Senior Accountant

Bennett and Game Recruitment LTD; Smethwick; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Salary

Workplace Pension

Life Assurance 3.5x

Annual Leave 28 days

Cycle to Work

Job summary

Bennett and Game Recruitment LTD in the West Midlands is seeking a Portfolio Manager / Senior Accountant to take full operational ownership of a substantial client portfolio, handling accounts preparation and day-to-day client communications ahead of Director sign-off.

The role is office-based in Bearwood/West Birmingham with flexible core hours (08:00–18:30) and a strong emphasis on work-life balance, mentoring trainees and collaborating with a supportive team.

Qualifications

• Extensive general practice experience (10+ years) in an accountancy firm.
• High level of statutory accounts preparation and tax compliance.
• Confident, personable communicator who excels in a client-facing role.
• Collaborative professional who works well in an in-office environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day workflow for a portfolio of small to medium owner-managed businesses.
• Manage client relationships and run meetings with confidence.
• Prepare complex year-end statutory accounts, management accounts, and tax returns.
• Support colleagues as a senior figure in the office.

Skills

Client relationship management

Accounts preparation

Tax compliance

Communication skills

Mentoring

Job description

Portfolio Manager / Senior Accountant

Location: Bearwood / West Birmingham

Salary: Competitive, aligned with experience

Position Type: Full-time, Permanent

Working Pattern: Office-based with flexible core hours (08:00 - 18:30 window)

Client Profile

Our client is an established, highly reputable general accountancy practice with a turnover approaching £3m and a strategic growth plan to reach £5m-£8m within the next four to five years. Led by a Director group with extensive Big Four and Top 10, the practice delivers top-tier expertise to small and medium-sized owner-managed businesses. With around 35 staff in the UK-supported by dedicated payroll, bookkeeping, and technical departments-the firm combines high-calibre technical capability with a friendly, supportive workplace culture that actively promotes work-life balance.

Role Overview

Due to continued growth and portfolio expansion, a position has opened to work directly alongside a Senior Director. The successful candidate will take full operational ownership of a substantial, varied client portfolio. You will handle accounts preparation and day-to-day client communications, managing relationships so accounts are ready for final Director review.

Key Responsibilities

• Portfolio Management: Lead the day-to-day workflow for a designated portfolio of small to medium owner-managed businesses.
• Client Relationship Management: Serve as the primary client contact-handling day-to-day queries, leading meetings, and building long-term working relationships.
• Accounts & Tax Preparation: Prepare complex year-end statutory accounts, management accounts, and tax returns prior to Director sign-off.
• Team Support: Act as an approachable senior figure in the office, offering informal advice and guidance to trainees and junior staff.

Candidate Profile

• Background: Extensive general practice experience within an accountancy firm (typically 10+ years of hands‑on practice experience).
• Technical Proficiency: High level of competence in statutory accounts preparation and tax compliance for owner-managed businesses.
• Interpersonal Skills: Confident, personable, and clear communicator who excels in a client-facing role.
• Culture Fit: A collaborative professional who enjoys an in-office environment, working alongside a supportive team.

Working Pattern & Environment

• Office-Based Role: Located in Bearwood to foster collaboration, informal mentoring, and team cohesion.
• Flexible Core Hours: The office is open between 08:00 and 18:30, allowing employees to adapt their start and finish times (e.g. 08:00-16:30 or 10:00-18:30).
• Genuine Work-Life Balance: Strict policy against weekend or late-night working culture.
• Agile Support: Floating laptops provided for occasional home working when personal commitments or appointments arise.

Benefits Package

• Competitive Base Salary
• Workplace Pension Scheme
• Life Assurance / Death in Service: 3.5× annual salary
• Annual Leave: 28 days statutory holiday + extra day for every 5 years of service (up to 3 days carry-over allowed)
• Salary Sacrifice Schemes: Electric/Company Car options and Cycle to Work scheme available
• Professional Development: Structured annual appraisals and regular one-to-one reviews