Job type
PermanentLocation
Ipswich (Hybrid)Working Pattern
Flexible Working,Full-timeSpecialism
Public Practice AccountingIndustry
Accountancy FirmsPay
£Above market salary + benefits
Accounting and Business Manager job in Ipswich – above market salary
Hays are working with a Top 10 firm in Ipswich to source an Accounting and Business Manager for their growing team.
As a Manager, you will take ownership of a client portfolio, leading the preparation and review of accounts while ensuring compliance with relevant standards and deadlines. You will manage and develop a team, oversee workflow planning, and act as a trusted advisor to clients on a range of financial and business matters.
As a Manager, you will take ownership of a client portfolio, leading the preparation and review of accounts while ensuring compliance with relevant standards and deadlines. You will manage and develop a team, oversee workflow planning, and act as a trusted advisor to clients on a range of financial and business matters.
This is a key role within the team, focused on delivering high-quality client service while contributing to the ongoing growth and development of the practice.
Key Responsibilities
Client & Portfolio Management
- Manage a portfolio of clients, acting as the main point of contact
- Build strong relationships, understanding clients’ businesses, objectives, and challenges
- Lead year-end accounts discussions and identify opportunities to provide additional advisory services
- Respond to client queries independently and proactively
Team Leadership & Development
- Manage and support a team, ensuring effective workflow planning and delivery
- Review work produced by junior team members, providing constructive feedback and coaching
- Allocate work effectively, encouraging development through challenging assignments
- Support recruitment, interviews, and development of junior staff
Service Delivery & Compliance
- Oversee the preparation and review of statutory accounts and financial reporting
- Ensure all work is completed in line with accounting standards and internal procedures
- Manage deadlines across the portfolio to ensure timely delivery
- Maintain high levels of accuracy and attention to detail
Commercial & Operational Management
- Monitor WIP and ensure timely billing, addressing any recoverability concerns
- Challenge fee levels in line with job recovery and commercial performance
- Contribute to proposals, tenders, and fee quotes to support new business generation
- Drive efficiency improvements and adopt new technologies where appropriate
Core Competencies
Client Focus
- Strong understanding of client needs, markets, and business environments
- Ability to identify opportunities to add value and support business growth
- Confident in managing client relationships independently
Technical Excellence
- Maintains strong technical knowledge of accounts and business advisory services
- Able to interpret financial results and provide meaningful commercial insight
- Shares knowledge with the wider team and contributes to training initiatives
Leadership & Commitment
- Takes ownership of team performance and workflow planning
- Identifies skills gaps and supports ongoing development initiatives
- Demonstrates enthusiasm and actively contributes to team and firm-wide activities
Technical Skills
- Preparation and review of statutory and consolidated accounts
- Ability to interpret financial data, including working capital and cash flow
- Experience preparing and reviewing forecasts and projections
- Strong understanding of VAT, including partial exemption and reverse-charge
- Ability to identify and explain prior period adjustments
- Experience advising on financial performance and business planning
- Exposure to group structures, consolidations, and reliefs desirable.
Key Behaviours
- Strong decision-making skills and confidence in managing responsibility
- Ability to challenge existing processes and drive continuous improvement
- Encourages independent thinking within the team
- Demonstrates integrity and alignment with firm values
Qualifications & Experience
- ACA, ACCA or equivalent qualified (or qualified by experience)
- Proven experience within an accountancy practice environment
- Demonstrable experience managing client portfolios and leading teams
- Strong technical accounts and advisory background
What’s on Offer
- Opportunity to lead a portfolio and play a key role in team development
- Exposure to a broad range of clients and advisory work
- Clear progression pathway within a growing practice
- Supportive and collaborative working environment
What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.