Senior Accountant/Lead

Accountree, a well-established UK accounting practice, is seeking a proactive and experienced Senior Accountant/Lead to join their team. This senior position requires a candidate who can take full ownership of the accounts function, efficiently manage workflow, support and supervise team members, and ensure accurate and timely completion of all accounting tasks. The role demands strong leadership skills and the ability to maintain high standards while meeting statutory and client deadlines.

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 effectively among team members, considering workload, deadlines, and individual strengths.
- Monitor team progress to ensure jobs are completed accurately and on time.
- Prepare and review accounts and working papers prepared by team members, providing constructive feedback.
- Maintain consistent standards of work through strong quality-control procedures.
- Handle complex accounting and client queries, offering guidance to the team as needed.
- Track outstanding work and proactively follow up with team members to avoid delays.
- Ensure all statutory and client deadlines are met by closely monitoring schedules.
- 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 development of both junior and senior team members.
- Maintain strong client relationships and communicate professionally with clients when required.
- Ensure the team adheres to internal procedures, accounting standards, and UK compliance requirements.

Required Qualifications

- Extensive experience in UK accounting practice, with a minimum of 8 years in a similar role.
- Strong knowledge of UK GAAP, VAT, Corporation Tax, and statutory accounts.
- Proven 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.
- High attention to detail and a strong commitment to quality.
- Confident communication and client-management abilities.
- Proficiency with accounting software such as Xero, Sage, QuickBooks, TaxCalc, IRIS, or similar platforms.

Preferred Qualifications and Benefits

- ACA or ACCA qualification is preferred.
- Competitive market salary.
- Onsite position offering the opportunity to work closely with an experienced team in a supportive environment.

This role is ideal for a senior accounting professional looking to lead a team within a respected UK practice, driving quality and efficiency while fostering team development and maintaining excellent client relationships.