Accounts & Business Services Operations Director

Job Title: Accounts & Business Services Operations Director
Location: Hybrid Working London EC4M / NW3
Working Hours: Monday to Friday 35 hour week (Flexitime)
Reporting to: Head of Service Line

Salary: 80000 - 110000

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 Accounts & Business Services Operations Directorensuresthe ABS teamoperatesas a unified high-performing department aligned with the firms strategy. This internal leadership role drives operational excellence consistency and innovation across all ABS disciplines supporting sustainable growth and profitability through efficient delivery strong client relationships and high-quality output.

You will champion the development of people and teams embed robust quality and risk controls and leverage insight from data technology and marketing to strengthen BKLs ABS proposition. By challenging existing ways of working and promoting continuous improvement you will help future-proof the ABS function ensuring it delivers an exceptional client experience while supporting long-term commercial success through ethical leadership innovation and scalable delivery.

How Youll Make a Difference

In this role you will:

Department and Strategic Planning

• Align the ABS team structure capacity and operating model with the firms strategic goals ensuring effective collaboration across service lines and with other departments.

• Drive innovation and continuous improvement in processes systems and delivery models to improve efficiency margin and client experience.

• Oversee forecasting utilisation and pricing insights to ensure work is delivered profitably and at scale supporting sustainable growth.

Operational Excellence and Quality

• Establish and embed robust quality controls workflows and risk management frameworks to ensure consistentaccurate andtimelydelivery of client work.

• Champion best practice across accounts preparation management reporting bookkeeping and advisory services ensuring compliance with professional standards and internal policies.

• Support Pod Leaders in balancing skill sets capacity and technical capability to meet changing client demand and regulatory requirements.

Team Development

• Foster a high-performance culture where teams live the firms values collaborate effectively and take ownership for outcomes.

• Partner with People and Culture toidentifytalent manage succession planning and reduce key person risk across the ABS function.

• Drive performance management capability uplift and leadership development within ABS Pods developing future leaders and strengthening accountability.

ABS Growth Technology and Client Proposition

• Strengthen BKLs ABS proposition by working with Marketing and Growth to articulate clear service offerings and value-led messaging.

• Identifyopportunities to expand advisory services improve client segmentation and enhance cross-referrals with Tax Audit and other service lines.

• Champion the effective use of technology and data to improve client insight automate routine work and enable teams to focus on higher-value activity.

Youll Be Ideal for This Role If You Have:

• ACA or ACCA qualified or equivalent professional qualification or 9 years experience in Accounts and Business Services

• Demonstrated senior leadership experience within an ABS or comparable professional services environment

• Strong understanding of accounts production management accounts bookkeeping and advisory-led service delivery

• Proventrack recordof growing teams improving operational performance and enhancing client outcomes

• Experience of quality control regulatory compliance and risk management within an accounting function

• Strong commercial and strategic planning capability including pricing capacity planning and profitability

• Excellent communication influencing and stakeholder management skills

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.

Commitment to Information Security and Data Protection

At BKL we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of information security and data protection through a comprehensive framework of policies and procedures. As part of this role you will be expected to stay informed about these policies and ensure full compliance at all times. Adherence to our policies is critical and failure to comply may result in disciplinary action in line with company procedures.

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