Accounting Operations Director

Quest Accounting; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A growing accounting firm in Milton Keynes is seeking an Accounting Operations Director. This role involves leading and mentoring the accounting team, driving strategic initiatives, and ensuring compliance with accounting standards. The ideal candidate should be a fully qualified accountant with substantial leadership experience and expertise in cloud accounting systems.

Benefits

Performance-based bonus

Structured training

Support for CPD courses

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Access to cutting-edge accounting tools

Qualifications

• Substantial post-qualification experience in accountancy.
• Experience in senior leadership within an accountancy practice or finance function.
• Proven track record in strategic planning and operational delivery.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop the accounting team.
• Support strategic planning and oversee accounting processes.
• Ensure compliance with accounting standards and oversee VAT returns.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Cloud accounting expertise

Relationship building

Organizational skills

Education

Fully qualified accountant (ACCA, CIMA, ACA)

Tools

Xero

QuickBooks

FreeAgent

Job description

Overview

Lead, Inspire & Advance Your Accounting Career - Quest Accounting Services, a growing firm in Milton Keynes, is seeking an Accounting Operations Director. This is a full-time, permanent, office-based role in Milton Keynes (MK9).

Role: Accounting Operations Director

Location: Milton Keynes, MK9 - Office based role

Hours: Full-time, 9:00am – 5:30pm

Salary: £45,000 - £55,000 per annum + on target bonus

Requirements: Full driving licence required

Please note: Applicants must be authorised to work in the UK

The Role

As an Accounting Operations Director, you'll work closely with the directors to drive operational excellence and support strategic initiatives, including acquisitions and mergers.

Responsibilities

• People Leadership:
  • Lead, mentor, and develop the accounting team
  • Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
• Strategy, Delivery & Operational Excellence:
  • Work closely with directors on long-term strategic planning
  • Support directors with acquisitions and mergers, playing an active role in shaping business growth
  • Collaborate with external leaders to deliver strategic growth initiatives
  • Oversee and improve accounting processes for maximum efficiency
  • Align operations with business objectives and growth plans
  • Manage deadlines, workflow, and quality of output
• Technical & Compliance Oversight:
  • Ensure timely and accurate VAT returns, statutory accounts, and tax filings
  • Oversee cloud accounting systems (Xero, QuickBooks, FreeAgent)
  • Maintain compliance with accounting standards and regulations

What We Offer

• Performance-based bonus: annually, based on financial targets
• Structured training and tailored personal development plans
• Support for CPD courses, and leadership training
• Auto-enrolment pension (after 3 months)
• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays (pro rata)
• Access to cutting-edge accounting tools and cloud software
• Direct influence on firm-wide initiatives and service innovation
• A collaborative, inclusive, and fun team environment

The Ideal Candidate

• Fully qualified accountant (ACCA, CIMA, or ACA) registered with the relevant body with substantial post-qualification experience
• Proven track record in senior leadership within an accountancy practice or finance function
• Demonstrated success in strategic planning and operational delivery
• Skilled in building and leading high-performing teams, with a focus on development and retention
• Strong commercial acumen, with the ability to identify and capitalise on growth opportunities
• Excellent relationship-building skills, with experience collaborating with directors and external stakeholders
• In-depth technical expertise across VAT, Corporation Tax, statutory accounts, and compliance
• Highly proficient in cloud-based accounting systems (Xero, QuickBooks, FreeAgent)
• Exceptional organisational skills, able to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel when required

How to Apply

If you have the skills and experience required for this position, click “apply” today and check your inbox for an email providing more information on how to complete your application and provide any other supporting documents.

You must be authorised to work in the UK. No agencies, please.

Other suitable roles include Finance Director, Head of Finance, Accounting Operations Director, Practice Director, Senior Finance Manager, Strategic Finance Lead, Financial Controller, and related CPA/CA designations.