Job Opportunity: Client Manager (Progression to Practice Manager)
Location: Richmond
Employment Type: Permanent, Full Time
Working Pattern: Hybrid working considered
Sector: Accountancy Practice
TPF Recruitment is delighted to be supporting an independent and forward-thinking accountancy practice based in the Richmond area, who are looking to recruit an experienced Client Manager with a clear and structured progression pathway into a Practice Manager position.
This is a pivotal hire for the firm, offering long-term development, increased operational responsibility, and succession planning from the current Practice Manager. The role will suit a commercially minded Client Manager who enjoys portfolio ownership, reviewing work, and supporting team development, and who is keen to broaden their remit beyond client delivery into practice operations and people management.
The Role
Initially, the role will focus on client portfolio management and technical delivery, with responsibilities expanding over time to include practice management and operational oversight.
Client Management & Delivery
Managing a portfolio of clients as the primary day-to-day point of contact
Overseeing and preparing year-end accounts and compliance work
Reviewing work prepared by team members, including accounts, bookkeeping, VAT, management accounts and tax returns
Providing clear, constructive feedback and maintaining high technical and file standards
Leading client meetings and calls, explaining financial information clearly and identifying advisory opportunities
Handling client queries in a professional, friendly and solutions-focused manner
Supporting the onboarding of new clients and setting clear expectations
Maintaining accurate, well-documented client files using modern practice software
Commercial & Workflow Responsibility
Planning and managing workflow across your client portfolio
Monitoring WIP, budgets and recoveries, identifying scope changes early
Supporting billing processes and debtor management
Contributing to improved efficiency, consistency and job flow across the practice
Team Supervision & Development
Providing day-to-day guidance to junior team members
Supporting training and development through coaching, reviews and feedback
Assisting with recruitment and onboarding as required
Progression to Practice Manager
With structured support and a phased handover, the successful candidate will gradually take on wider operational responsibilities, which may include:
Practice coordination, resourcing and capacity planning
Ownership of internal processes, onboarding standards and quality control
Supporting people processes including probation reviews, training tracking and holiday oversight
Assisting with practice compliance processes and internal controls
Producing operational reporting to support partner decision-making
This role offers a clear and realistic route into Practice Manager, with scope, responsibility and remuneration increasing as the position evolves.
RequirementsThe Ideal Candidate
Proven experience managing a client portfolio within a UK accountancy practice
Strong technical knowledge across accounts and SME compliance
Experience reviewing work and supervising junior staff
Excellent communication skills and strong commercial awareness
Highly organised, proactive and reliable under pressure
Confident using cloud accounting systems and practice software
ACA or ACCA qualified, or qualified by experience
Experience working with creative, freelance or owner-managed business clients would be beneficial but is not essential.
BenefitsWhat’s on Offer
Competitive salary, dependent on experience, with planned reviews aligned to role progression
Clear long-term development pathway to Practice Manager
Hybrid working options once settled
Supportive, friendly and professional working environment
Pension and holiday entitlement
CPD support and paid professional subscriptions where applicable
For a confidential on this opportunity, or other accountancy practice opportunities, please reach out to Kourtney Luckett on 01483 900 940, or via Kourtney Luckett | LinkedIn for a confidential conversation.
Refer a Friend...
We’re keen to remain the leading provider of top accountancy talent in the South East. To do this, we’re always looking to expand our network, and we know that great candidates like you can help us connect with other brilliant professionals.
If your friends, family or colleagues are considering a new opportunity and have relevant experience in accountancy or tax, we’d love to speak with them.
As a thank you, for every candidate you refer who we successfully place in a permanent role, we will give you £200 in Love2Shop vouchers. (Terms & Conditions apply)
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