Senior Accounts Manager / Associate Director

Formerly Streets Whittles - now Streets; Burnley; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading accounting firm in Burnley seeks a Senior Accounts Manager / Associate Director to lead a diverse client portfolio and team. This role offers a structured pathway to Directorship while modernising services and driving commercial growth. Candidates should have ACA/ACCA qualifications, proven leadership experience, and a digital mindset. Competitive salary, performance-based bonuses, and flexible working arrangements are included.

Benefits

Performance-based bonus

Private healthcare

Pension and life assurance

25 days' annual leave plus bank holidays

Hybrid/flexible working

Qualifications

• Post-qualification experience in audit, accounts, and advisory.
• Ability to identify and drive growth opportunities.
• Experience with AI or automation tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop your team.
• Modernise the practice with efficient ways of working.
• Deliver excellent service across audit and advisory work.
• Contribute to growth preparation and process improvement.
• Lead change management for new systems and technologies.

Skills

Leadership experience

Commercial instinct

Strategic thinking

Digital mindset

Knowledge of North West business landscape

Education

ACA/ACCA qualified (or equivalent)

Job description

Senior Accounts Manager / Associate Director

Burnley, Hybrid, Full‑time

What’s the Opportunity?

This is not a “keep things ticking over” kind of role. You’ll step into a key leadership position, managing a diverse client portfolio and a talented (but developing) team. The practice has a solid foundation but there are areas for improvement: updating processes, building out our tech capability (including AI/automation), and sharpening our commercial edge. You’ll work closely with Directors and Partners to set a clear direction for the practice. There’s a defined route to Directorship here, and we’ll support you every step of the way.

What Will You Do?

• Lead and develop your team, creating a culture of high standards, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Modernise the practice by adopting smarter, more efficient ways of working and challenging the status quo.
• Deliver excellent service across audit, accounts, and advisory work, building lasting client relationships and adding value.
• Spot commercial opportunities and drive profitable growth for the practice.
• Contribute to practice‑wide priorities, including growth preparation, process improvement, and new service lines.
• Lead change management, helping the team adapt to new systems, technologies, and ways of working.

What Are We Looking For?

• ACA/ACCA qualified (or equivalent) with post‑qualification experience in audit, accounts, and advisory.
• Proven leadership experience in managing and developing teams.
• Commercial instinct and the ability to identify growth opportunities.
• Strategic thinking with a balance of immediate and long‑term decision making.
• Digital mindset and experience with AI or automation tools.
• Regional knowledge of the North West business landscape (advantageous).

What’s in it for You?

• A structured pathway to Directorship and, in time, Regional Lead, backed by mentoring and investment in development.
• A central role in the practice’s evolution, shaping future direction.
• A supportive, collaborative culture that values openness, accountability, and teamwork.
• A competitive reward package: strong salary, performance‑based bonus, private healthcare, pension, life assurance, employee benefits scheme, 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Hybrid/flexible working: we focus on outcomes rather than login location.
• Commitment to inclusion: we welcome applicants from all backgrounds. Streets is committed to equal opportunities for everyone.

The Reality

Our North West practice is a work in progress, but there’s a clear plan and the support to get there. If you’re looking for a “perfect” fit, this might not be the right environment. However, if you thrive on challenge and want to help lead genuine change with full backing, we’d love to hear from you.

Interested?

Apply with your CV and a brief note about why you’re interested and how you would help us move forward. For an informal, confidential chat, just get in touch.

About Streets Chartered Accountants

As a top 40 UK firm of Chartered Accountants, we partner with businesses, corporations, charities, and individuals to drive success. Founded in 1907, we have 500 employees and an annual turnover of £40 m.