Senior Manager

Job Title: Senior Manager

Location: Inverness

Salary: Based on Experience

Our client is seeking an experienced Senior Manager to join their Inverness office. The successful candidate will lead a portfolio of clients, provide high-level oversight of accounts, tax computations, statutory reporting, and strategic advisory services while ensuring full compliance with UK accounting and regulatory standards. The role requires advanced technical expertise in financial reporting, tax planning, management accounts, and business performance analysis, alongside strong proficiency in cloud accounting systems, IRIS, Excel, and digital workflow tools. The Senior Manager will play a key leadership role in mentoring and developing teams, driving operational efficiency, supporting business growth initiatives, and maintaining strong client relationships as a trusted advisor. The position also involves contributing to strategic decision-making, overseeing profitability and resource planning, and championing continuous improvement and digital transformation across the firm.

Technical Expertise (Advanced):

High-level review of accounts, tax computations, and financial statements
Advising clients on complex technical matters including tax planning and structuring
Oversight of preparation and filing of statutory accounts under FRS 102 and FRS 105
Providing insight into management accounts, KPIs, and business performance
Ensuring technical accuracy and regulatory compliance across all work
Keeping up to date with changes in accounting and tax legislation and ensuring team compliance
Supporting implementation of new accounting standards and regulatory updates across the firm
Software Skills:

Proficient in accounting software, including:

Xero
QuickBooks Online
Freeagent
Sage 50 / Sage Business Cloud

Experience using tax and accounts production software IRIS
Skilled in Microsoft Excel
Comfortable working with digital document and workflow systems (e.g., Dext, Hubdoc)
Familiar with practice management systems- Iris and SPS
Organisational & Analytical Skills:

Strong attention to detail and high accuracy standards
Capable of analysing financial data to identify trends or discrepancies
Well-organised and efficient under pressure
Effective multitasking and time management skills
Proactive and solution-oriented with continuous improvement mindset
Able to manage competing demands and tight deadlines across clients

Leadership & Team Development:

Managing and mentoring managers, seniors, and trainees across departments
Leading recruitment, appraisals, and performance reviews
Setting training objectives and supporting team CPD and exam progression
Encouraging a culture of continuous improvement and accountability
Driving staff engagement and contributing to a positive workplace culture
Leading internal training sessions and sharing technical knowledge firmwide
Strategic & Management Skills:

Leading a portfolio of clients, ensuring high-quality service and client satisfaction
Strategic planning and oversight of practice-wide workflows and resource allocation
Monitoring profitability and performance of client engagements
Developing and implementing internal processes to improve efficiency and compliance
Supporting business development through networking, referrals, and client retention
Identifying opportunities for advisory services and cross-selling firm offerings
Preparing internal management reports for partners/directors
Contributing to strategic decision-making and growth initiatives within the firm
Ensuring compliance with ISQM (UK) 1 and other relevant quality standards
Managing billing, WIP recovery, and debtor management for assigned portfolio

Client Relationship Management:

Acting as the primary point of contact for key clients
Advising on business strategy, growth, tax efficiency, and risk management
Leading client meetings and presenting financial insights at board level
Building long-term client relationships based on trust, responsiveness, and value
Managing client expectations and resolving escalated issues professionally
Software & Digital Competence:

Advanced user of cloud accounting software (Xero, QuickBooks, Sage Business Cloud)
Oversight of firm-wide adoption of practice management systems (e.g., Karbon, Accountancy Manager)
Proficient in accounts/tax production software (e.g., IRIS, CCH, TaxCalc, VT Final Accounts)
Strong Excel skills for financial modelling, budgeting, and analysis
Championing digital transformation and workflow automation across the firm