Head of Accounting & Personal Tax
Location
Hampshire (hybrid working available, typically 3 days in the office)
Salary
£55,000-£65,000 depending on experience, plus performance-related bonus.
The Role
We are looking for a commercially minded and highly organised Head of Accounting & Personal Tax to lead our accounts and tax delivery team.
This is a hands-on leadership role combining technical delivery, team management, client relationship management and operational improvement. The successful candidate will take ownership of the day-to-day running of the accounting function and play a key role in improving quality, consistency and profitability.
Indicative Time Split
- 40-60% technical delivery and review
- 20-30% team leadership and coaching
- 10-20% client meetings and relationship management
- 5-10% process improvement and business development support
Key ResponsibilitiesTeam Leadership
- Lead and develop a team of accountants, bookkeepers and payroll staff.
- Allocate work and monitor capacity across the team.
- Provide technical support and coaching.
- Conduct regular one-to-ones and performance reviews.
- Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
Technical Oversight
- Review statutory accounts, corporation tax returns and directors' self assessment returns.
- Handle more complex technical matters and client queries.
- Ensure high technical standards and consistency.
- Introduce proportionate review procedures and quality controls.
Client Management
- Attend client meetings and act as a senior point of contact.
- Support onboarding and scoping of more complex new clients.
- Lead fee reviews and scope discussions where appropriate.
- Identify opportunities to provide additional services.
Operational Management
- Oversee workflow and deadlines across accounts, corporation tax and self assessment.
- Ensure visibility of work through practice management systems.
- Improve processes, templates and checklists.
- Work closely with the Operations Lead to streamline onboarding and delivery.
Commercial Performance
- Monitor productivity, recoverability and gross margins.
- Support pricing decisions and identify scope creep.
- Help drive improvements in profitability and client service.
Business Development Support
- Assist with proposals and technical input for prospective clients.
- Participate in networking events and industry conferences where beneficial.
Key Performance Indicators
- Team deadlines consistently met.
- High technical quality with minimal rework.
- Improved team utilisation and recoverability.
- Gross margins maintained or improved.
- Positive client feedback and strong retention.
- Reduced reliance on the Managing Director for day-to-day operational decisions.
Person SpecificationEssential
- ACA or ACCA qualified (or equivalent).
- Significant experience in UK accountancy practice.
- Strong technical knowledge of accounts, corporation tax and personal tax.
- Experience reviewing work and managing staff.
- Excellent organisational and communication skills.
- Commercial awareness and ability to balance quality with profitability.
- Confident dealing directly with clients.
Desirable
- Experience in a growing or changing practice.
- Familiarity with Xero, TaxCalc and practice management software.
- Interest in operational improvement and process design.
Personal Attributes
- Calm and dependable.
- High ownership mindset.
- Pragmatic and solutions-oriented.
- Comfortable operating in a fast-moving environment.
- Strong attention to detail.
What Success Looks Like
Within 12 months, the successful candidate will:
- Be the primary day-to-day leader of the accounting function.
- Provide effective oversight of accounts and tax delivery.
- Improve quality, workflow visibility and team accountability.
- Take significant operational and client management load away from the Managing Director.
- Contribute meaningfully to the growth and profitability of the practice.
Benefits
- Hybrid and flexible working.
- Pension scheme.
- Performance-related bonus.
- Opportunity to play a key role in building a high-growth accountancy platform.
- Significant scope for progression as the group expands.
Pay: £55,000.00-£65,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Additional leave
- Casual dress
- Company pension
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
