Lead a Specialist Legal Sector Portfolio and Accelerate Your Leadership Career

Are you an ACA, ACCA or ICAS-qualified practice professional looking for the next step in your career? Do you want to manage a specialist client portfolio, develop a team, and work towards a clear path to Senior Manager level and beyond?

Our client is a highly respected and growing professional services firm with a strong presence in the legal sector. Due to continued growth, they are seeking a Business Services Manager to join their specialist Legal Sector team in the Leeds area, with flexible hybrid working arrangements available.

This is an excellent opportunity for a talented practice professional who enjoys combining client relationship management, technical excellence, team leadership, and business development within a collaborative and ambitious environment.

The Opportunity: Business Services Manager (Legal Sector)

As a key member of the Business Services team, you will take ownership of a varied portfolio of legal sector clients, ranging from owner-managed firms through to larger and more complex organisations.

You will play a pivotal role in delivering exceptional client service while supporting the development and performance of junior team members.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of legal sector clients, ensuring exceptional service delivery
• Oversee the preparation and submission of:
  • Statutory accounts
  • Management accounts
  • Business tax returns
  • Personal tax returns
• Review assignments completed by Business Services Assistants and Seniors
• Provide technical guidance and support on complex accounting and taxation matters
• Lead client communications and attend client meetings alongside senior stakeholders
• Ensure all compliance work is delivered accurately and within deadline
• Carry out line management responsibilities, including:
  • One-to-one meetings
  • Performance reviews
  • Goal-setting discussions
  • Student and trainee development reviews
• Build strong client relationships and identify opportunities to add value
• Support business development initiatives and network building activities
• Assist in the growth and development of the specialist Legal Sector service offering

What We're Looking For

We are seeking a technically strong and commercially aware professional with experience managing client portfolios within a UK accountancy practice environment.

Essential Requirements

• ACA, ACCA or ICAS qualified
• 5+ years' UK Practice experience in Accounts, Business Services or Outsourcing
• Experience managing a portfolio of clients within an accountancy practice
• Strong technical knowledge of:
  • UK GAAP
  • FRS 102
  • Financial statement preparation
  • Corporation Tax compliance
  • Personal Tax compliance
• Experience reviewing work completed by junior team members
• Strong client relationship management skills
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities
• Proven ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities
• Full UK Driving Licence

Desirable Experience

• Previous experience working with legal sector clients
• Experience mentoring, coaching and developing staff
• Exposure to business development and networking activities
• Knowledge of practice management and workflow systems

Career Progression & Development

This role has been created with succession and growth in mind and offers a genuine route into senior leadership.

Future Opportunities Include

• Clear progression pathway to Business Services Senior Manager
• Increased responsibility for larger and more complex clients
• Greater involvement in strategic client advisory work
• Leadership and mentoring opportunities
• Ongoing technical, management and leadership development
• Access to structured CPD and professional training programmes

Salary & Comprehensive Benefits Package

Salary

• £55,000+ per annum
• Competitive package dependent upon experience
• Performance-related progression opportunities
• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements

Benefits

• Employer pension scheme with life assurance (4x salary) and income protection
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Ability to purchase up to 5 additional days' annual leave
• Health cash plan offering medical benefits and retail discounts
• Employee Assistance Programme providing confidential 24/7 support
• Paid professional subscriptions and membership fees
• Comprehensive CPD and technical development support
• Flu vaccinations and eye care support
• Client referral incentive scheme
• Modern and flexible working environment
• Ongoing investment in leadership and management development

Why Join Our Client?

• Join a growing and respected specialist Legal Sector team
• Work with an established portfolio of high-quality legal clients
• Gain exposure to complex and varied assignments
• Play a key role in team development and client growth
• Enjoy genuine career progression opportunities
• Be part of a values-driven firm with ambitious growth plans

Apply Now

If you are an ambitious Business Services Manager looking to specialise further within the legal sector and advance your career within a growing professional services firm, we would welcome a confidential discussion.

David Hawthorne-Finch
Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions (H-FTS)

Email: d.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com

For a confidential conversation regarding this opportunity and your longer-term career aspirations, please contact David directly.

All applications and enquiries will be treated in the strictest confidence. Our client is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender identity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. No information will be shared with our client without your prior consent.