Associate Manager

Clients and relationships

• Look after a portfolio of clients from a wide range of industries
• Arrange bookings for undertaking assignments and attendance at clients on a day to day basis to ensure all applicable deadlines are met, also ensuring that the right level of technically qualified team members are booked onto each assignment for the appropriate amount of time
• Plan and review the progress of client, ensuring a high level of client service and satisfaction
• Assist clients with ad hoc questions in relation to financial matters including the interpretation of results, and the financial resources implications, having a good understanding of how changes to the business could affect the firm from a regulatory perspective
• Assist clients on the setting up and development of internal systems and controls, including implementing suitable accounting software

Team management and development

• Be responsible for the allocation of team members on client work whilst keeping in mind the technical and career development of more junior team members
• Ensure that all employees work within the allocated timescales and to the standard required. If problems occur, seek ways to resolve matters quickly and efficiently
• Assume responsibility for team members on matters regarding client dealings, all internal/external face to face and telephone communications, written work and ensure they meet the highest professional standards
• Assist with setting targets and objectives, as well as on the job training and coaching
• Completing appraisals assisting in identifying development needs and opportunities
• Contribute and implement ideas for staff motivation and development
• Arrange debriefing sessions and provide feedback on performance and budget with an explanation of any variance
• Assist with the recruitment of new team members

Financials

• Manage budgets for client work and have a thorough understanding of the firms billing procedures, including charge out rates, budgeting and calculation of recovery rates
• Prepare draft bills for the senior managers / partners on a regular basis and keep the Outsourcing client billing information up to date

Marketing

• Promote the firm and identify opportunities for obtaining new business
• Have a full awareness of the services offered by other departments in the firm and continually look for cross selling opportunities
• Actively supporting the senior members of the department with marketing and business development initiatives

Service Provision

• Review regular management accounts for our client base and reporting to clients thereon prepared by junior members of the team
• Review VAT returns prepared by the team
• Review financial statements prepared by junior members of the team to ensure that they meet statutory requirements
• Where appropriate, have specific industry knowledge to be able to identify potential problems or areas of risk
• Have a full knowledge of compliance and client take on procedures and be responsible for the set up of new clients on the system
• Implementation of new accounting systems
• Ensure each client's company accounts are filed within the statutory timelines
• Experience in company accounts disclosure, legislation and application in practice
• Show evidence of up to date awareness and understanding of: corporation tax, income tax, VAT, PAYE, company secretarial procedures and applications in practice
• Demonstrate a good working knowledge of UK GAAP and/or IFRS
• Take responsibility for technical matters and resolve any problems which may arise

Attributes & Requirements

• Professional qualification (ACA / ACCA or equivalent) is required
• Relevant experience, gained in a similar manager role - ideally from practice environment
• Solid accountancy experience required, including in-depth knowledge of FRS 102
• Have good experience of drafting consolidations, including the preparation of group accounts
• Have knowledge of international and trade practices, including foreign currency, VAT and employment
• Good understanding of accountancy software packages and other accounting solutions.
• Have the ability to advise on and implement financial systems, processes and controls
• Have a good awareness of technology in general
• Competent using MS Office Word and Excel
• Have a good working knowledge of the main taxes affecting clients.
• Self-motivated and able to apply relevant skills to new scenarios
• Excellent people management and communication skills
• Ability to work under pressure with accuracy and focus
• Demonstrates excellent analytical and research skills
• Strong organisational and time management skills
• Good team member who can encourage and support others at all levels
• Able to develop junior team members
• Basic understanding of billing system
• Experience of preparing quotes and proposals for new work

Reed Specialist Recruitment Limited is an employment agency and employment business.