Client Manager (Accountant)

Location: Waterlooville, Hampshire

Contract Type: Permanent

Hours: Full-time (36.5 hours per week)

Working Pattern: Office-based with 2 days working from home available

Salary: £53,500 - £58,000

The Opportunity

Our client is a rapidly growing, forward-thinking accountancy practice that combines traditional values with a modern approach to supporting small businesses. They pride themselves on fostering a collaborative, supportive culture where learning, development and teamwork are at the heart of everything they do.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced accountant who enjoys managing client relationships, leading a team, and delivering high-quality accountancy and advisory services.

The Role

As a Client Manager, you will manage your own portfolio of clients while leading a small team of accountants, providing technical guidance, mentoring, and ensuring exceptional client service.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the preparation, review and submission of statutory accounts and tax returns for:
  • Sole Traders
  • Partnerships
  • Limited Companies

   

• Maintain responsibility for your own portfolio of clients.
• Review and check work completed by junior team members.
• Supervise, mentor and develop a small accounting team.
• Manage workloads to ensure all statutory deadlines are met.
• Provide technical support and constructive feedback to team members.
• Assist with planning and monitoring team performance, including KPIs and timesheets.
• Build strong relationships with clients through regular communication by phone, email and meetings.
• Onboard new clients and support their transition into the business.
• Advise clients on tax planning and tax efficiency.
• Provide business advisory support, including:
  • Cash flow forecasting
  • Budgeting
  • Pricing guidance

   

• Prepare, review and complete bookkeeping, VAT returns and CIS where required.
• Conduct year-end client meetings.
• Carry out client fee reviews.
• Maintain accurate electronic records and client documentation.
• Liaise with HMRC and Companies House to resolve client queries.
• Deliver bookkeeping or accounting training to clients where appropriate.
• Maintain Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
• Attend networking events when required.

Requirements

Essential

• ACCA, ACA or equivalent fully qualified accountant.
• Minimum 5 years' experience working within an accountancy practice.
• Strong experience managing a varied portfolio of clients.
• Able to independently prepare and review:
  • Statutory accounts
  • Corporation Tax returns
  • Self Assessment Tax Returns

   

• Experience working with:
  • Sole Traders
  • Partnerships
  • Limited Companies

   

• Strong tax knowledge with the ability to advise clients.
• Previous experience supervising or mentoring junior staff.
• Experience using:
  • Xero
  • QuickBooks
  • Dext
  • FreeAgent

   

• Strong Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel and Word.

Skills & Attributes

The successful candidate will:

• Be highly organised with excellent time management skills.
• Be able to prioritise workloads and meet deadlines.
• Have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Be confident explaining complex financial information in a simple manner.
• Enjoy building long-term client relationships.
• Take a proactive and solutions-focused approach.
• Be committed to continuous learning and professional development.
• Have a collaborative and supportive management style.
• Take pride in delivering exceptional client service.

Benefits

• Competitive salary of £53,500 - £58,000
• Hybrid working (2 days working from home)
• Opportunity to join a growing and ambitious accountancy practice.
• Supportive and collaborative team environment.
• Ongoing professional development and training.
• Genuine opportunities for career progression.