Accounting and Business Manager. LilyLifestyle

Hays is 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.

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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.

• 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

• 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

• 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