IHT, Trusts & Estates Assistant Manager

BKL; Cardiff; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private Medical Insurance (PMI)

Pension scheme

Group Life Assurance

Cycle to Work Scheme

Enhanced Family Leave

Holiday Entitlement

Job summary

BKL in Cardiff is seeking an IHT, Trusts & Estates Assistant Manager to coordinate teams and oversee client portfolios. You will manage a mix of supervisors, seniors and trainees, contributing to budgeting and strategy while ensuring high client satisfaction.

The role involves preparing and reviewing trust accounts and tax returns, drafting IHT forms, and delivering advisory work for UK and international trusts. Hybrid working in Cardiff is offered.

Qualifications

• Experience with trust and estate tax returns and accounts.
• Drafting advisory work (to be reviewed by senior level).
• Ability to lead and mentor others.
• Support strategic direction and budgeting.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and lead teams to deliver client work across portfolios.
• Prepare and review trust and estate accounts and tax returns (IHT).
• Draft IHT400 and IHT100 forms and provide advisory output.
• Support recruitment and departmental budgeting, planning and resourcing.
• Maintain high client satisfaction and communicate strategy to staff.

Skills

Team leadership

Client relationship management

Communication skills

Commercial awareness

Ability to direct people

Education

ACA/CTA/TEP

QBE considered

Job description

Job Title:

IHT, Trusts & Estates Assistant Manager

Location:

Hybrid Working - Cardiff CF11 (Minimum 3 days in office)

Working Hours:

Monday to Friday, 35-hour week

Reporting to:

IHT, Trusts & Estates Senior Manager

Please note: We're open to hiring at a more junior level for the right person. Candidates with relevant experience who may not yet be at Assistant Manager level are encouraged to apply, with salary and level determined based on experience and capability.

About BKL

BKL is a Top 40 accountancy and advisory business supporting a diverse client base, from entrepreneurs and high-net-worth individuals to ambitious owner-managed businesses and multinational groups. With a legacy spanning over 130 years, we've evolved into a modern, purpose-driven business that balances profit with impact.

We are proud to be a certified B Corp, reflecting our commitment to sustainability, transparency, and responsible governance. As a member of DFK International, we support clients locally and internationally with cutting-edge expertise and a personal touch.

We believe all clients deserve the same level of care, innovation, and excellence.

As an IHT, Trusts & Estates Assistant Manager, you will play a pivotal role in coordinating and leading teams to ensure the effective delivery of client work. You will support the management of varied client portfolios through a team of supervisors, seniors, and trainees, while also contributing to departmental resource planning.

Your responsibilities will include maintaining high levels of client satisfaction, communicating the firm's strategic direction as set by the Executive Committee, and supporting managers with recruitment and people-related processes. You will also be involved in preparing and reviewing trust and estate accounts and tax returns, drafting forms IHT400 and IHT100, and producing advisory work for both UK and international trusts. In addition, you will actively contribute to wider departmental strategy and business objectives.

How You'll Make a Difference

In this role, you will:

• Organise teams as needed, managing the progress, delivery of the team's work and reporting to senior leadership/stakeholders
• Assist with/directing work on varied client portfolios of clients through a team of supervisors, seniors and trainees
• Assist the heads of department in implementing departmental budgets and new initiatives; sharing technical knowledge via supervisors with seniors and trainees
• Ensure clients are satisfied with the service they're receiving from BKL
• Articulate the direction of the firm as set by the Executive Committee
• Develop the experience of building the department through People processes by supporting managers with recruitment.
• Ensure that the client base is informed of technical updates that may affect their affairs

You’ll Be Ideal for This Role If You Have:

• ACA/CTA/TEP, but QBE also considered
• Experience with trust and estate Tax Returns and accounts
• Experience of drafting advisory work (to be reviewed by more senior level)
• Ability to take action and can start to direct people
• Capability to support vision and strategy, and build trust
• Commerciality awareness

We know you have a lot to offer, which is why we give you the freedom to thrive, no matter who you are or what your background is.

Our Values

At BKL, we live by five core values:

• Think Big - Be curious, brave, and open to new ideas.
• In It Together - Collaborate, care, and build an inclusive culture.
• Take Pride - Strive for excellence and believe in your impact.
• Do the Right Thing - Act with integrity, honesty, and fairness.
• Enjoy It - Bring your whole self to work and have fun doing it.

Working With Us: Your Benefits, Wellbeing & Development

At BKL, we're committed to creating a people-first workplace where everyone can thrive. We offer a carefully curated benefits package, wellbeing support, and meaningful development opportunities that empower you to grow your career.

Snapshot of our Benefits Package

We've designed a flexible, sustainable set of benefits to support your life at work and beyond:

• Private Medical Insurance (PMI) - including mental health cover, hospital treatment & 24/7 GP access
• Health Cash Plans - covering everyday costs like dental, optical & physiotherapy and an Employee Assistance Programme
• Pension scheme - helping you save for retirement in a tax-efficient way
• Group Life Assurance - peace of mind with financial protection for your loved ones
• Cashback & savings portal - discounts across hundreds of high-street and online retailers
• Cycle to Work Scheme - spread the cost of a new bike and accessories tax-free
• Electric Vehicle Scheme - sustainable transportation options that include roadside support and servicing
• Free Mortgage Advice - expert guidance for your home-buying journey
• Season Ticket Loan - support with travel expenses
• Enhanced Family Leave - generous leave policies for family-related needs
• Holiday Entitlement - generous entitlement which increases with promotion

Development & Growth

We don’t just offer jobs, we support careers:

• Clear development pathways and progression frameworks
• Professional qualifications support - including study time and funding
• Internal mentoring, coaching, and buddying schemes
• Leadership development programmes to help you grow with us
• Regular check-ins and performance conversations - driven by your goals, not just metrics

Take Your Next Step

Ready to grow your career with a company that balances ambition with purpose? and discover how far you can go at BKL.

Our recruitment process typically involves three stages:

• An introductory Teams call with our Talent Acquisition team.
• A first-stage interview with two team members.
• A final interview at our office, including a tour to give you a feel for our working environment.

Compliance & Equal Opportunities

In addition to the responsibilities listed above, you will be required to undertake GDPR training in order to fully understand the regulations and ensure all work is carried out in a compliant manner.

As part of any recruitment process, BKL collects and processes personal data relating to job applicants. BKL is committed to being transparent about how it collects and uses that data and to meeting its data protection obligations.

BKL is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified candidates eligible to work in the UK.

We know you have a lot to offer, which is why we want to give you the freedom to thrive no matter who you are or what your background is. You will have every opportunity to use your creativity in how you approach your work and the support to innovate.

Inclusion, diversity, and talent development are a fundamental aspect of who we are, and we welcome applications from candidates who share and champion these values. You will play an integral part in helping to make BKL a great place to work with a sense of belonging for everyone.

High challenge, high support

If you enjoy problem-solving and a fast-changing environment, you will thrive in this role.

As in all BKL roles, you will be able to take a flexible approach: balancing independent work with teamwork, and remote working with time in the office with colleagues.

You can get an insight into life at BKL here.

We're proud to be one of the few Certified B Corporations in the accountancy sector. In joining us, you'll become part of a business that’s committed to balancing profit and purpose.

Take your next step

If this sounds like the role for you, we'd be delighted to discuss the career you could build at BKL.

By applying, you consent to the processing of your personal data for recruitment purposes, in line with UK GDPR. Your information will be used securely, only for recruitment, and won’t be shared without your consent. For details, see our Privacy Policy - BKL