ACCA Practice Accounts Manager/Director - Axminster

Blue Arrow Ltd; Devon and Torbay; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Annual salary review

Death in service 3x annual salary

Westfield Rewards

Health scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Private Medical Insurance

Pension 3% rising to 4%

Maternity/Paternity pay

Job summary

Blue Arrow Ltd in Axminster is seeking an experienced ACA/ACCA Accounts Manager/Director for a permanent role. The position offers progression toward Director and Partnership with a varied client portfolio, mentoring responsibilities, and a focus on growth.

You will lead and develop junior staff while delivering high-quality financial statements and tax work. The ideal candidate has accountancy practice experience at Manager level, strong leadership, and excellent client relationship skills to

Qualifications

• Experience in an accountancy practice at Manager level
• ACA or ACCA qualification
• Strong leadership and people development skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication with a client-focused approach
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver timely financial statements and tax work

Responsibilities

• Manage and develop a portfolio of clients including audit and charity/not-for-profit entities
• Lead, mentor and support junior team members
• Review and prepare financial statements for various entities
• Prepare and review personal and corporate tax computations and returns
• Oversee VAT return preparation and compliance with HMRC/Companies House
• Support clients with business setup and advisory matters
• Provide proactive business and tax advice to improve profitability
• Identify opportunities to provide additional services to clients

Skills

Manager level experience

Accounts management

Client relationships

Leadership

Education

ACA/ACCA qualification

Job description

ACA/ACCA Accounts Manager/Director.

Axminster.

£50,000-£65,000 DOE.

Accountancy Practice Experience Mandatory.

My client is an Accountancy Practice and Real Living Wage Employer, with over 290 team members based across Devon and Somerset.

We're looking for an experienced and ambitious Accounts Manager to join our Axminster office on a permanent basis. This is an exciting opportunity to work with a varied portfolio of clients, support and develop junior team members, and play a key role in the continued growth and success of the office.

This role would suit someone already operating successfully at Manager level, who is looking for a long-term opportunity with genuine, rapid progression potential towards Director and ultimately Partnership. It's a chance to build a rewarding and successful career within a respected local firm, with strong community relationships and a people-focused culture.

My client believes our people are our greatest strength. When you join us, you'll become part of a supportive and collaborative firm where your contribution and career development are genuinely valued.

You'll benefit from:

• The opportunity to work with a diverse and interesting client portfolio.
• Genuine long-term progression opportunities towards senior leadership.
• A friendly and supportive office environment with strong local relationships.
• The chance to mentor and develop junior team members.
• A genuine focus on wellbeing and work/life balance.
• The opportunity to be part of a growing and ambitious firm with a strong reputation across the Southwest.

Main Duties:

This is a varied and client-focused role where you will combine technical expertise, relationship management, and team leadership responsibilities. Your duties will include:

• Managing and developing a portfolio of interesting clients including audit and charity / not-for-profit clients, acting as a trusted point of contact and building strong long-term relationships.
• Leading, mentoring, and supporting junior team members, including workflow management and day-to-day development.
• Reviewing and preparing financial statements for limited companies, partnerships, and sole traders.
• Preparing and reviewing personal and corporate tax computations and returns.
• Overseeing VAT return preparation and ensuring compliance with HMRC and Companies House requirements.
• Supporting clients with business setup and advisory matters, including company incorporations and HMRC registrations.
• Providing proactive business and tax advice to help clients improve profitability and achieve their goals.
• Being a trusted adviser in a varied and interesting local community.
• Ensuring work is completed in line with internal procedures, ethical standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Assisting Directors and Partners with technical assignments and specialist projects.
• Identifying opportunities to provide additional services and support to clients.

This list summarises the main duties of the role but is not exhaustive – you may be asked to support with additional projects and responsibilities as required.

Attributes, Skills, Experience and Qualifications:

We're looking for someone who is technically strong, commercially aware, and passionate about building trusted client relationships. You will need:

• Experience working within an accountancy practice at Manager level and a desire to progress.
• Strong experience preparing and reviewing accounts and tax returns for limited companies and unincorporated businesses.
• ACA or ACCA qualification.
• Audit and charity / not-for-profit This does not need to be your forte but a basic ability will be required to give scope for development.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to support, mentor, and develop team members.
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• A proactive and positive approach, with strong attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present information clearly and professionally.
• A friendly, approachable, and client-focused manner.
• A professional and team-oriented attitude with a commitment to delivering excellent client service.

Terms / Benefits

• 36.25 hours / 5 days per week.
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Annual salary review.
• Opportunity to carry over 1 week's holiday into the following holiday year.
• Death in service 3 x annual salary.
• Access to Westfield Rewards and Health scheme.
• 24-hour external Employee Assistance Programme helpline.
• Flexible benefits including Buy and Sell holiday, Cycle to Work, Payroll Charity Giving and Private Medical Insurance.
• Introducing clients and team member commission schemes.
• Pension 3% rising to 4% (but matched up to 6%) after 4 years' service.
• Enhanced Maternity and Paternity pay after one years' service.

Blue Arrow is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to helping find great work opportunities for great people.