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.

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.

• Lead and manage a team of accounting professionals, ensuring accountability, development, and high performance
• Oversee the end-to-end accounting function, including bookkeeping, accounts receivable and payable, reconciliations, and monthly management accounts
• Prepare annual accounts for audit purposes and support statutory submissions to HMRC and Companies House
• Manage client onboarding across sectors, ensuring smooth setup of accounts and reporting structures
• Implement software migrations and process improvements, including automation of reporting where appropriate
• Deliver UK VAT returns, self‑assessments for individuals and sole traders, and other compliance requirements
• Provide accurate, timely reporting to support management decision‑making
• Act as the key point of contact for clients, ensuring excellent communication and service delivery
• Drive a culture of teamwork, accuracy, and continuous improvement across the finance function

• Qualified or part‑qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with 10+ years’ experience in UK accounting and taxation
• Proven experience managing teams of 10+ people in a busy accounting or client services environment
• Strong technical knowledge across multiple sectors, including retail, hospitality, real estate, and service industries
• Hands‑on experience with accounting systems such as Xero, Sage 50/online, Quick Books, Access.
• Excellent client management and communication skills
• Experience in process improvement, reporting automation, and software migration projects