Client Manger

Sumer; Preston; On-site; GBP 48,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Cowgills, part of the Sumer Group, is recruiting a Client Manager to lead day-to-day accounting services for a portfolio of clients. You will supervise the accounts team, review statutory and management accounts, and uphold high service standards while building strong client relationships.

Working with the Accounts Director, you will drive efficiency, manage workflow, and support staff development through mentoring and appraisals, ensuring timely delivery and opportunities for advisory services.

Qualifications

• Qualified accountant with substantial relevant UK experience
• Experience supervising or managing a team
• Proven ability to manage a client portfolio and review others' work

Responsibilities

• Oversee the preparation of statutory accounts and review accounts for accuracy and compliance
• Ensure timely delivery of statutory and management accounts
• Lead workflow management within the accounts department and liaise with tax and bookkeeping teams
• Provide technical guidance and development support to staff and conduct appraisals
• Manage an allocated portfolio of client relationships and identify advisory opportunities
• Monitor budgets and improve profitability and productivity through systems and processes

Skills

People management

Client relationship mgmt

Reviewing work

Budget monitoring

Education

ACA/ACCA/ICAEW/CIMA

QBE / part-qualified

Job description

Client Manger

Department: Accounting

Employment Type: Permanent

Location: Preston

Description

At Cowgills, part of the Sumer Group (one of the UK’s fastest-growing accountancy practices), we know our people are at the heart of everything we do. We’re not just colleagues – we’re a community. Our ethos, With You, means when our team thrives, our clients do too. We’re committed to creating an environment where you can grow professionally and personally, with access to mentorship, learning opportunities, and a clear path for progression.
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Client Manager to oversee the day-to-day delivery of accounting services and manage an allocated portfolio of clients.

The successful candidate will be responsible for managing and reviewing the work of the accounts team, overseeing the preparation of statutory and management accounts, and ensuring that work is delivered accurately, efficiently and within agreed deadlines. They will also take ownership of their own client portfolio, building strong client relationships, providing proactive advice and ensuring a high standard of service.

The role requires strong technical accounting knowledge, excellent organisational skills, commercial awareness and the ability to supervise, support and develop team members, whilst effectively managing client relationships and their ongoing accounting requirements.

Working closely with the Accounts Director, the Accounts Manager will play a key role in ensuring the efficient operation of the department, maintaining high standards of client service, developing client relationships and improving productivity and profitability.

Key Responsibilities

Accounts Preparation and Review

• Oversee the preparation of statutory accounts.
• Review accounts prepared by members of the accounts team, ensuring accuracy, completeness and compliance with relevant accounting standards.
• Ensure compliance with FRS 102, FRS 105 and other applicable reporting requirements.
• Review working papers, reconciliations and supporting schedules.
• Identify and resolve technical accounting issues arising during assignments.
• Ensure statutory accounts are completed and submitted within the required deadlines.
• Oversee the preparation and review of management accounts where applicable.

Departmental Workflow Management

• Assist in managing the day-to-day workflow of the accounts department.
• Monitor the progress of assignments and ensure work is completed in accordance with agreed timescales.
• Identify potential delays or bottlenecks and take proactive steps to resolve them.
• Work closely with the Accounts Director to identify and implement improvements to departmental procedures.
• Ensure effective coordination between the accounts, bookkeeping and tax teams.

Team Management and Development

• Provide technical guidance and assistance to team members.
• Review completed work and provide clear, constructive feedback.
• Identify training needs and support the professional development of staff.
• Assist with staff appraisals and performance reviews.

Client Portfolio Management

• Manage an allocated portfolio of clients, acting as the principal point of contact for clients within the portfolio.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships.
• Develop an understanding of clients' businesses, financial performance and future objectives.
• Ensure accounts and associated tax compliance work are completed within agreed timescales.
• Deal with technical and general accounting queries from clients.
• Attend client meetings to discuss annual accounts and financial performance.
• Identify opportunities to provide additional accounting, taxation and business advisory services.

Financial and Commercial Management

• Monitor departmental work in progress and ensure assignments are completed and billed promptly.
• Review job budgets and monitor actual time spent against expectations.
• Identify fee overruns and investigate the underlying causes.
• Work with the Accounts Director to improve job recoverability and profitability.
• Identify opportunities for improving productivity through systems, processes and technology.
• Assist with fee reviews and quotations for new or additional work.

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

Essential

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, ICAEW or CIMA), or QBE / part-qualified with substantial relevant experience
• Several years’ experience in UK practice, ideally at supervisor or assistant manager level or above
• Proven experience managing a client portfolio and reviewing the work of others

Desirable

• Experience in a small-to-medium sized practice with a mixed client base (owner-managed businesses, limited companies, partnerships, sole traders)
• Prior experience of staff appraisals or line management

Belong @ Sumer

At Sumer, we know everyone’s journey is different. That’s why we’re committed to fairness, removing barriers, and giving people the support they need to do their best work. If you need any support during the hiring process, just let us know.

Our values represent what matters most to us and guide how we work every day:

• We Shine Together
• We Do the Right Thing
• We Make It Count

We know diverse teams make us stronger. That’s why we’re creating an inclusive workplace where everyone belongs and differences are valued and celebrated.