Average Account Director salary in Manchester

Accounts DirectorLocation: Bolton (Hybrid)Salary: Dependent on experienceJob Type: PermanentThe OpportunityAn established and growing independent accountancy and business advisory firm is looking to appoint an experienced Accounts Director to lead a portfolio of owner-managed business clients.This is a senior leadership position, ideal for someone with a strong background in practice who enjoys combining technical excellence with commercial advice, people leadership and strategic client management. You'll play a key role in shaping the future of the accounts function while helping clients achieve their long-term business objectives.The RoleAs Accounts Director, you will oversee a diverse client portfolio, acting as a trusted adviser across accounting, compliance and business advisory matters. You'll lead and develop a team of managers and accountants, ensuring exceptional service delivery, high technical standards and strong client relationships.Alongside managing existing clients, you'll identify opportunities to grow service offerings, support business development initiatives and contribute to the firm's wider strategic objectives.Key ResponsibilitiesManage and develop a portfolio of owner-managed business clients.Act as the lead adviser on accounting, compliance and business advisory matters.Build long-term client relationships, providing strategic financial guidance.Review and oversee the preparation of statutory accounts, management accounts and tax compliance work.Lead, mentor and develop managers and members of the accounts team.Provide technical support and quality assurance across complex assignments.Work collaboratively with other service lines to deliver joined-up client solutions.Monitor portfolio performance, including budgets, deadlines and profitability.Identify opportunities to expand client relationships through additional services.Drive improvements in systems, processes and operational efficiency.Support digital transformation initiatives, including automation, data analytics and AI adoption.Contribute to strategic planning alongside the senior leadership team.Monitor KPIs and ensure team performance aligns with business objectives.About YouYou'll be an experienced practice professional with a proven ability to lead teams, manage key client relationships and provide commercially focused advice.You'll also bring:Significant experience within an accountancy practice.Strong technical knowledge of UK accounting standards and compliance.Excellent leadership and people management skills.Commercial awareness with a proactive approach to identifying opportunities.Outstanding communication and relationship-building abilities.Strong organisational and project management skills.A collaborative approach with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.High levels of integrity, professionalism and client focus.Business DevelopmentThis role plays an important part in the firm's continued growth and will involve:Supporting business development initiatives.Building and maintaining professional referral networks.Attending networking and client events where appropriate.Identifying opportunities to introduce additional advisory services to existing clients.What's on OfferCompetitive salary dependent on experience.Hybrid working.Generous annual leave entitlement.Private healthcare.Pension scheme with salary sacrifice options.Ongoing professional development and career progression.Employee referral scheme.Health and wellbeing benefits.Electric vehicle and cycle-to-work schemes.Regular social and team events.The opportunity to join a well-established, forward-thinking independent practice with genuine opportunities to progress into senior leadership.

Your new company An exciting opportunity has arisen with a highly respected, independent Accountancy firm based in Greater Manchester. This well-established practice has built an outstanding reputation for delivering trusted advisory and accountancy services to a diverse portfolio of owner-managed businesses, SMEs and entrepreneurial clients across the North West.Unlike many larger corporate firms, this independent practice offers a genuinely people-focused culture, where relationships, quality of service and employee wellbeing are at the heart of its success. With ambitious growth plans and a clear vision for the future, this is an excellent opportunity for an experienced practice professional seeking a senior leadership role with real influence and progression potential.Your new role As Accounts Director, you will play a key role in leading and developing the firm's accounts function, overseeing a varied portfolio of clients whilst supporting the strategic growth of the practice.Working closely with the Partners, you will provide high-quality business advisory and compliance services, manage and develop client relationships, and lead, mentor and inspire a talented team of professionals.Key responsibilities will include:Managing a portfolio of owner-managed businesses and corporate clientsProviding strategic business advice and commercial guidance to clientsReviewing statutory accounts and related compliance workBuilding and maintaining strong client relationshipsSupporting business development activities and identifying opportunities for growthLeading, mentoring and developing junior and senior members of the teamContributing to operational improvements and the ongoing development of the practicePlaying an active role in shaping the future direction of the firm as part of the senior leadership teamThis role offers a genuine opportunity to become an integral part of the firm's long-term succession plans and future senior leadership structure.What you'll need to succeed To be successful in this role, you will demonstrate:Proven experience managing a substantial client portfolioStrong technical knowledge across accounts and advisory servicesExcellent relationship-building and stakeholder management skillsPrevious experience leading and developing teamsA commercial mindset with the ability to identify opportunities for clients and the firmStrong communication and leadership capabilitiesA passion for delivering exceptional client servicePrevious experience operating at Senior Manager, Associate Director or Director level, and ready to explore a new opportunity. What you'll get in return In return, you will join a progressive and highly regarded independent practice that genuinely values its people.Benefits include:Highly competitive salary and benefits packageClear pathway towards future senior leadership opportunitiesA genuine voice in the strategic direction of the businessFlexible and hybrid working arrangementsOutstanding work-life balance rarely found within traditional practice environmentsSupportive and collaborative cultureOpportunity to work closely with entrepreneurial clients and make a real impactLong-term career development within a growing independent firmWhat you need to do now If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk

