Accounts Manager

Accounts Manager - SME Practice, Reading

Accounts Manager SME Practice
Reading Permanent, Full-time

Our client is an independent firm of Chartered Accountants based in the Thames Valley, serving a broad portfolio of clients across a wide range of sectors.
We are seeking an Accounts Manager to lead our Accounts Department. This is a senior position with responsibility for managing workflow, supervising staff, and maintaining strong client relationships. The role reports directly to the Partners.
Key Responsibilities

• Client and assignment Management.
• Acting as main point for contact for portfolio of SME clients.
• Review annual and management accounts prepared by the team
• Prepare more complex accounts
• Workflow management oversee the delivery of work to agreed timescales, budgets, and quality standards.
• Guide and develop team members drive culture based on support, clarity and continual improvement
• Involvement in firm-wide initiatives, process improvements and growth projects
• Build and maintain strong client relationships through effective communication and service delivery.

Team Leadership

• Manage and develop team members, providing supervision, support, and training as required.
• Take a leadership role in managing department resources, workflow, and job allocation.
• Act as a role model, promoting professionalism and high standards across the team.

Operational Responsibilities

• Monitor budgets, billing, and recovery rates to ensure efficient assignment management.
• Contribute to departmental planning and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Undertake ad-hoc project work and technical assignments as required.

Professional Development

• Maintain and extend technical knowledge through self-study
• Contribute to accounting assurance processes and controls
• Participation in the firm's in-house training and development programme.

Skills and Experience Required

• ACA or ACCA qualified or equivalent
• Previous experience operating at Assistant Manager or Manager level within an accounts function (3 to 5 years' experience).
• Competent in all aspects of accounts prepared under UK GAAP
• Hands-on approach with the ability to manage multiple assignments simultaneously.
• Strong background in working with SME and owner-managed business clients.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues and clients.
• Strong organisational ability, with a focus on accuracy, efficiency, and meeting deadlines.

Why Join?

• Established and respected chartered accountancy firm.
• Supportive, collaborative, and professional team environment.
• Varied and technically interesting client base.
• Opportunities for progression and ongoing professional development.

Package

• Salary guide £55,000 to £65,000 pa
• Discretionary bonus
• Death in service
• Stakeholder pension

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