Client Manager
The Client Manager is responsible for managing a portfolio of small to medium-sized clients, delivering high-quality compliance and advisory services with minimal Partner supervision. The role combines technical expertise, client relationship management, and team leadership, with a strong focus on efficiency, commercial awareness, and proactive client support.
Key Responsibilities
Client Portfolio Management
- Manage a portfolio of small to medium-sized clients with minimal Partner oversight
- Act as the primary point of contact for clients, building strong and lasting relationships
- Manage both existing and new client relationships, ensuring high levels of service delivery
- Lead client meetings, including onboarding meetings and periodic review meetings
- Handle a wide range of client queries in a timely and professional manner
Accounts & Tax Compliance
- Oversee and review the preparation of statutory accounts and financial statements
- Deal with all standard matters of accounts disclosure in line with relevant standards
- Process and review corporate and personal tax returns
- Support and deliver routine tax planning work for clients
- Ensure all compliance work is completed accurately, efficiently, and within deadlines
Planning, Workflow & Delivery
- Manage own workflow and ensure work is delivered efficiently and within budget
- Oversee workflow across the team, ensuring effective allocation of work
- Plan and prioritise jobs to meet deadlines and client expectations
- Contribute to internal processes and continuous improvement initiatives
- Undertake special assignments and ad hoc project work as required
Team Leadership & Development
- Supervise and review work completed by training team members
- Delegate work effectively to support team development and efficiency
- Assist with training and development of junior staff, providing ongoing coaching and support
- Contribute to performance management and development reviews where required
Business Development & Networking
- Identify opportunities to generate new business from existing and prospective clients
- Contribute to business development activities and broader practice growth
- Develop and maintain a strong network of professional contacts
Commercial & Financial Management
- Ensure work is completed within agreed budgets and timescales
- Achieve chargeability and recoverability targets
- Demonstrate strong commercial awareness in managing jobs and making decisions
- Negotiate fees with clients where appropriate and manage scope changes
- Provide commercially focused advice to clients to support their business decisions
Person Specification
Essential
- ACA / ACCA qualified (or equivalent)
- Strong experience within an accountancy practice environment
- Proven experience managing a client portfolio
- Strong knowledge of accounts preparation, tax compliance, and planning
Desirable
- Experience in business development and client acquisition
- Exposure to advisory-led client work
- Sector specialism (if applicable)
Key Skills & Competencies
- Strong organisational and workflow management skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities
- Commercial awareness and sound decision-making
- Leadership and team development capability
- Proactive, solutions-focused approach