Full job descriptionThe opportunity
This is a senior accountancy role with real leadership built in from day one - not promised in a year, not dependent on someone else leaving. You’ll join an established independent practice in Wiltshire as their most senior hire, working directly with the owner to run the day-to-day, raise standards, and develop the team around you.
The practice has a loyal SME client base, a tight-knit team, and a clear succession plan - and they’re now looking for the right person to be part of it long term.
What you’ll actually be doing
*Managing a varied portfolio of SME clients across accounts, advisory and review work
*Leading and developing the team - setting clear standards and holding people to them
*Overseeing workflow, deadlines, output quality and client experience day to day
*Identifying and sorting problems early before they become bigger issues
*Partnering with the owner on operational decisions, culture and long-term strategy
*Driving process improvement and moving the practice forward
What we’re looking for
*Fully qualified ACA or ACCA with solid post-qualification practice experience
*Genuine people management experience - you’ve led a team, not just supervised juniors
*Technically strong across accounts and advisory for UK SME clients
*Someone who can have a difficult conversation without it becoming a drama
*Calm, credible and structured - especially when things are changing
*Ready to take on real leadership now, not in a few years
What you’ll get
*£55,000–£70,000+ depending on experience
*A clear, genuine route to Directorship within 3-5 years
*Real influence over the culture, operations and future of the practice
*The chance to work directly with the owner - no corporate layers
*Long-term ownership potential for the right person
This role won’t suit you if
*You want mostly heads-down technical work with no leadership responsibility
*You prefer remote-first or hybrid-first working
*Your management experience is limited to mentoring or supervising juniors