Client Manager

Knights Lowe Chartered Accountants

Ipswich

Hybrid

GBP 52,000 - 60,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Employee Assistant Programme

Cycle to work scheme

Electric car salary sacrifice scheme

Holiday purchase

Enhanced pension scheme

Group life assurance

Medical cash plan

Social events

Charity events with paid volunteering day

Job summary

A leading accounting firm in Ipswich seeks an experienced Client Manager to handle a diverse portfolio of clients. This role involves managing client relationships, overseeing accounts and tax work, and providing leadership to junior staff. The ideal candidate will possess ACA or ACCA qualifications and have a solid background in UK accountancy practice. This position offers hybrid working conditions and numerous benefits, such as a competitive salary and opportunities for professional growth.

Qualifications

Qualified ACA or ACCA or equivalent experience.
Background in accountancy practice in the UK.
Experience managing assignments and teams.
Confident dealing directly with business owners and directors.
Good technical knowledge across accounts and tax.
Organised, commercially aware and client-focused.

Responsibilities

Manage a portfolio of owner-managed businesses.
Lead annual accounts meetings and discussions.
Oversee work quality and compliance standards.
Building long-term relationships and understanding clients’ businesses.
Identifying opportunities to provide additional advice and services.
Reviewing accounts files prepared by Seniors and Assistants.
Ensuring assignments are completed accurately, efficiently and to deadline.
Reporting to Directors ahead of accounts meetings.
Overseeing management accounts and other financial reporting where required.
Ensuring files meet internal quality and compliance standards.
Advising clients on VAT, PAYE and day-to-day tax matters.
Overseeing corporation tax and personal tax compliance for the portfolio.
Identifying issues relating to profit extraction, CGT and IHT and involving specialists where appropriate.
Providing practical, commercial advice beyond basic compliance.
Supporting, mentoring and developing Seniors, Assistants and trainees.
Reviewing work and providing feedback to maintain technical standards.
Helping manage workflow and job allocation within the team.
Encouraging collaboration across accounts, tax and audit teams.

Skills

ACA or ACCA qualified

Strong background in UK accountancy practice

Experience reviewing work

Confident dealing with business owners

Good technical knowledge across accounts and tax

Organised and client-focused

Commercial awareness

Education

ACA or ACCA qualified or qualified by experience

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Client Manager to take responsibility for a portfolio of clients within our General Practice team, acting as a key link between Seniors, Directors and clients.

This is a leadership role combining portfolio management, technical review, client advisory and team support. You will oversee the delivery of accounts and tax work, while building strong client relationships and supporting the development of the team beneath you.

The Role

You will manage your own portfolio of owner-managed businesses, ensuring work is completed to a high technical standard and that clients receive proactive, practical support.

You will also be responsible for reviewing work prepared by Seniors and Assistants and helping to manage workflow within the team.

Key Responsibilities

Managing a portfolio of limited companies, partnerships and sole traders
Acting as the main point of contact for clients across accounts, tax and general business matters
Leading annual accounts meetings and regular client discussions
Building long-term relationships and understanding clients’ businesses
Identifying opportunities to provide additional advice and services

Accounts & Compliance Oversight

Reviewing accounts files prepared by Seniors and Assistants
Ensuring assignments are completed accurately, efficiently and to deadline
Reporting to Directors ahead of accounts meetings
Overseeing management accounts and other financial reporting where required
Ensuring files meet internal quality and compliance standards
Advising clients on VAT, PAYE and day-to-day tax matters
Overseeing corporation tax and personal tax compliance for the portfolio
Identifying issues relating to profit extraction, CGT and IHT and involving specialists where appropriate
Providing practical, commercial advice beyond basic compliance
Supporting, mentoring and developing Seniors, Assistants and trainees
Reviewing work and providing feedback to maintain technical standards
Helping manage workflow and job allocation within the team
Encouraging collaboration across accounts, tax and audit teams

Key Skills & Qualifications

ACA or ACCA qualified, or qualified by experience
Strong background in UK accountancy practice
Experience reviewing work and managing assignments
Confident dealing directly with business owners and directors
Good technical knowledge across accounts and tax
Organised, commercially aware and client-focused

What We Offer

A varied portfolio of established business clients
A role with real responsibility and client ownership
Exposure to advisory work alongside compliance
A collaborative working environment
Clear progression towards senior management roles

The salary package will be competitive, depending upon the level of qualification and experience. You will have an opportunity to progress and develop where applicable.

Hybrid working with fully hosted systems

Progression opportunities