Accounts Manager

Affinia is a leading, UK Top 50 Accountancy firm. Through successful acquisitions and organic growth, the firm has seen significant development within the last 18 months. Last October we launched our new brand ‘Affinia’ (www.affinia.co.uk) which saw the coming together of Richard Edwards Group and six other likeminded firms across the East South East of England to form a combined challenger accounting, tax and business advisory firm.

With a combined heritage spanning over 300 years, we have more than 400 accountancy professionals based in Stratford, Colchester, Chelmsford, Ipswich, Halstead, Harlow, Orpington, Sidcup and Sutton. We advise businesses, government and public sector organisations and individuals in the UK and internationally across seven principal practice groups: Accountancy Advisory, Tax and Planning, Audit Services, Corporate Finance, Digital Solutions, Payroll and Financial Planning.

We have invested continuously in technology and gained in-depth knowledge across a broad range of markets, growing through acquisitions and private investment. We offer an exceptional service to our clients, with access to our sector experts to develop the strategy that will help them reach their goals. We keep a finger on the industry pulse, so our clients receive the best short to medium and long-term advice.

Summary of role

As a Manager within the Accounts team, you will play a critical leadership role in delivering high-quality accounting services to a diverse portfolio of clients. You will oversee the planning, execution, and review of complex assignments, ensuring technical compliance, commercial effectiveness, and exceptional client service. Responsible for managing and developing a team of Assistant Managers, Seniors, and Trainees, you will lead by example, fostering a culture of performance, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

You will act as a key point of contact for clients, maintaining strong relationships and identifying opportunities to add value through advisory, tax planning, and process efficiencies. Working closely with Associate Directors and Directors, you will also contribute to departmental strategy, business development efforts, and internal projects, helping to drive growth and profitability within the practice.

Key tasks and responsibilities:
• Manage a portfolio of clients across a range of industries, ensuring the timely and accurate delivery of statutory accounts, management reports, VAT returns, and other services.
• Plan, allocate, and monitor assignments across the team, ensuring jobs are delivered on time, within budget, and in line with internal quality standards.
• Review complex accounts and tax computations prepared by Assistant Managers and Seniors, providing clear feedback and resolving technical queries.
• Act as the main point of contact for key clients, building strong relationships, addressing complex queries, and identifying areas for additional support or advisory services.
• Monitor WIP, billing, and recovery rates on all client jobs. Ensure fee discussions, scope management, and overruns are handled professionally and proactively.
• Provide ongoing coaching, mentoring, and performance feedback to team members. Lead regular 1:1s and support development plans for Assistant managers, Seniors, and Trainees.
• Conduct formal performance appraisals and participate in progression and promotion decisions. Support recruitment, onboarding, and workforce planning within the team.
• Ensure adherence to UK GAAP (FRS 105 and FRS 102 specifically. Where relevant IFRS), company policies, ethical standards, and regulatory requirements. Flag and address any emerging risks.
• Assist Directors in preparing client proposals, attending pitches, and identifying new business opportunities within your portfolio or wider network.
• Contribute to the development of internal processes, systems, and efficiencies within the Accounts service line. Lead or participate in project-based initiatives where appropriate

Professional skills/qualifications
• ACA, ACCA, or equivalent professional qualification (fully qualified)
• Minimum of 5–7 years' experience in a UK accountancy practice
• Up-to-date CPD record and strong working knowledge of UK GAAP (especially FRS 102, with IFRS an advantage)
• Advanced experience in preparing and reviewing statutory accounts, VAT returns, and corporate tax computations
• Proficient in practice management and accounting software (e.g. CCH, Xero, Sage, QuickBooks)
• Strong understanding of WIP, billing, and commercial metrics in a professional services environment
• Proven experience in supervising, mentoring, and developing junior staff
• Confident in delivering feedback and conducting appraisals
• Ability to manage team workflow, delegate effectively, and oversee performance
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with clients and internal stakeholders
• Ability to manage client relationships, resolve issues, and provide proactive, value-added advice
• Commercially aware with the ability to discuss fees, scope changes, and service opportunities
• Highly organised and able to manage multiple priorities
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Professional, credible, and aligned with the firm’s values and culture
• Proactive, self-motivated, and committed to continuous improvement
• Ability to respond and be reactive to shifting priorities at short notice.
• Have clear written and spoken communication.
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to multitask under pressure and to lead others.

Core Benefits:

At Affinia, our culture is driven by ambition and a commitment to positively impact all the communities we serve. We are dedicated to the success, development, and wellbeing of our colleagues, helping them achieve their goals and seize the opportunities that come with our growth. Alongside a flexible and inclusive work environment, we offer the following core benefits:
• 25 days holiday (FTE) plus Bank Holidays
• Professional membership support
• Auto enrolment Pension Scheme
• Agile/Hybrid Working Policy
• Dress for your Diary Policy

Affinia is a flexible business which has embraced a hybrid working model where our colleagues enjoy a mix of home and office working. We welcome applications from people looking for flexible and agile, roles and we are happy to explore your preferred working patterns as part of your application.

Affinia is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our policy is unequivocal: we do not tolerate discrimination based on age, disability, sex, race, religion or belief, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, or sexual orientation. We pride ourselves on being an inclusive organisation that actively promotes equality of opportunity for all, valuing the right mix of talent, skills, and potential. We welcome applications from a diverse range of candidates, and selection for roles is based solely on individual merit. Read more