Overview

We are seeking an experienced South African-based practice accountant with strong UK accounting experience to join our non-audit team as an Accounts Assistant Manager.

The successful candidate will take ownership of a diverse portfolio of UK private-sector and owner-managed clients, preparing and reviewing year-end accounts, management accounts and tax work while managing multiple clients, deadlines and workflows.

Experience working with UK clients within an accountancy practice is essential. We are looking for someone who has genuine practice experience preparing accounts for a range of external clients, rather than someone whose background is predominantly within an in-house or industry finance environment.

Key Responsibilities

Client Portfolio & Workflow

• Manage a diverse portfolio of UK private-sector and owner-managed clients

• Act as a key day-to-day contact for clients

• Manage multiple assignments, deadlines and competing priorities

• Follow up on outstanding information and keep assignments moving

• Take ownership of workflow and ensure work is delivered accurately and on time

Accounts & Tax

• Prepare and review UK year-end statutory accounts for a broad range of clients

• Prepare and/or review monthly and quarterly management accounts

• Work with accounts prepared under FRS 102 1A and FRS 105

• Handle more complex accounts and technical accounting matters

• Prepare and/or review corporation tax computations and CT600s

• Review VAT returns and support with UK VAT matters

• Review bookkeeping and accounting records for accuracy and completeness

• Deal with HMRC queries and client accounting/tax matters

Team & Review

• Review work prepared by junior team members

• Provide technical guidance and constructive feedback

• Delegate and monitor work according to deadlines and workload

• Support the training and development of junior staff

Systems

• Strong practical experience with Xero and/or QuickBooks Online

• Experience with Dext is advantageous

• Use accounting technology effectively to support accurate and efficient client delivery

Skills & Experience

Essential

• Strong experience working within an accountancy practice

• Proven experience preparing UK year-end accounts for multiple external clients

• Experience working with UK-based clients

• Experience managing a varied client portfolio

• Strong experience with private-sector and owner-managed businesses

• Proven ability to manage multiple clients and competing deadlines

• Strong knowledge of UK accounting standards, particularly FRS 102 1A and FRS 105

• Experience preparing and/or reviewing statutory and monthly/quarterly management accounts

• Strong knowledge of UK accounting and taxation

• Experience with corporation tax, UK VAT and HMRC

• Previous experience reviewing or supervising junior team members

• Strong client-facing communication skills

• Excellent organisation and attention to detail

• Ability to work independently and take ownership of a portfolio

Desirable

• ACCA or ACA qualified, part-qualified or qualified by experience

• Previous Senior Accountant, Accounts Senior, Client Accountant or Assistant Manager experience

• Experience working with a wide range of UK company types and sectors

• Experience with Dext

• Experience with media, creative or similar owner-managed businesses

What We're Looking For

We are looking for a South African accountant with strong UK practice experience who is already comfortable working with UK clients and managing a varied portfolio.

The ideal candidate will be:

• Hands-on and technically strong

• Experienced in preparing UK year-end accounts across a range of clients

• Comfortable managing multiple deadlines simultaneously

• Experienced with management accounts and client reporting

• Confident dealing directly with UK clients

• Comfortable reviewing and supporting junior staff

• Proactive, organised and solutions-focused

Most importantly, we are looking for someone who has prepared UK accounts for multiple external clients within an accountancy practice. Candidates coming from predominantly industry or in-house accounting environments are not the primary fit for this role.

The Opportunity

This is an opportunity for an experienced South African practice accountant to step into an Assistant Manager-level role with genuine ownership of a diverse UK client portfolio.

The role combines hands-on UK accounts preparation, management accounts, client management, review and workflow responsibility, with the opportunity to work across a broad range of UK private-sector businesses.