Accounts and Business Manager

Accounting and Business Manager job in Ipswich - above market salary

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 ResponsibilitiesClient & 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 CompetenciesClient 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.
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