At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage a diverse client portfolio and deliver high-quality accounting services.
- Company: Expanding independent Chartered practice in Southend-on-Sea.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, flexible hours, and career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Exciting growth plans and a welcoming professional environment.
- Why this job: Join a supportive team and make a real impact on client success.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in general practice with strong client management skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 50000 ÂŁ per year.
Excellent opportunity to join an expanding independent practice in Southend.
An established and forward‑thinking independent Chartered practice in Southend-on-Sea is looking to appoint a Client Accountant / Manager to take ownership of a client base undergoing some exciting growth. Working primarily with owner‑managed businesses and SMEs, the firm prides itself on delivering practical, high‑quality advice, building trusted relationships and embracing modern systems. This role will therefore suit a confident practice professional who enjoys working closely with clients, taking responsibility for outcomes and supporting the development of others.
The Role
This is a broad and autonomous role combining technical delivery and client management. You will manage your own client workload from start to finish while acting as a sounding board for both clients and colleagues. Alongside preparing and reviewing accounts and tax work, you will help shape processes, review junior team output and ensure work is completed efficiently, accurately and on time.
Key Responsibilities
- Acting as lead contact for a portfolio of SME and owner‑managed business clients
- Overseeing the preparation and review of year‑end accounts and related tax work with an emphasis on personal tax
- Reviewing personal tax returns and self‑assessment filings
- Delivering management accounts and performance reports where required
- Reviewing junior staff work and providing technical and practical guidance
- Maintaining strong relationships built on clear communication and trust
Systems: Statutory accounts and tax are prepared using SAPA, alongside a suite of cloud platforms such as Xero, QuickBooks and Sage.
About You
- Several years' experience in a general practice role with exposure to accounts and personal tax (minimum 5)
- Previous responsibility for managing clients independently
- Strong organisational skills and a natural ability to prioritise workloads
- Comfortable reviewing work and supporting less experienced team members
- Commercially minded with a client‑focused approach
- Based within reasonable commuting distance of Southend-on-Sea
What's on Offer
- Competitive salary between ÂŁ45,000 and ÂŁ50,000, depending on experience
- Hybrid working and flexible hours available following a qualifying period
- A varied role with genuine responsibility and autonomy
- Welcoming, professional team environment with long‑term career prospects
- Stable firm with a loyal client base and exciting forward growth plans
This is a genuinely exciting role, a great firm and lovely people. If you are looking for a new permanent firm to grow with, please apply now.
Client Accountant / Manager - Southend employer: WestonBrook Associates
Contact Detail:
WestonBrook Associates Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Client Accountant / Manager - Southend
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend local events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the hunt for a Client Accountant/Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the firm thoroughly. Understand their client base, values, and the systems they use like SAPA, Xero, and QuickBooks. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in joining their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with managing clients independently and supporting junior staff. Highlight your organisational skills and client-focused approach to make a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Client Accountant / Manager - Southend
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the job description. Highlight your experience in managing clients and working with SMEs, as this is key for us at StudySmarter.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you’re the perfect fit for the Client Accountant/Manager role. Share specific examples of how you've built trusted relationships and delivered high-quality advice in previous roles.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Since we use systems like SAPA, Xero, QuickBooks, and Sage, mention any relevant experience you have with these platforms. This will help us see how you can hit the ground running!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team.
How to prepare for a job interview at WestonBrook Associates
✨Know Your Numbers
Make sure you brush up on your accounting knowledge, especially around personal tax and year-end accounts. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experience where you've successfully managed client portfolios or improved processes.
✨Showcase Your Client Management Skills
Prepare to talk about how you've built and maintained strong relationships with clients. Think of instances where your communication skills made a difference, and be ready to share how you’ve supported junior team members in their development.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Tools
Since the firm uses systems like SAPA, Xero, QuickBooks, and Sage, it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with these platforms. If you have experience with them, be prepared to discuss how you’ve used these tools to enhance efficiency and accuracy in your work.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
Think of examples that highlight your ability to prioritise workloads and manage multiple clients effectively. The interviewers will want to see that you can handle the autonomy of the role while ensuring deadlines are met without compromising quality.