Chartered Accountant - Accountancy Practice

Location: SouthportSalary: £50,000 - £60,000 DOEJob Type: Ful-time, PermanentWorking Arrangements: Hybrid

The Opportunity

A well-established Accountancy Practice based in Southport is entering a new chapter - and we are looking for a qualified accountant with practice experience who can take ownership of a client portfolio, lead from the front, and grow into a senior leadership position within their business. The practice is part of a global group, which means you will be supported by wider expertise, shared resources, and the opportunity to be involved in broader initiatives beyond the Southport office.

This is not a back-office role. It is for someone who can build relationships, lead conversations with business owners, and develop the Southport operation with real autonomy. For the right person, there is a clear progression route to Director level within a few years, with a performance linked incentive package aligned to growth and delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Take ownership of a portfolio of SME and owner managed business clients
• Lead client meetings and be the day-to-day senior point of contact in Southport
• Prepare and review year end accounts (UK GAAP, FRS 102/FRS 105)
• Corporation tax compliance and planning opportunities (with support where appropriate)
• Review work prepared by the team, coaching and improving quality
• Drive service standards, workflow, and deadlines within the Southport office
• Identify opportunities to add value: fees, advisory, efficiencies, and client experience
• Work closely with the senior leadership team on growth and office performance
• Help recruit, develop, and retain a high performing local team as the office grows
• Be proactive in improving how we work using technology and automation

What we are looking for

Essential

• ACA / ACCA Qualification
• 5+ years’ UK accountancy practice
• UK GAAP & statutory reporting lead capability
• Strong SME accounts production and review experience
• Confident and credible with clients, able to explain things clearly and calmly
• Commercial mindset, comfortable taking responsibility and making decisions
• Strong organisational skills and good judgement under pressure

Desirable

• Experience leading a small team or acting as the senior lead in a branch / office
• Cloud accounting exposure (Xero / QuickBooks and app stack)
• A track record of improving processes, client experience, or fees
• Interest in advisory and building long term client relationships

The type of person who will thrive

• You hold accountability and fulfil commitments
• You enjoy client contact and can hold your own with business owners
• You are ambitious and want influence, not just a job title
• You are comfortable being the senior face of an office and setting standards
• You are genuinely interested in modernising the way a practice operates

Reward and Progression

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Performance linked incentive package (aligned to Southport growth, client retention, and quality)
• A clear pathway to Director level within a few years for the right person
• Autonomy, trust, and support from an established wider leadership team

If this sounds like your next opportunity - apply here or contact Liz Chapman at Reed today.