Practice Accountant

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus scheme

Study support

Hybrid working

Pension & wellbeing

Job summary

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions is seeking a Practice Accountant / Client Manager in Manchester City Centre. You will own a key client portfolio, lead engagements end-to-end, and act as the trusted advisor to SMEs and growth businesses.

You will oversee statutory accounts under FRS 102/FRS 105, handle complex tax and HMRC queries, and mentor junior staff, with a transparent path to Senior Management within a modern, supportive culture.

Qualifications

• ACA/ACCA qualified or finalist with 4–5+ years’ UK practice experience.
• Expertise in statutory financial statements under FRS 102 & FRS 105.
• Experience managing client portfolios and handling HMRC queries.

Responsibilities

• Manage engagements end-to-end for SMEs and corporate clients.
• Lead client relationships and spot cross-selling opportunities.
• Mentor junior staff and supervise work quality.

Skills

Client management

Technical accounting

Mentoring

Business development

Education

ACA/ACCA qualified or finalist/near-qualified

Job description

Practice Accountant / Client Manager

Location: Manchester City Centre

Salary: £40,000 – £52,000+ DOE

Are you an experienced Practice Accountant ready to step into a high-visibility client management role within a premier Manchester practice? Our client is a well-established, modern accountancy firm based in Manchester City Centre. Known for their technical excellence, forward-thinking approach, and supportive culture, they are seeking a Practice Accountant / Client Manager to take full ownership of a key client portfolio and join their senior leadership team.

The Opportunity

In this senior, client-facing position, you will act as the primary trusted advisor to a varied portfolio of SMEs, corporate clients, and fast-growth businesses. Managing engagements end-to-end, you will oversee statutory accounts preparation under FRS 102 & FRS 105, resolve complex tax advisory and HMRC queries, and drive practice growth by identifying cross-selling opportunities. Working alongside senior partners, you will play a central role in quality control, technical file reviews, and mentoring junior staff, with a transparent pathway to Senior Management.

Key Responsibilities & Requirements

• Qualifications & Experience: ACA/ACCA qualified or finalist/nearly qualified with 4–5+ years’ UK accountancy practice experience (essential).

• Technical Mastery: In-depth technical expertise in preparing and reviewing statutory financial statements under FRS 102 & FRS 105, combined with strong handling of complex corporate and personal tax compliance.

• Portfolio & Client Leadership: Proven ability to independently manage a client portfolio, maintain strong relationships, handle advanced tax/HMRC queries, and spot business development opportunities.

• Supervision & Mentoring: Demonstrated experience in reviewing junior fee-earner work, conducting technical quality checks, and mentoring trainees to foster team development.

Package & Benefits

• Base Salary & Bonus: £40,000 – £52,000 per annum (dependent on experience and qualification status, aligned with Manchester market rates), plus a performance-related bonus scheme.

• Professional Support: Funded study support for finalist exams alongside fully backed ongoing CPD and leadership development.

• Work-Life Balance: Supported hybrid/flexible working arrangements with excellent work-life balance initiatives.

• Environment & Health: Modern City Centre offices, generous annual leave allowance, workplace pension, and employee health/wellbeing perks.