Accounts and Business Manager

Hays are working with a Top 10 firm in Ipswich to source an Accounting and Business Manager for their growing team.

As a Manager, you will take ownership of a client portfolio, leading the preparation and review of accounts while ensuring compliance with relevant standards and deadlines. You will manage and develop a team, oversee workflow planning, and act as a trusted advisor to clients on a range of financial and business matters.This is a key role within the team, focused on delivering high-quality client service while contributing to the ongoing growth and development of the practice.

Key Responsibilities

Client & Portfolio Management

Manage a portfolio of clients, acting as the main point of contact
Build strong relationships, understanding clients' businesses, objectives, and challenges
Lead year-end accounts discussions and identify opportunities to provide additional advisory services
Respond to client queries independently and proactively
Team Leadership & Development

Manage and support a team, ensuring effective workflow planning and delivery
Review work produced by junior team members, providing constructive feedback and coaching
Allocate work effectively, encouraging development through challenging assignments
Support recruitment, interviews, and development of junior staff
Service Delivery & Compliance

Oversee the preparation and review of statutory accounts and financial reporting
Ensure all work is completed in line with accounting standards and internal procedures
Manage deadlines across the portfolio to ensure timely delivery
Maintain high levels of accuracy and attention to detail
Commercial & Operational Management

Monitor WIP and ensure timely billing, addressing any recoverability concerns
Challenge fee levels in line with job recovery and commercial performance
Contribute to proposals, tenders, and fee quotes to support new business generation
Drive efficiency improvements and adopt new technologies where appropriate
Core Competencies Client Focus

Strong understanding of client needs, markets, and business environments
Ability to identify opportunities to add value and support business growth
Confident in managing client relationships independently
Technical Excellence

Maintains strong technical knowledge of accounts and business advisory services
Able to interpret financial results and provide meaningful commercial insight
Shares knowledge with the wider team and contributes to training initiatives
Leadership & Commitment

Takes ownership of team performance and workflow planning
Identifies skills gaps and supports ongoing development initiatives
Demonstrates enthusiasm and actively contributes to team and firm-wide activities
Technical Skills

Preparation and review of statutory and consolidated accounts
Ability to interpret financial data, including working capital and cash flow
Experience preparing and reviewing forecasts and projections
Strong understanding of VAT, including partial exemption and reverse-charge
Ability to identify and explain prior period adjustments
Experience advising on financial performance and business planning
Exposure to group structures, consolidations, and reliefs desirable.
Key Behaviours

Strong decision-making skills and confidence in managing responsibility
Ability to challenge existing processes and drive continuous improvement
Encourages independent thinking within the team
Demonstrates integrity and alignment with firm values
Qualifications & Experience

ACA, ACCA or equivalent qualified (or qualified by experience)
Proven experience within an accountancy practice environment
Demonstrable experience managing client portfolios and leading teams
Strong technical accounts and advisory background
What's on Offer

Opportunity to lead a portfolio and play a key role in team development
Exposure to a broad range of clients and advisory work
Clear progression pathway within a growing practice
Supportive and collaborative working environment
What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.

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