Accounting Manager, UK (Remote, South Africa)

Overview

This role involves owning and delivering end-to-end responsibility for a portfolio of UK small business clients. The position is remote in South Africa and reports into leadership seated in the UK.

Portfolio scale targets:

• Starts at around 300 UK small business clients
• Grows to around 500 through 2027

Client work is delivered through a team of accountants based mostly in India and the Philippines.

Responsibilities

• Run your portfolio end to end, including:
  • Year-end accounts
  • Corporation tax returns
  • VAT returns
  • Confirmation statements
• Review and sign off your team’s work, and coach team members to get it right the first time.
• Prepare management accounts for clients who need them.
• Take calls with clients to explain their accounts and what the numbers mean for their business.
• Identify and manage client delays that could put deadlines at risk:
  • Chase early
  • Keep a record
  • Ensure the client understands the consequences in good time
• Keep client records and workflow data accurate and up to date.
• Coordinate with Product, Tech, Sales, Support, and Onboarding to fix problems at their source.
• Use AI tools embedded into workflows and help shape how they are applied.

Requirements

• Fully qualified member of ACCA, ICAEW (ACA) or ICAS (CA) is required.
• At least 5 years in UK accounting practice, including at least 2 running your own portfolio of 150 or more SME clients.
• Expert knowledge of UK statutory accounts for private limited companies (FRS 102 and 105).
• Strong knowledge of corporation tax and VAT for private limited companies, including preparing and reviewing corporation tax and VAT returns.
• Experience preparing management accounts and explaining them to business owners in plain terms.
• Experience reviewing and managing a team’s work, including people working remotely or offshore.
• Confident using Xero or a similar cloud accounting package.
• Based in South Africa with legal working rights.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience using AI tools in accounting workflows.
• Demonstrated ability to influence Product, Tech, Sales, and Support teams to change processes or systems without having authority.

Key Outcomes

• No statutory deadline in your portfolio missed because of your team.
• Client satisfaction at or above a 97% target.
• Fewer review rounds on your team’s work, measured from when you start.
• Portfolio workflow data accurate enough to run the business.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive market salaries.
• Generous paid time off and holiday schedules.
• Certain staff are eligible for an employee share ownership plan.

Location

• Remote in South Africa.
• Reports into leadership seated in the UK office.

Interview Process

• Expected duration: no more than 3 weeks from start to finish.
• Format: interviews may be held over video call or in person depending on location.

Stages:

• Screening Interview: 30-minute screening call with Talent Acquisition.
• Technical round and live case study: 45-minute virtual session with the Hiring Manager.
• Behavioral/Soft Skills round: 30-minute chat with a member of the leadership team.
• Reference verification: one professional reference check with your recent direct manager or supervisor (may be initiated during final interview stages).

Background Screening

As a regulated entity, background checks are performed depending on role. This may include using external vendors to verify:

• Education
• Any criminal history
• Any political exposure
• Any bankruptcy or adverse credit history

Consent is required before checks are conducted. Depending on the role, an adverse result on one of these checks may prohibit you from passing probation.