Accounts & Business Services - Manager

Job Title: ABS Manager Location: Hybrid Working - Newcastle NE1 / Remote Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 35-hour week (Flexitime)

• Minimum 3 times per week in office.
• There may be requirements to visit other offices and client sites for meetings and general collaboration.

Salary Range: £50,000 - £58,000

BKL is a Top 40 accountancy and advisory business supporting a diverse client base, from entrepreneurs and high-net-worth individuals to ambitious owner‑managed businesses and multinational groups. With a legacy spanning over 130 years, we’ve evolved into a modern, purpose‑driven business that balances profit with impact.

We are proud to be a certified B Corp, reflecting our commitment to sustainability, transparency, and responsible governance. As a member of DFK International, we support clients locally and internationally with cutting‑edge expertise and a personal touch.

We believe all clients deserve the same level of care, innovation, and excellence.

The Manager’s role is to lead the delivery of ABS services, making sure all work meets required standards and statutory obligations. They are an established portfolio manager with a proven track record of growing their portfolio in both size and financial value.

You will be managing the first pod that we are building in Newcastle! The Manager has overall accountability for pod performance and plays a key role in developing the team and encouraging strong collaboration. They are recognised within the team as a go‑to expert for specific sectors or technical areas, and act as the main point of contact for clients, providing high‑level advice and clear, strategic guidance.

In this role, you will:

• Ensures all client outputs are accurate and complete
• Reviews and signs off management accounts, VAT returns, and year‑end files
• Provides clear guidance on complex accounting and compliance matters
• Advises clients within remit and escalates to specialists when needed

• Leads effective use of systems and tools across the pod
• Reviews workflows and reporting to improve efficiency and data quality
• Oversees data managed in Karbon, ensuring it is accurate and up to date
• Identifies process gaps and drives system improvements
• Monitors pod‑level metrics and understands key financial indicators

• Maintains own CPD compliance and professional development
• Actively develops leadership and technical capability through learning
• Seeks and applies feedback to improve performance

• Delivers high‑quality work on time across the pod’s portfolio
• Uses coaching and review to continuously improve output

• Delegates work effectively based on skills and capacity
• Personally handles complex or sensitive client matters
• Tracks key deliverables and removes blockers early
• Balances hands‑on delivery with oversight and team enablement

• Communicates clearly with clients and internal stakeholders
• Gives constructive feedback in formal and informal settings
• Leads pod meetings and shares relevant leadership and technical updates

• Owns end‑to‑end client relationships across the portfolio
• Leads discussions on scope, fees, and service levels
• Anticipates client needs and responds proactively
• Ensures consistent service aligned with client expectations

• Upholds strong standards of ethics, confidentiality, and compliance
• Acts quickly and transparently when issues arise
• Holds others accountable to professional standards and firm values
• Models integrity in all interactions

• Leads 1:1s, pod meetings, and regular coaching conversations
• Oversees performance reviews and supports career development
• Coaches team members to solve problems independently
• Builds a growth‑focused culture through curiosity, resilience, and openness

• Typically 6+ years’ experience in accounts and business services
• 3 years' experience in a managerial role
• Proven experience managing a…