Ascendant
Yorkshire Region - Nunns
Come and Join Us!
Position: Senior Practice Manager
Reports to: Operations Director
Location: Sheffield S10
Working hours: Monday – Friday 9:00 – 18:00
Annual leave: 25 days plus bank holidays
Salary: up to £60,000 per annum dependent on experience
Bonus: Annual Performance-related
Equity: Company share scheme, (subject to scheme rules/eligibility)
Qualification: Professionally qualified (ACA/ACCA/CIMA or equivalent)
Experience: At least 5 years’ post qualification experience
About Us
Ascendant is a UK group with offices nationwide, in London, Milton Keynes and Yorkshire. This role is part of Nunns Accounting Services ltd, a long established firm which makes up Ascendant’s Yorkshire region. We are on a significant growth drive over the next 3–5 years, and this is a newly created senior role designed to strengthen leadership at site level and drive consistent operational excellence as we grow.
Accounting Rebooted
Our purpose is to redefine what people can expect from accountants, rebooting the accounting industry.
We make accounting faster, easier and more useful for growing businesses, using smart tech and delivering
straight-talking advice, to help business owners make better decisions and move forward with confidence.
We believe in always looking for a better way, challenging the status quo.
Rebooting Accountancy:
We’re shaking up the industry with innovative solutions to make things smarter, faster, easier and better value.
No jargon, no waiting around and no surprise bills.
We’re The First, Last & Only Accountant You’ll Ever Need:
We create lifelong relationships by providing flexible accounting and finance solutions that evolve over your
business journey.
On Your Side:
With the odds stacked against smaller businesses, we are on your side, here to help you thrive, not just survive.
Tech-Powered, Human-Led:
Our people use the latest technology to be faster, smarter and more helpful.
Specialists, Not Generalists:
We provide industry-specific advice & guidance, delivered by our team of sector specialists
Role Summary
This is a senior leadership role responsible for the full site and day-to-day delivery across Client, People, Operations, and Compliance. You will lead the team, maintain and grow client relationships, and ensure high standards of quality, governance, and performance.
You will report to the Operations Director and will be expected to lead by example, embed the company values, and deliver a high-performing, client-first practice.
Key responsibilities
Site leadership and performance
- Take full accountability for day-to-day site performance, ensuring consistent delivery across client service, operational execution, and compliance.
- Set clear expectations and standards, driving excellence across quality, turnaround times, and client experience.
- Lead by example in living and reinforcing company values.
People leadership
- Lead, mentor, and manage the practice team, maintaining high standards of performance and professional development.
- Run structured performance management, including quarterly reviews, coaching, and development planning.
- Support hiring, onboarding, and retention activities as the site grows.
Client leadership
- Own and maintain key client relationships, ensuring proactive communication and high satisfaction.
- Conduct client meetings to discuss financial performance, recommendations, and practical improvements.
- Handle escalations professionally and ensure issues are resolved quickly and permanently.
Technical delivery oversight
- Oversee preparation and review of annual accounts and statutory financial statements for a range of clients.
- Oversee production and review of management accounts and performance reporting, including clear commentary and actionable recommendations.
- Supervise bookkeeping, VAT returns, and payroll processing, ensuring accuracy and timely submission.
- Ensure all client records are accurate, up to date, and compliant with UK standards (including FRS 102 and FRS 105 where applicable).
Compliance and governance
- Liaise with HMRC and Companies House on behalf of clients.
- Support clients with Making Tax Digital (MTD) requirements and good digital record-keeping.
- Maintain confidentiality and ensure adherence to GDPR and data protection obligations.
- Stay up to date with changes in accounting and compliance requirements and ensure the practice adapts accordingly.
Operational excellence
- Drive continuous improvement of internal processes, templates, and workflows.
- Implement and maintain strong controls, checklists, and reporting to ensure predictable delivery.
- Work closely with the Operations Director and wider group to standardise best practice across sites.
What success looks like (first 6–12 months)
- A stable, well-led site with clear standards, strong team morale, and consistent delivery.
- Improved client experience: fewer escalations, stronger retention, and proactive relationship management.
- Operational improvements implemented (workflows, QA, reporting) that scale with acquisitions.
Qualifications and experience
- ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualified (essential).
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in a UK accountancy practice.
- Demonstrable leadership experience (team management, coaching, performance management).
- Strong working knowledge of UK GAAP, Companies Act requirements, and HMRC compliance.
Required skills
- Proven ability to lead and develop teams in a practice environment.
- Excellent written and verbal communication (English), with the ability to explain financial matters clearly to non-finance clients.
- Strong client relationship management and stakeholder handling.
- Proficiency with modern accounting software (e.g., Xero, QuickBooks, Sage).
- Strong analytical and problem-solving capability.
- High attention to detail and strong organisational skills.
- Ability to manage multiple deadlines and prioritise effectively.
- Discretion and professionalism when handling sensitive information.
- Forward-thinking, motivated, and self-sufficient—able to lead beyond the numbers.
Equal opportunities
Ascendant Accountants is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of background.