SME Partner Designate

An exciting and rare opportunity has arisen for an ambitious and experienced accountant to join a highly regarded, long-established SME accountancy firm based in Rainham (Kent) as an SME Partner Designate.

This is a genuine succession opportunity for an individual who is looking to take the next step in their career and play a key role in the future direction and growth of the practice. The successful candidate will work closely with the existing partners with the opportunity to progress into a leadership role and ultimately take responsibility for running the firm within the next 3–5 years.

The Role

The successful applicant will take responsibility for managing a diverse portfolio of SME clients, providing high-quality accountancy and advisory support while taking a lead role in the continued development of the practice.

The role will be predominantly review-focused, with responsibility for overseeing client work, supporting the team, and ensuring excellent standards of service are maintained.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Managing and reviewing a varied caseload of SME accounts and tax assignments
• Providing technical guidance and support to clients across a range of sectors
• Reviewing work prepared by junior team members and ensuring accuracy and quality
• Developing, mentoring, and supporting more junior members of staff
• Building strong, trusted relationships with existing clients and acting as a key point of contact
• Identifying opportunities to provide additional value-added services to clients
• Supporting business development activities and helping to grow the client base
• Taking responsibility for work-in-progress management, billing, and ensuring commercial performance
• Contributing to the strategic development and future success of the practice

About You

This opportunity would suit an experienced accountant who is ready to move beyond a purely technical role and take on greater responsibility within a successful independent firm.

You will ideally have:

• Strong experience within an accountancy practice environment
• A proven track record of managing SME clients
• Excellent accounts and tax knowledge
• Experience reviewing work and supporting less experienced team members
• Strong commercial awareness and an understanding of WIP and billing management
• The confidence and ability to develop client relationships and identify new opportunities
• A desire to progress into a senior leadership position

Whether you are currently operating at manager, senior manager, or experienced client-facing level, this role offers the opportunity to make a significant impact and build a long-term future with the firm.

The Opportunity

This is not simply another senior accountancy position. It is a rare chance to join a respected Mid Kent practice at an exciting stage of its development, with a clear pathway to partnership and the opportunity to help shape the future of the business.

If you are looking for a role where your contribution will be recognised, where you can influence the direction of a firm, and where there is a genuine opportunity to become the future leader of the practice, we would welcome your application.

For further information then please do not hesitate to contact Robin 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.