Job Specification

Senior Accounting / Client Services

Role Purpose

To support the delivery of high-quality accounting, financial reporting and client advisory services across a diverse portfolio of clients.

The role will have exposure to a range of client types, including local trading and commercial businesses, holding companies, SPVs, private client structures and, where relevant, investment funds and other financial services entities.

The successful candidate will contribute to the delivery of technically robust client work, effective client relationship management, team development, process improvement and the ongoing enhancement of service quality.

Core Responsibilities

1. Client Service Delivery

• Manage a portfolio of accounting and financial reporting clients across a variety of sectors and structures.

• Work with local trading and commercial businesses, SPVs, holding companies, private client vehicles and potentially investment funds and related structures.

• Prepare and review:

  • Statutory financial statements under applicable accounting frameworks, including FRS 102 and IFRS where relevant.

  • Management accounts and financial reporting packs.

  • Tax computations, tax returns and associated corporate reporting requirements.

  • Consolidated financial statements and accounts for complex group structures.

• Ensure accounting records and financial statements comply with relevant legislation, accounting standards and filing requirements.

• Take responsibility for meeting statutory and client deadlines.

• Liaise effectively with tax, audit and other specialist teams to ensure the coordinated delivery of client services.

2. Review & Quality Control

• Review accounting and financial information prepared by junior team members.

• Ensure work is technically accurate, complete, clearly presented and ready for review or client delivery.

• Apply appropriate professional judgement and identify technical or accounting issues requiring further consideration.

• Ensure work is completed consistently with internal quality standards and agreed deadlines.

• Assist with audit preparation and respond to information requirements for clients subject to external audit.

3. Client Relationship Management

• Act as a key day-to-day contact for a portfolio of clients.

• Develop and maintain professional relationships with company directors, business owners, administrators and other key stakeholders.

• Understand client requirements and identify opportunities to improve financial processes, reporting and service delivery.

• Identify potential opportunities for additional services, which may include:

  • Outsourced finance and accounting.

  • Enhanced management reporting.

  • Payroll services.

  • Agreed-upon procedures.

  • Virtual finance director / financial controller support.

  • Tax advisory and compliance services.

• Communicate clearly and professionally with clients and colleagues at all levels.

4. Team Support & Development

• Provide guidance, coaching and mentoring to junior members of the team.

• Review work and provide constructive feedback to support the development of team members.

• Assist with workflow planning, job allocation and prioritisation.

• Support the effective management of workloads and deadlines across the team.

• Contribute to the development and implementation of improved systems, templates and working practices.

5. Business Development Support

• Assist senior colleagues with the preparation of proposals, engagement documentation and fee estimates.

• Support the onboarding of new clients and ensure appropriate processes are followed.

• Contribute to the development of strong client relationships and the delivery of a high-quality professional service.

• Support initiatives designed to develop and expand the range of services offered to clients.

6. Technical Quality & Professional Standards

• Produce accurate, well-structured and review-ready work.

• Maintain a high level of attention to detail and professional standards.

• Take ownership of assigned responsibilities, deadlines and deliverables.

• Demonstrate the ability to work effectively across different client types, including commercial, private client and financial services structures.

• Develop and maintain knowledge of relevant accounting, tax and regulatory requirements.

• Demonstrate an interest in developing deeper expertise in financial services accounting and related structures.

• Embrace improvements in technology, systems and processes, including the appropriate use of AI and automation to improve efficiency and workflow.

Technical & Professional Qualifications

Candidates should ideally meet one or more of the following criteria:

• Completed CGI, STEP Diploma or an equivalent relevant professional qualification; or

• Qualified Accountant through a recognised professional accounting body; or

• Hold a relevant functional or professional qualification appropriate to the role; and

• Demonstrate evidence of ongoing Continuous Professional Development (CPD).

Experience & Skills

The successful candidate will ideally demonstrate:

• Strong technical accounting and financial reporting knowledge.

• Relevant experience within an accounting, professional services or financial services environment.

• Experience managing a portfolio of clients and working to multiple deadlines.

• Experience reviewing the work of junior colleagues.

• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to quality.

• Good commercial awareness and client relationship skills.

• The ability to communicate effectively with clients and colleagues.

• A proactive approach to identifying improvements and resolving issues.

• The ability to work across a diverse range of client structures and industries.

• An interest in developing expertise in investment funds, SPVs, private client structures and other financial services entities.

• A willingness to embrace technology, automation and AI-enabled tools where appropriate.

• Strong organisational and prioritisation skills.