Accounts and Business Manager

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.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.

Hays EA is a trading division of Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited and acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at (url removed)