Account Lead

We are seeking an experienced and proactive Accounts Lead to join our well-established UK accounting practice. This senior role requires a professional who can take full ownership of the accounts function, effectively manage workflow, support and supervise the team, and ensure all work is completed accurately and submitted within required deadlines. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in maintaining high standards of quality and efficiency across the accounts team.

Key Responsibilities

- Take overall responsibility for managing the accounts workflow and delivery across the team.
- Review, finalise, and approve accounts before submission to clients and relevant authorities.
- Allocate work efficiently among team members, considering workload, deadlines, and individual capabilities.
- Monitor team progress to ensure tasks are completed accurately and on time.
- Prepare and review accounts and working papers produced by team members, providing constructive feedback.
- Maintain consistent standards of work and enforce strong quality-control procedures.
- Handle complex accounting and client queries, offering guidance and support to the team.
- Track outstanding work and proactively follow up with team members to avoid delays.
- Ensure all statutory and client deadlines are monitored and met.
- Prepare and maintain monthly internal management reports covering workflow, deadlines, outstanding jobs, and team performance.
- Identify bottlenecks and implement process improvements to enhance the efficiency of the accounts function.
- Collaborate closely with managers and directors, providing regular updates on workload, progress, and any issues.
- Assist with the training, mentoring, and professional development of junior and senior team members.
- Maintain strong client relationships and communicate professionally with clients when necessary.
- Ensure the team adheres to internal procedures, accounting standards, and UK compliance requirements.

Required Qualifications

- Strong experience within a UK accounting practice.
- Proven track record in managing or supervising an accounts team.
- Comprehensive knowledge of UK GAAP, VAT, Corporation Tax, and statutory accounts.
- Experience reviewing and finalising accounts prepared by others.
- Excellent organisational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines and prioritise workload effectively.
- Strong attention to detail and a commitment to delivering high-quality work.
- Confident communication and client-management skills.
- Ability to take ownership, make independent decisions, and resolve issues efficiently.
- Proficiency with accounting software such as Xero, Sage, QuickBooks, TaxCalc, IRIS, or similar platforms.
- ACA/ACCA qualified, part-qualified, or possessing equivalent experience is preferred.

This position is ideal for professionals currently working as an Accounts Senior, Accounts Manager, Client Manager, or in a similar role who are ready to advance into a leadership position.

Preferred Qualifications and Benefits

While not mandatory, ACA or ACCA qualification, or being part-qualified, is highly desirable. The role offers the opportunity to lead a dynamic team within a supportive and established practice, with a competitive salary commensurate with experience. The position is based onsite, providing direct engagement with the team and clients.

If you have solid UK practice experience and are confident managing people, workflow, deadlines, and the final quality of accounts, we encourage you to apply for this exciting leadership opportunity.