Accounts & Business Services Manager

Job Title: ABS Manager
Location: Hybrid Working - Newcastle NE1 / Remote
Working Hours: Monday to Friday 35-hour week (Flexitime)

• Minimum 3 times per week in office.

• There may be requirements to visit other offices and client sites for meetings and general collaboration

Salary Range: 50000 - 58000

About BKL

BKL is a Top 40 accountancy and advisory business supporting a diverse client base from entrepreneurs and high-net-worth individuals to ambitious owner-managed businesses and multinational groups. With a legacy spanning over 130 years weve evolved into a modern purpose-driven business that balances profit with impact.

We are proud to be a certified B Corp reflecting our commitment to sustainability transparency and responsible governance. As a member of DFK International we support clients locally and internationally with cutting-edge expertise and a personal touch.

We believe all clients deserve the same level of care innovation and excellence.

Your Opportunity

The Managers role is to lead the delivery of ABS services making sure all work meets required standards and statutory obligations. They are an established portfolio manager with a proven track record of growing their portfolio in both size and financial value.

You will be managing the first pod that we are building in Newcastle! The Manager has overall accountability for pod performance and plays a key role in developing the team and encouraging strong collaboration. They are recognised within the team as a goto expert for specific sectors or technical areas and act as the main point of contact for clients providing highlevel advice and clear strategic guidance.

How Youll Make a Difference

In this role you will:

Technical

Technical and Financial Expertise

• Ensures all client outputs are accurate and complete

• Reviews and signs off management accounts VAT returns and yearend files

• Provides clear guidance on complex accounting and compliance matters

• Advises clients within remit and escalates to specialists when needed

Digital and Data Literacy

• Leads effective use of systems and tools across the pod

• Reviews workflows and reporting to improve efficiency and data quality

• Oversees data managed in Karbon ensuring it is accurate and up to date

• Identifies process gaps and drives system improvements

• Monitors podlevel metrics and understands key financial indicators

Learning and Development

• Maintains own CPD compliance and professional development

• Actively develops leadership and technical capability through learning

• Seeks and applies feedback to improve performance

Quality and Efficiency

• Delivers highquality work on time across the pods portfolio

• Uses coaching and review to continuously improve output

• Plans ahead for peak periods with realistic timelines and resourcing

Delegation and Ownership

• Delegates work effectively based on skills and capacity

• Personally handles complex or sensitive client matters

• Tracks key deliverables and removes blockers early

• Balances handson delivery with oversight and team enablement

Communication

• Communicates clearly with clients and internal stakeholders

• Gives constructive feedback in formal and informal settings

• Leads pod meetings and shares relevant leadership and technical updates

Client Relationship Management

• Owns endtoend client relationships across the portfolio

• Leads discussions on scope fees and service levels

• Anticipates client needs and responds proactively

• Ensures consistent service aligned with client expectations

Ethics and Professional Conduct

• Upholds strong standards of ethics confidentiality and compliance

• Acts quickly and transparently when issues arise

• Holds others accountable to professional standards and firm values

• Models integrity in all interactions

Leadership and Mentoring

• Leads 1:1s pod meetings and regular coaching conversations

• Oversees performance reviews and supports career development

• Coaches team members to solve problems independently

• Builds a growthfocused culture through curiosity resilience and openness

Youll Be Ideal for This Role If You Have:

Experience

• Typically 6 years experience in accounts and business services

• 3 years experience in a managerial role

• Proven experience managing a profitable portfolio in Accounts or Outsourcing team.

Skills

• Strong strategic thinking and commercial awareness

• Confident leader with experience building and developing highperforming teams

• Excellent stakeholder management and ability to build longterm client relationships

• Business development capability including identifying opportunities and driving growth

• Able to manage complex and highprofile client engagements

Qualifications

• ACA or ACCA qualified (or equivalent) with significant postqualification experience

We know you have a lot to offer which is why we give you the freedom to thrive no matter who you are or what your background is.

Our Values

At BKL we live by five core values:

• Think Big Be curious brave and open to new ideas.

• In It Together Collaborate care and build an inclusive culture.

• Take Pride Strive for excellence and believe in your impact.

• Do the Right Thing Act with integrity honesty and fairness.

• Enjoy It Bring your whole self to work and have fun doing it.

Working With Us: Your Benefits Wellbeing & Development

At BKL were committed to creating a people-first workplace where everyone can thrive. We offer a carefully curated benefits package wellbeing support and meaningful development opportunities that empower you to grow your career.

Snapshot of our Benefits Package

Weve designed a flexible sustainable set of benefits to support your life at work and beyond:

• Private Medical Insurance (PMI) including mental health cover hospital treatment & 24/7 GP access

• Health Cash Plans covering everyday costs like dental optical & physiotherapy and an Employee Assistance Programme

• Pension scheme helping you save for retirement in a tax-efficient way

• Group Life Assurance peace of mind with financial protection for your loved ones

• Cashback & savings portal discounts across hundreds of high-street and online retailers

• Cycle to Work Scheme spread the cost of a new bike and accessories tax-free

• Electric Vehicle Scheme sustainable transportation options that include roadside support and servicing

• Free Mortgage Advice expert guidance for your home-buying journey

• Season Ticket Loan support with travel expenses

• Enhanced Family Leave generous leave policies for family-related needs

• Holiday Entitlement generous entitlement which increases with promotion

Development & Growth

We dont just offer jobs we support careers:

• Clear development pathways and progression frameworks

• Professional qualifications support including study time and funding

• Internal mentoring coaching and buddying schemes

• Leadership development programmes to help you grow with us

• Regular check-ins and performance conversations driven by your goals not just metrics

Take Your Next Step

Ready to grow your career with a company that balances ambition with purpose Apply today and discover how far you can go at BKL.

Our recruitment process typically involves three stages:

1. An introductory Teams call with our Talent Acquisition team.

2. A first-stage interview with two team members.

3. A final interview at our London office including a tour to give you a feel for our working environment.

Compliance & Equal Opportunities

In addition to the responsibilities listed above you will be required to undertake GDPR training in order to fully understand the regulations and ensure all work is carried out in a compliant manner.

As part of any recruitment process BKL collects and processes personal data relating to job applicants. BKL is committed to being transparent about how it collects and uses that data and to meeting its data protection obligations.

BKL is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified candidates eligible to work in the UK.

We know you have a lot to offer which is why we want to give you the freedom to thrive no matter who you are or what your background is. You will have every opportunity to use your creativity in how you approach your work and the support to innovate.

Inclusion diversity and talent development are a fundamental aspect of who we are and we welcome applications from candidates who share and champion these values. You will play an integral part in helping to make BKL a great place to work with a sense of belonging for everyone.

High challenge high support

If you enjoy problem-solving and a fast-changing environment you will thrive in this role.

As in all BKL roles you will be able to take a flexible approach: balancing independent work with teamwork and remote working with time in the office with colleagues.

You can get an insight into life at BKL here.

Were proud to be one of the few Certified B Corporations in the accountancy joining us youll become part of a business thats committed to balancing profit and purpose.

Take your next step

If this sounds like the role for you wed be delighted to discuss the career you could build at BKL.

By applying you consent to the processing of your personal data for recruitment purposes in line with UK GDPR. Your information will be used securely only for recruitment and wont be shared without your consent. For details see our Privacy Policy - BKL