepared by the team, and provide practical advice to clients on a range of financial and commercial matters.

You will also lead and mentor a team of accountants and trainees, allocating and reviewing work, providing guidance, and supporting their professional development. Alongside your management responsibilities, you will remain hands‑on with more complex client matters and contribute to the continuous improvement of our processes, systems and ways of working.

This role would suit an experienced practice professional who enjoys combining technical expertise, client relationship management and people leadership in a growing and collaborative firm.

• Client Portfolio Management
  • Manage a portfolio of entrepreneurial clients across a range of sectors
  • Act as the primary point of contact, building strong, long‑term relationships
  • Ensure all services are delivered on time, within budget, and to a high standard
  • Identify opportunities to add value and expand services
• Accounts & Financial Reporting
  • Prepare and review statutory financial statements under UK GAAP (FRS 102/105) and IFRS
  • Review management accounts and ensure consistency and quality across the portfolio
  • Ensure compliance with relevant accounting standards and regulatory requirements
• Tax Compliance
  • Oversee and review corporation tax returns
  • Oversee and review personal tax returns for business owners and directors
  • Liaise with internal or external specialists on complex tax matters where required
• VAT & Payroll
  • Review and oversee VAT returns, ensuring compliance with HMRC requirements
  • Oversee payroll processes, ensuring accuracy and timely submissions
• Team Leadership
  • Manage, mentor, and develop a team of accountants and trainees
  • Review work prepared by junior staff and provide clear, constructive feedback
  • Allocate work effectively and monitor team performance and development
  • Support training, coaching, and professional development
• Advisory & Business Support
  • Provide proactive advice to clients, including cashflow forecasting, budgeting and financial planning, KPI development and performance monitoring
  • Support clients in improving financial processes and internal controls
  • Translate financial data into clear, actionable insights for business owners
• Process & Quality Control
  • Maintain and enhance internal processes and quality control procedures
  • Ensure compliance with internal standards and external regulations
  • Drive efficiencies through technology and automation (e.g. Xero, Dext, Syft)

Essential requirements

• A university degree (Bachelor's degree or equivalent)
• ACA / ACCA qualified (or equivalent)
• Minimum of 5 years' experience in accountancy practice, including at least 2 years post‑qualification experience
• Proven experience managing a client portfolio
• Proven experience managing, mentoring and developing junior team members
• Must be legally authorised to work in the United Kingdom
• Based in Oxford or London
• Willingness to travel to client meetings and, for candidates based in Oxford, occasional travel to our London office

Technical Expertise

• Strong technical knowledge across UK GAAP and IFRS, corporation tax and personal tax, VAT and payroll
• Proficiency in systems such as Xero, Dext, BrightPay, Syft (or similar)

Skills & Attributes

• Strong communication and client relationship management skills
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Commercial mindset with the ability to provide practical, value‑added advice
• Strong organisational and time‑management skills
• Ability to prioritise and manage multiple deadlines
• High attention to detail and commitment to quality
• Collaborative and team‑oriented approach

What we offer

• Competitive salary plus a discretionary annual bonus based on company performance
• 25 days annual leave plus flexible working arrangements