Financial Accounting Manager

About the Company

Our client is a well-established UK retail and lifestyle business with multiple sites nationwide. Known for its strong high-street presence and diverse product range, the business combines operational excellence with a focus on sustainable growth.

The finance function plays a critical role in supporting both day-to-day operations and strategic decision-making, ensuring robust accounting, reporting, and compliance across all areas of the business.

This role is office and field based, working closely with both internal teams and external clients.

The Role

Our client is seeking an experienced Accounting Manager to lead a busy finance team and oversee the delivery of high-quality accounting services. The role is ideal for a professional accountant with strong technical expertise, leadership skills, and experience managing multi-site operations or client portfolios.

The successful candidate will take ownership of team performance, process improvement, client management, and accurate financial reporting.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and manage a team of accounting professionals, ensuring accountability, development, and high performanceOversee the end-to-end accounting function, including bookkeeping, accounts receivable and payable, reconciliations, and monthly management accountsPrepare annual accounts for audit purposes and support statutory submissions to HMRC and Companies HouseManage client onboarding across sectors, ensuring smooth setup of accounts and reporting structuresImplement software migrations and process improvements, including automation of reporting where appropriateDeliver UK VAT returns, self-assessments for individuals and sole traders, and other compliance requirementsProvide accurate, timely reporting to support management decision-makingAct as the key point of contact for clients, ensuring excellent communication and service deliveryDrive a culture of teamwork, accuracy, and continuous improvement across the finance function

Candidate Profile

Qualified or part-qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with 10+ years’ experience in UK accounting and taxationProven experience managing teams of 10+ people in a busy accounting or client services environmentStrong technical knowledge across multiple sectors, including retail, hospitality, real estate, and service industriesHands-on experience with accounting systems such as Xero, Sage 50/online, QuickBooks, Access.Excellent client management and communication skillsExperience in process improvement, reporting automation, and software migration projects