Job Overview
About Us
We are a small, super friendly rural Land Agent / Chartered Surveyors practice based in a brand‑new office on a new business park in Kennford, Exeter. We manage a varied and growing portfolio of estate and property clients across Devon and Cornwall, including residential, commercial, agricultural and mixed‑use holdings. Founded in 2021, we are still early in our journey but expanding rapidly. With over 80 years’ combined experience in the team and a client base that continues to grow, this is an exciting time to join us. For the right person, there is genuine scope to grow with the business with both career progression and personal development.
The Role
We are seeking an experienced, confident and highly capable Client Account Manager to lead and run our Client Accounting Service. This is a senior position responsible for overseeing the financial management of multiple client estates using Xero, integrated with our bespoke property management system Arthur-online.
You will develop and ultimately manage a small team of Accounts Assistants, oversee all client accounting processes, ensure compliance, and deliver high‑quality financial reporting to clients, colleagues and external accountants. You will also take responsibility for processing MTD and VAT returns for multiple clients, and potentially manage year‑end company accounts and self‑assessment tax returns for the Partners.
As our client accounting service continues to grow, this position offers significant opportunity for progression and increased responsibility. We fully support ongoing professional development, including AAT, ACCA or other relevant pathways.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop, lead and manage the Client Accounting Service, including supervision, training and development of Accounts Assistants.
- Full oversight of monthly reconciliation of multiple client bank accounts using cloud‑based banking software.
- Posting and reconciling income and expenditure across numerous client portfolios.
- Weekly management of several banking platforms and ensuring accurate synchronisation.
- Posting and reconciling purchase ledger accounts, including data entry, payment posting and supplier query resolution.
- Production of monthly TB's
- Production and review of Nominal Ledger Reports (P&L) for clients and their accountants for year‑end and quarterly VAT purposes.
- Preparation of monthly arrears reports for colleagues and clients and assisting with reducing arrears.
- Production of monthly and quarterly management accounts and attendance at client meetings.
- Investigating and resolving banking queries and discrepancies.
- Processing MTD and VAT returns for multiple clients.
- Managing year‑end company accounts and preparing self‑assessment tax returns for the Partners.
- Ensuring compliance with internal procedures, client‑money regulations and best practice.
- Developing new processes, improving workflows and contributing ideas as the department grows.
- Any other associated duties required as part of running a busy client accounting function.
About You
You are a positive, proactive and resilient senior finance professional who enjoys responsibility and thrives when busy and under pressure. You have exceptional attention to detail, strong leadership skills and the confidence to run a department independently while working collaboratively with the wider team. You enjoy problem‑solving, improving systems, building relationships and taking ownership of your work. You are organised, methodical, calm under pressure and able to prioritise effectively, a great communicator at all levels and someone who dives in to help when times are busy and deadlines are closing in.
Essential Qualifications, Experience & Skills
- Extensive experience using Xero accounting software.
- AAT Level 4 qualified, studying towards Level 4, or qualified by experience.
- Strong manual accounting knowledge and experience.
- Experience processing MTD and VAT returns for multiple clients.
- VAT, tax and year‑end processing experience.
- Experience producing management accounts, budgeting and forecasting.
- Excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel.
- Experience managing bank synchronisation and reconciliation.
- Ability to learn new IT systems quickly.
- Strong leadership skills and experience supervising or mentoring others.
- Friendly, positive and personable.
- Resilient, adaptable and able to multitask.
- Able to work independently and flexibly.
- Highly organised, conscientious and methodical.
- Strong initiative and ability to meet deadlines.
- Excellent attention to detail.
- Ability to build and maintain effective internal and external relationships.
- Enjoys problem‑solving and improving processes.
- Happy, can-do attitude who enjoys challenges.
In Return We Offer
- Competitive salary
- Permanent, full‑time position in a growing business
- 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Pension contribution
- Private healthcare for you and your immediate family
- Annual bonus
- Annual salary review
- Friendly, supportive working environment
- Social events
- Dog‑friendly office
- Free on‑site parking
- Full support for qualification training and professional development
- Genuine long‑term progression opportunities
Additional Details
- This is an office‑based role in Exeter.
- Candidates must be local to Exeter and able to commute.
- Initial Zoom calls will take place prior to interview.
Pay: £35,000.00-£45,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company events
- Company pension
- On-site parking
- Private medical insurance
Work Location: In person
