Accounting Manager

About 1st Formations

At 1st Formations, we empower entrepreneurs to start, run, and grow their businesses with confidence. Running a business shouldn’t be slowed down by company formation, statutory compliance, accounting, or payroll. From day one, these essentials should be seamless, reliable, and intelligently handled — freeing founders to focus on building and scaling. We’re a leading UK provider of company formation and compliance services, building a modern, fully integrated technology platform that supports founders at every stage of their journey.

Our platform brings together formation, compliance, accounting, payroll, and ongoing business support in one cohesive experience. No stitched-together services. No legacy workflows disguised as software. Just a single, scalable platform built for ambitious founders who want to move fast, stay compliant, and grow with confidence.

You’ll be joining a business with strong momentum, clear direction, and real opportunity for progression.

• £18m annual revenue, including £9m ARR
• Over 1 million companies formed
• Certified B Corp and Carbon Neutral Business
• Forecast to grow 5x–10x over the next three years

We’re looking for an experienced practice Accounting Manager (Client Manager, Senior Accountant, or similar) to take ownership of reviewing and overseeing the delivery of high-quality accounting and tax services to our portfolio of small business clients. You’ll lead on complex accounts work, manage offshore delivery teams, and support the development of junior colleagues as part of a fast-moving and tech-enabled accounting team.

• Review and sign off accounts, tax returns, and VAT prepared by an outsourced delivery team
• Ensure technical accuracy and compliance under FRS 102 and 105
• Respond to and resolve complex technical queries and client questions
• Manage a client portfolio of SMEs and startup founders with care and professionalism
• Provide practical advice around corporation tax, personal tax, dividend strategies, and VAT
• Guide and mentor junior accountants, supporting their development and learning
• Help maintain a centralised knowledge base of client FAQs and standardised responses
• Keep up to date with new accounting legislation and regulatory developments
• Collaborate effectively with internal stakeholders and outsourced teams
• Use cloud-based tools (Quick Books, Tax Calc, etc.) to support workflow and insight

• Fully qualified accountant (ACCA or equivalent)
• Experience in a UK-based accounting practice
• 3–6 years' post-qualification experience
• Strong grounding in corporate and personal tax, VAT, and IFRS 102/105
• Excellent review-level skills and attention to detail
• Confident supervising and reviewing work done by outsourcing partners, ensuring consistency and quality
• Hands‑on experience with accounting software such as Tax Calc, Quick Books, Xero, Dext, or similar
• Excellent communication skills and a proactive, client‑friendly attitude
• Experience managing (formally or informally) junior team members or trainees
• Adaptable, commercially aware, and open to using tech to improve workflows

• £60-70k and comprehensive benefits package
• Hybrid working model
• Real opportunities for progression as the business scales
• The chance to influence both customer experience and product development
• A culture that values ownership, impact, and continuous learning

1st Formations is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, criminal history, disability, or gender identity. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.