Client Services Manager

Upstreamly is a modern, SME-focused accountancy practice in London and Aberdeen. We partner with growing businesses across sectors to deliver reliable finance operations and sharp insight that helps clients move faster. Our clients are ambitious, entrepreneurially-spirited, scale-up and high-growth businesses, and they trust us because of the quality of our advice, which is built on deep relationships and a strong understanding of their businesses.

The role involves managing a portfolio of clients, overseeing a team, and delivering a full suite of services across accounts, tax, payroll, VAT, and advisory. You will play a central role in ensuring high-quality service delivery while also supporting clients with forward-looking insights to help them grow and make better decisions.

Key responsibilities:

• 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
• 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)

What We’re Looking For:

• Strong experience in accountancy practice (5+ years preferred)
• Proven experience managing a client portfolio
• Based in either London or Oxford
• Strong technical knowledge across UK GAAP and IFRS, corporation tax and personal tax, VAT and payroll
• Experience managing and developing a team
• Strong communication and client relationship skills
• Commercial mindset with the ability to provide practical, value-added advice
• Proficiency in systems such as Xero, Dext, BrightPay, Syft (or similar)

What we offer:

• Performance bonus
• Hybrid working and flexible hours
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays
• Health insurance
• Ongoing professional development and CPD support

How to apply: Send your CV and a short covering note to recruitment@upstreamly.com with the subject: “Client Services Manager Application”