Accounts Director

ICAEW; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Hybrid working

Progression opportunities

Strong work-life balance

Job summary

ICAEW in Greater Manchester is seeking an experienced Accounts Director to lead the firm's accounts function, overseeing a diverse client portfolio and supporting strategic growth within a respected independent practice.

You will work closely with Partners, delivering high-quality business advisory and compliance services, mentoring a talented team, and cultivating strong client relationships while driving business development.

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing a substantial client portfolio.
• Strong technical knowledge across accounts and advisory services.
• Excellent relationship-building and stakeholder management skills.
• Previous experience leading and developing teams.
• Commercial mindset with ability to identify opportunities for clients and the firm.
• Strong communication and leadership capabilities.
• Passion for delivering exceptional client service.
• Experience at Senior Manager, Associate Director or Director level.

Responsibilities

• Managing a portfolio of owner-managed businesses and corporate clients.
• Providing strategic business advice and commercial guidance to clients.
• Reviewing statutory accounts and related compliance work.
• Building and maintaining strong client relationships.
• Supporting business development activities and identifying opportunities for growth.
• Leading, mentoring and developing junior and senior team members.
• Contributing to operational improvements and ongoing development of the practice.
• Participating in the senior leadership team to shape the firm's direction.

Skills

Portfolio management

Strategic advisory

Leadership

Relationship management

Commercial mindset

Communication

Client service

Senior leadership experience

Education

ACCA/ACA qualification

Job description

Your new company
An exciting opportunity has arisen with a highly respected, independent Accountancy firm based in Greater Manchester. This well-established practice has built an outstanding reputation for delivering trusted advisory and accountancy services to a diverse portfolio of owner-managed businesses, SMEs and entrepreneurial clients across the North West.
Unlike many larger corporate firms, this independent practice offers a genuinely people-focused culture, where relationships, quality of service and employee wellbeing are at the heart of its success. With ambitious growth plans and a clear vision for the future, this is an excellent opportunity for an experienced practice professional seeking a senior leadership role with real influence and progression potential.
Your new role
As Accounts Director, you will play a key role in leading and developing the firm's accounts function, overseeing a varied portfolio of clients whilst supporting the strategic growth of the practice.
Working closely with the Partners, you will provide high-quality business advisory and compliance services, manage and develop client relationships, and lead, mentor and inspire a talented team of professionals.
Key responsibilities will include:

• Managing a portfolio of owner-managed businesses and corporate clients
• Providing strategic business advice and commercial guidance to clients
• Reviewing statutory accounts and related compliance work
• Building and maintaining strong client relationships
• Supporting business development activities and identifying opportunities for growth
• Leading, mentoring and developing junior and senior members of the team
• Contributing to operational improvements and the ongoing development of the practice
• Playing an active role in shaping the future direction of the firm as part of the senior leadership team

This role offers a genuine opportunity to become an integral part of the firm's long-term succession plans and future senior leadership structure.
What you need to succeed

• Proven experience managing a substantial client portfolio
• Strong technical knowledge across accounts and advisory services
• Excellent relationship-building and stakeholder management skills
• Previous experience leading and developing teams
• A commercial mindset with the ability to identify opportunities for clients and the firm
• Strong communication and leadership capabilities
• A passion for delivering exceptional client service
• Previous experience operating at Senior Manager, Associate Director or Director level, and ready to explore a new opportunity.

What you get in return
In return, you will join a progressive and highly regarded independent practice that genuinely values its people.
Benefits include:

• Highly competitive salary and benefits package
• Clear pathway towards future senior leadership opportunities
• A genuine voice in the strategic direction of the business
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
• Outstanding work-life balance rarely found within traditional practice environments
• Supportive and collaborative culture
• Opportunity to work closely with entrepreneurial clients and make a real impact
• Long-term career development within a growing independent firm