Accountancy Practice - Business Services Manager

A prestigious and long-standing firm of Chartered Accountants based in Canterbury is seeking to appoint a Business Services Manager to join its growing team. With a rich history and deep-rooted links to London, the firm combines traditional values with a modern, progressive approach to client service.

Following recent significant investment, the practice is entering an exciting phase of growth and transformation. This hire will play a key role in strengthening the Business Services function, with clear scope for progression into senior leadership as the firm continues to evolve.

The Role

This is a pivotal position within the Business Services team, focused on the review of statutory accounts and the delivery of high-quality financial reporting to a diverse portfolio of clients.

You will work closely with Partners and senior leadership, taking ownership of a varied client portfolio while also overseeing and developing a medium-sized team. The role requires a strong blend of technical expertise, commercial awareness, and the ability to build trusted client relationships.

Key Responsibilities

• Review statutory accounts prepared under FRS 102 and FRS 105 for a wide range of clients, including owner-managed businesses and SMEs
• Ensure all work is completed to a high technical standard and in line with regulatory requirements
• Act as the primary point of contact for clients, delivering clear, confident, and commercially focused communication
• Manage a portfolio of clients, ensuring deadlines, budgets, and service levels are consistently met
• Identify advisory opportunities and support Partners in delivering added-value services
• Lead, mentor, and develop a medium-sized team, including seniors and part-qualified staff
• Conduct detailed file reviews, providing constructive feedback and supporting ongoing development
• Oversee workflow planning and resource allocation across the team
• Maintain strong internal controls and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives

Candidate Profile

The successful candidate will be an experienced and technically strong accountant with a background in general practice.

Key attributes will include:

• ACA or ACCA qualified (or equivalent)
• Strong technical knowledge of UK GAAP, with significant experience reviewing statutory accounts
• Proven experience managing a client portfolio within a practice environment
• Demonstrable experience supervising, mentoring, and developing team members
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build credibility with clients and colleagues alike
• A proactive and commercially aware mindset
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities effectively

Why Join This Firm?

• A highly respected and prominent Canterbury-based firm with an excellent reputation
• Strong historic ties to London and a high-quality client base
• Recent investment has created genuine momentum and opportunity for progression
• A collaborative and supportive culture with a clear focus on development
• The chance to play a meaningful role in the firm’s ongoing growth and future direction

This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious Manager seeking a long-term move into a firm where they can make an impact, develop their leadership capability, and progress their career within a dynamic and evolving environment.

For further information then please do not hesitate to reach out to Robin at Farrer Barnes in the 1st instance.

Farrer Barnes Ltd does not discriminate on the grounds of age, race, gender, disability, creed or sexual orientation and complies with all relevant UK legislation. Farrer Barnes Ltd acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers.