Working hours: Monday – Friday 9:00 – 18:00
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
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.
- 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 andgovernance
- 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.
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