Company Overview:
Our client is a specialist UK-based accounting practice focused exclusively on the home improvement and fenestration (window and door) industry. They provide tailored compliance and advisory financial solutions to a diverse client base, including installers, fabricators, and component suppliers across the UK. The company prides itself on combining deep industry knowledge with strong technical expertise to deliver exceptional service to its clients. As the business continues to grow, they are looking for an experienced and dynamic Financial Practice Manager to join their remote team, ideally based in Cape Town, South Africa.
Role Overview:
The Financial Practice Manager will play a pivotal role in overseeing the day-to-day operations of our client’s accounting practice, allowing the UK-based leadership team to focus on business development and strategic growth. The successful candidate will manage the growing team in Cape Town and be responsible for ensuring the smooth delivery of all accounting services to their UK clients.
This is a senior, hands-on role requiring significant experience in practice management, strong technical accounting knowledge, and a proactive approach to improving operational efficiency. The ideal candidate will be a fully qualified accountant (CA, SA), with a preference for those with experience in UK accounting standards and practices. A background in practice, rather than industry, is essential.
Key Responsibilities:
Team Leadership & Management
- Supervise and mentor the existing Cape Town team, providing guidance, training, and support as needed.
- Oversee team performance, ensuring tasks are completed accurately and within agreed timelines.
- Act as the primary point of contact for technical accounting queries from the team.
- Conduct regular team meetings and performance reviews to ensure continuous improvement and professional development.
Practice Operations & Client Service
- Manage the production and review of statutory accounts, corporation tax returns, payroll, VAT returns, and management accounts.
- Oversee the preparation of budgets, forecasts, and financial reports for clients.
- Ensure timely Companies House filings and interactions with HMRC.
- Lead client onboarding processes, ensuring AML checks are completed and new clients are set up correctly.
- Maintain high standards of service delivery, ensuring all client work is completed accurately, efficiently, and in line with UK accounting regulations.
Practice Management & Efficiency
- Take responsibility for the practice management software (Engager.app), ensuring it is set up and maintained for optimal efficiency.
- Streamline workflows and processes, implementing best practices to improve efficiency and reduce manual work.
- Monitor client deadlines and workload distribution using the practice management system, ensuring no deadlines are missed.
Technical Expertise & Continuous Improvement
- Provide technical accounting support to the team, keeping up to date with changes in UK accounting standards and regulations.
- Lead training sessions for the team on technical topics and software updates.
- Ensure compliance with all relevant accounting standards, tax laws, and regulatory requirements in the UK.
- Review and improve existing processes to enhance accuracy, efficiency, and client satisfaction.
Essential Qualifications & Experience:
- Fully qualified accountant (CA, SA).
- Minimum of 10 years of experience in an accounting practice, with at least 3 years in a management or leadership role.
- Strong technical accounting knowledge.
- Proven track record of managing a team and delivering high-quality client services.
- Experience with practice management software (Engager.app or similar), accounting software (Xero - essential), Microsoft Office and cloud-based tools.
- High attention to detail, with excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with clients and team members.
Desirable Skills:
- Familiarity with UK tax laws, including corporation tax, VAT, and payroll regulations.
- Experience with UK accounting standards.
- Experience in implementing and optimising accounting software and practice management systems.
Working Arrangements:
- Remote position based in Cape Town, South Africa.
- Flexible working hours (09h00-18h00), with some overlap required for meetings with the UK team.
- Competitive salary, based on experience and qualifications.
Area: Wherever the wifi is! Remote work for a company based in the UK, ideal candidate is based in Cape Town, South Africa.
Position type and working hours: Full time permanent position, working hours are 9am - 6pm SA time (8am to 5pm UK)
Salary: Market related and depending on experience - negotiable
Please apply online if you meet the above-mentioned requirements.
Please assume that your application was unsuccessful If you have not been contacted within 4 weeks.
