Practice & Operations Lead - UK North

Xeinadin; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company Pension Scheme

25 days annual leave + bank holidays

Life Assurance x4 annual salary

Employee Assistance Programme – 24/7

Job summary

Xeinadin in Manchester seeks a Practice & Operations Lead to drive compliance governance across regional offices and support strategic objectives as the network expands.

The role requires strong regulatory know-how, a managerial background in accountancy, and a pragmatic, collaborative approach to risk and process improvements. Hybrid model with broad regional responsibilities.

Qualifications

• ACA or ACCA qualified strongly preferred.
• Operated at a Manager level with significant prior experience in accountancy roles.
• Strong knowledge of compliance frameworks, regulatory obligations, and governance standards.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management across multiple locations.
• Analytical skills to identify trends, gaps and improvements.

Responsibilities

• Ensure regional offices comply with practice assurance and regulatory compliance policies.
• Monitor and report on regulatory risks, controls and CPD/ Fit & Proper requirements.
• Provide training and guidance to address deficiencies.
• Collaborate with M&A and Operational Business Partners to integrate acquisitions.
• Drive continuous improvement and standardise compliance processes across regions.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Regulatory compliance

Governance

Analytical thinking

Process improvement

Education

ACA or ACCA

Job description

Vacancy Name Practice & Operations Lead - UK North

Vacancy No VN2001

Employment Type Permanent

Duration N/A

Location City Manchester

Location Country United Kingdom

Company Description Xeinadin was established in 2019 when a number of leading business advisory and accountancy practices across the UK and Ireland came together to re-imagine the future of accountancy. Our collective mission to provide locally forged, trusted business advice to SMEs through forward-thinking, close-knit relationships remains pivotal to our growth. It's our people who drive our business forward, and we offer them future-focused career opportunities whilst supporting individual specialisms. Our regional offices of over 3000 colleagues operate collaboratively, combining collective expertise to maximise potential.

Description This role drives robust compliance and operational governance across regional offices by ensuring effective implementation of policy changes and monitoring adherence to our frameworks. It involves proactive risk management, operational oversight and close collaboration with central teams as well as Area and Regional Leaders to maintain high standards of compliance, monitor and mitigate risks and drive continuous improvement. This new position is pivotal in safeguarding regulatory integrity, and supporting strategic business objectives as Xeinadin expands.

Compliance Implementation & Monitoring

• Ensure all offices within the region comply with practice assurance and regulatory compliance policies, processes and industry regulations.
• Partner with to the appropriate RMP to roll out changes to compliance related policies and processes within the regional offices, working with AMPs to ensure successful adoption.
• Monitor compliance continuously, escape concerns and proactively address non-compliance issues.
• Support the AMPs and RMP with developing and executing action plans based on compliance findings.
• Maintain accurate documentation and provide timely reporting .
• Contribute to overseeing AML processes within the relevant regional offices, working with the central AML team to ensure compliance with relevant business wide policies and procedures.

Operational Oversight &Quality Assurance

• Conduct reviews of controls and procedures at all local offices to understand adherence to Xeinadin policies and processes and mitigate risk regarding compliance obligations and client service.
• Undertake reviews of files from a practice assurance perspective, identifying issues or training needs
• Provide corrective guidance and deliver training where deficiencies are identified.
• Partner with the M&A team and Operational Business Partners to manage the integration of new acquisitions within the region, ensuring alignment with processes, quality standards, and compliance requirements
• Identify, monitor and report on metrics to monitor regulatory risks, exposure and controls. Identify areas and plans for improvement where necessary.

Risk and Governance Management

• Ensure alignment with corporate governance frameworks and regulatory obligations across all regional operations.

Regulatory Obligations

• Responsible for completing the regulatory annual return data required for the legal entities within their region.
• Responsible for monitoring that offices comply with the Practice Assurance scheme set out by the ICAEW
• Monitor the completion of CPD and Fit & Proper requirements for their region..
• Provide support to the RMP in fulfilling all requirements associated with their regulatory responsibilities.

Collaboration & Continuous Improvement

• Work with the other Regional Practice Assurance Leads to develop one Xeinadin way to implement and monitor compliance within Xeinadin offices.
• Drive process improvements to enhance compliance.
• Collaborate with Regional Practice Assurance Leads across all regions to share best practices, identify emerging trends and drive continuous improvement.

Key Requirements

• ACA or ACCA qualified strongly preferred.
• Operated at a Manager level (or higher) with significant prior experience in accountancy roles.
• Deep understanding of accountancy practices and processes, comfortable dealing with client files.
• Adopts a pragmatic approach to challenges, prioritising practical, solution-focused outcomes.
• Personable, effective communicator and stakeholder management skills across multiple locations.
• Strong knowledge of compliance frameworks, regulatory obligations, and governance standards.
• Strong analytical skills to identify trends, gaps, and improvement opportunities.
• Continuous improvement mindset with focus on operational efficiency and regulatory risk reduction.
• High attention to detail with strong documentation and reporting capabilities.

Additional Requirements

Supervision and management of regional compliance analysts

Model

Model Hybrid

Salary

Salary Competitive

Benefits

• Company Pension Scheme
• 25 days of annual leave + bank holidays
• Additional annual leave days from certain levels of seniority
• Ability to buy up to 5 days of annual leave to reach a maximum of 30 days per annum
• Business closure over Christmas*
• Life Assurance x4 annual salary
• Enhanced family leave policies
• Enhanced Company Sick Pay
• Employee Assistance Programme – 24/7 support, free and confidential
• Corporate Discounts Platform

Flexible Benefits platform with ability to opt-in to various insurances (level of seniority dependent & self-funded at corporate rates) such as:

• Critical Illness Cover
• Cash plan
• Cycle to work
• Eye care
• Dental
• subject to exceptions and business needs