Job type
PermanentLocation
ReadingWorking Pattern
Full-timeSpecialism
Public Practice AccountingIndustry
Accountancy FirmsPay
£55,000 - £65,000
Accounts Manager – SME Practice, Reading
Accounts Manager
SME Practice
Reading
Permanent, Full-timeReading
Our client is an independent firm of Chartered Accountants based in the Thames Valley, serving a broad portfolio of clients across a wide range of sectors.
We are seeking an Accounts Manager to lead our Accounts Department. This is a senior position with responsibility for managing workflow, supervising staff, and maintaining strong client relationships. The role reports directly to the Partners.
Key Responsibilities
- Client and assignment Management.
- Acting as main point for contact for portfolio of SME clients.
- Review annual and management accounts prepared by the team
- Prepare more complex accounts
- Workflow management oversee the delivery of work to agreed timescales, budgets, and quality standards.
- Guide and develop team members drive culture based on support, clarity and continual improvement
- Involvement in firm-wide initiatives, process improvements and growth projects
- Build and maintain strong client relationships through effective communication and service delivery.
Team Leadership
- Manage and develop team members, providing supervision, support, and training as required.
- Take a leadership role in managing department resources, workflow, and job allocation.
- Act as a role model, promoting professionalism and high standards across the team.
Operational Responsibilities
- Monitor budgets, billing, and recovery rates to ensure efficient assignment management.
- Contribute to departmental planning and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Undertake ad‑hoc project work and technical assignments as required.
Professional Development
- Maintain and extend technical knowledge through self‑study
- Contribute to accounting assurance processes and controls
- Participation in the firm’s in‑house training and development programme.
Skills and Experience Required
- ACA or ACCA qualified or equivalent
- Previous experience operating at Assistant Manager or Manager level within an accounts function (3 to 5 years' experience).
- Competent in all aspects of accounts prepared under UK GAAP
- Hands‑on approach with the ability to manage multiple assignments simultaneously.
- Strong background in working with SME and owner‑managed business clients.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues and clients.
- Strong organisational ability, with a focus on accuracy, efficiency, and meeting deadlines.
Why Join?
- Established and respected chartered accountancy firm.
- Supportive, collaborative, and professional team environment.
- Varied and technically interesting client base.
- Opportunities for progression and ongoing professional development.
Package
- Salary guide £55,000 to £65,000 pa
- Discretionary bonus
- Death in service
- Stakeholder pension
