Accounts Director


Company:	Hays Specialist Recruitment
Salary:	£85,000 - £120,000
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	Manchester, M2 6HY
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	18 Aug 2026
Closing date:	17 Sept 2026

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Summary

Your new company

An exciting opportunity has arisen with a highly respected, independent Accountancy firm based in Greater Manchester. This well-established practice has built an outstanding reputation for delivering trusted advisory and accountancy services to a diverse portfolio of owner-managed businesses, SMEs and entrepreneurial clients across the North West.

Unlike many larger corporate firms, this independent practice offers a genuinely people-focused culture, where relationships, quality of service and employee wellbeing are at the heart of its success. With ambitious growth plans and a clear vision for the future, this is an excellent opportunity for an experienced practice professional seeking a senior leadership role with real influence and progression potential.

Your new role

As Accounts Director, you will play a key role in leading and developing the firm's accounts function, overseeing a varied portfolio of clients whilst supporting the strategic growth of the practice.

Working closely with the Partners, you will provide high-quality business advisory and compliance services, manage and develop client relationships, and lead, mentor and inspire a talented team of professionals.

Key responsibilities will include:

Managing a portfolio of owner-managed businesses and corporate clients

Providing strategic business advice and commercial guidance to clients

Reviewing statutory accounts and related compliance work

Building and maintaining strong client relationships

Supporting business development activities and identifying opportunities for growth

Leading, mentoring and developing junior and senior members of the team

Contributing to operational improvements and the ongoing development of the practice

Playing an active role in shaping the future direction of the firm as part of the senior leadership team

This role offers a genuine opportunity to become an integral part of the firm's long-term succession plans and future senior leadership structure.

What you'll need to succeed

To be successful in this role, you will demonstrate:

Proven experience managing a substantial client portfolio

Strong technical knowledge across accounts and advisory services

Excellent relationship-building and stakeholder management skills

Previous experience leading and developing teams

A commercial mindset with the ability to identify opportunities for clients and the firm

Strong communication and leadership capabilities

A passion for delivering exceptional client service

Previous experience operating at Senior Manager, Associate Director or Director level, and ready to explore a new opportunity.

What you'll get in return

In return, you will join a progressive and highly regarded independent practice that genuinely values its people.

Benefits include:

Highly competitive salary and benefits package

Clear pathway towards future senior leadership opportunities

A genuine voice in the strategic direction of the business

Flexible and hybrid working arrangements

Outstanding work-life balance rarely found within traditional practice environments

Supportive and collaborative culture

Opportunity to work closely with entrepreneurial clients and make a real impact

Long-term career development within a growing independent firm

What you need to do now

If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.

If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.

Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk

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