Jobs in Southbourne

Client Manager (Accountant)

Location: Waterlooville, Hampshire

Contract Type: Permanent

Hours: Full-time (36.5 hours per week)

Working Pattern: Office-based with 2 days working from home available

Salary: £53,500 - £58,000

The Opportunity

Our client is a rapidly growing, forward-thinking accountancy practice that combines traditional values with a modern approach to supporting small businesses. They pride themselves on fostering a collaborative, supportive culture where learning, development and teamwork are at the heart of everything they do.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced accountant who enjoys managing client relationships, leading a team, and delivering high-quality accountancy and advisory services.

The Role

As a Client Manager, you will manage your own portfolio of clients while leading a small team of accountants, providing technical guidance, mentoring, and ensuring exceptional client service.

Key Responsibilities

Manage the preparation, review and submission of statutory accounts and tax returns for:

Sole Traders
Partnerships
Limited Companies

Maintain responsibility for your own portfolio of clients.
Review and check work completed by junior team members.
Supervise, mentor and develop a small accounting team.
Manage workloads to ensure all statutory deadlines are met.
Provide technical support and constructive feedback to team members.
Assist with planning and monitoring team performance, including KPIs and timesheets.
Build strong relationships with clients through regular communication by phone, email and meetings.
Onboard new clients and support their transition into the business.
Advise clients on tax planning and tax efficiency.
Provide business advisory support, including:

Cash flow forecasting
Budgeting
Pricing guidance

Prepare, review and complete bookkeeping, VAT returns and CIS where required.
Conduct year-end client meetings.
Carry out client fee reviews.
Maintain accurate electronic records and client documentation.
Liaise with HMRC and Companies House to resolve client queries.
Deliver bookkeeping or accounting training to clients where appropriate.
Maintain Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
Attend networking events when required.

Requirements

Essential

ACCA, ACA or equivalent fully qualified accountant.
Minimum 5 years' experience working within an accountancy practice.
Strong experience managing a varied portfolio of clients.
Able to independently prepare and review:

Statutory accounts
Corporation Tax returns
Self Assessment Tax Returns

Experience working with:

Sole Traders
Partnerships
Limited Companies

Strong tax knowledge with the ability to advise clients.
Previous experience supervising or mentoring junior staff.
Experience using:

Xero
QuickBooks
Dext
FreeAgent

Strong Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel and Word.

Skills & Attributes

The successful candidate will:

Be highly organised with excellent time management skills.
Be able to prioritise workloads and meet deadlines.
Have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Be confident explaining complex financial information in a simple manner.
Enjoy building long-term client relationships.
Take a proactive and solutions-focused approach.
Be committed to continuous learning and professional development.
Have a collaborative and supportive management style.
Take pride in delivering exceptional client service.

Benefits

Competitive salary of £53,500 - £58,000
Hybrid working (2 days working from home)
Opportunity to join a growing and ambitious accountancy practice.
Supportive and collaborative team environment.
Ongoing professional development and training.
Genuine opportunities for career progression