Your new company This is a rare opportunity to join a highly respected and ambitious accountancy practice at a pivotal stage of its growth journey.Following significant investment into its North West operations, the firm has committed substantial resources to accelerating the growth of its Manchester office, creating an exciting opportunity for an experienced Accounts Director to play a key leadership role in the next phase of the business's development.With a strong heritage, established client base and an excellent reputation for service delivery, the firm has successfully combined the agility and client focus of an independent practice with the backing and support of a larger national group. Importantly, local leadership remains at the heart of decision-making, ensuring the business continues to operate with an entrepreneurial mindset whilst benefiting from access to wider investment, technology and strategic support.This appointment is a critical strategic hire and offers a genuine opportunity to influence the future direction of the Manchester office over the next 3-5 years.Your new role As Accounts Director, you will work closely with the senior leadership team to help shape and deliver the firm's ambitious growth plans across the region.This is far more than a portfolio management role. You will become a key figure within the office, helping to strengthen the firm's market presence through business development and networking, develop its proposition, attract new talent and contribute to the long-term success of the business.Responsibilities will include:Leading a substantial portfolio of owner-managed businesses and entrepreneurial clients.Acting as a trusted adviser, providing commercial and strategic guidance to clients.Working alongside senior management to drive the growth of the Manchester office.Supporting the development and execution of the firm's medium and long-term business strategy.Identifying opportunities for new business generation and service expansion.Building and enhancing the firm's profile across the North West market.Recruiting, mentoring and developing high-performing teams in line with ambitious growth objectives.Providing leadership and direction to managers and senior staff members.Playing a key role in future succession planning and leadership development initiatives.The successful candidate will have the platform, autonomy and support to make a genuine impact on the direction of the business whilst helping to create a market-leading team.What you'll need to succeed ACA / ACCA qualified.Extensive experience gained within a UK accountancy practice environment.Currently operating at Director, Associate Director or Senior Manager level and ready for a broader leadership opportunity.Strong technical expertise across accounts and advisory services.Commercially aware with a track record of successfully managing and developing client relationships.Demonstrable leadership experience, including team development and coaching.A natural relationship builder with strong networking and business development capabilities.Ambition to play a visible role in the growth of a successful regional office.Passion for helping shape culture, attract talent and build high-performing teams.What you'll get in return A genuine opportunity to influence the future growth and success of a major regional office.Direct exposure to senior leadership and involvement in strategic decision-making.The ability to help shape the firm's growth journey over the next 3-5 years.A leadership role with significant autonomy and visibility.Clear progression potential within an ambitious and growing organisation.Access to investment, infrastructure and wider business support.Competitive salary, bonus and benefits package.If you're an ambitious practice leader looking for an opportunity where your contribution can genuinely influence the trajectory of a growing business, we'd welcome a confidential discussion.What you need to do now If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk