BKL

Job Title: ABS Manager Location: Hybrid Working - Newcastle NE1 / Remote Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 35-hour week (Flexitime) Minimum 3 times per week in office. There may be requirements to visit other offices and client sites for meetings and general collaboration Salary Range: £50,000 - £58,000 About BKL BKL is a Top 40 accountancy and advisory business supporting a diverse client base, from entrepreneurs and high-net-worth individuals to ambitious owner-managed businesses and multinational groups. With a legacy spanning over 130 years, we've evolved into a modern, purpose-driven business that balances profit with impact. We are proud to be a certified B Corp, reflecting our commitment to sustainability, transparency, and responsible governance. As a member of DFK International, we support clients locally and internationally with cutting-edge expertise and a personal touch. We believe all clients deserve the same level of care, innovation, and excellence. Your Opportunity The Manager's role is to lead the delivery of ABS services, making sure all work meets required standards and statutory obligations. They are an established portfolio manager with a proven track record of growing their portfolio in both size and financial value. You will be managing the first pod that we are building in Newcastle! The Manager has overall accountability for pod performance and plays a key role in developing the team and encouraging strong collaboration. They are recognised within the team as a go-to expert for specific sectors or technical areas, and act as the main point of contact for clients, providing high-level advice and clear, strategic guidance. How You'll Make a Difference In this role, you will: Technical Technical and Financial Expertise Ensures all client outputs are accurate and complete Reviews and signs off management accounts, VAT returns, and year-end files Provides clear guidance on complex accounting and compliance matters Advises clients within remit and escalates to specialists when needed Digital and Data Literacy Leads effective use of systems and tools across the pod Reviews workflows and reporting to improve efficiency and data quality Oversees data managed in Karbon, ensuring it is accurate and up to date Identifies process gaps and drives system improvements Monitors pod-level metrics and understands key financial indicators Learning and Development Maintains own CPD compliance and professional development Actively develops leadership and technical capability through learning Seeks and applies feedback to improve performance Quality and Efficiency Delivers high-quality work on time across the pod's portfolio Uses coaching and review to continuously improve output Plans ahead for peak periods with realistic timelines and resourcing Delegation and Ownership Delegates work effectively based on skills and capacity Personally handles complex or sensitive client matters Tracks key deliverables and removes blockers early Balances hands-on delivery with oversight and team enablement Communication Communicates clearly with clients and internal stakeholders Gives constructive feedback in formal and informal settings Leads pod meetings and shares relevant leadership and technical updates Client Relationship Management Owns end-to-end client relationships across the portfolio Leads discussions on scope, fees, and service levels Anticipates client needs and responds proactively Ensures consistent service aligned with client expectations Ethics and Professional Conduct Upholds strong standards of ethics, confidentiality, and compliance Acts quickly and transparently when issues arise Holds others accountable to professional standards and firm values Models integrity in all interactions Leadership and Mentoring Leads 1:1s, pod meetings, and regular coaching conversations Oversees performance reviews and supports career development Coaches team members to solve problems independently Builds a growth-focused culture through curiosity, resilience, and openness You'll Be Ideal for This Role If You Have: Experience Typically 6+ years' experience in accounts and business services 3 years' experience in a managerial role Proven experience managing a profitable portfolio in Accounts or Outsourcing team. Skills Strong strategic thinking and commercial awareness Confident leader with experience building and developing high-performing teams Excellent stakeholder management and ability to build long-term client relationships Business development capability, including identifying opportunities and driving growth Able to manage complex and high-profile client engagements Qualifications ACA or ACCA qualified (or equivalent), with significant post-qualification experience

Job Title: Accounts & Business Services Senior Location: Hybrid Working - Newcastle NE1 / Remote Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 35-hour week (Flexitime) Minimum 3 times per week in office. There may be requirements to visit other offices and client sites for meetings and general collaboration Salary Range: £32,000 - £43,000 About BKL BKL is a Top 40 accountancy and advisory business supporting a diverse client base, from entrepreneurs and high-net-worth individuals to ambitious owner-managed businesses and multinational groups. With a legacy spanning over 130 years, we've evolved into a modern, purpose-driven business that balances profit with impact. We are proud to be a certified B Corp, reflecting our commitment to sustainability, transparency, and responsible governance. As a member of DFK International, we support clients locally and internationally with cutting-edge expertise and a personal touch. We believe all clients deserve the same level of care, innovation, and excellence. Your Opportunity The ABS Senior role focuses on preparing and reviewing high-quality ABS work, making sure everything is accurate, delivered on time, and meets accounting standards. This includes overseeing client accounts, tax, and financial requirements as needed, building strong and trusted client relationships, and providing clear technical advice on more complex accounting matters. How You'll Make a Difference In this role, you will: Technical Impact Deliver accurate, well-prepared management accounts with clear reconciliations and commentary Complete VAT returns and working papers confidently, including more complex areas Prepare year-end and statutory accounts end-to-end, meeting all legal requirements Produce corporation tax computations for straightforward cases and support more complex work Spot how business changes affect tax and flag required actions early Digital & Data Literacy Use systems effectively to streamline work and improve efficiency Troubleshoot system issues and support others to resolve them Identify where technology can improve speed, accuracy, or consistency Learning and Knowledge Sharing Maintain and develop technical knowledge through CPD and self-learning Share knowledge with junior team members by explaining processes clearly Apply new learning to improve quality and efficiency across clients Quality, Ownership & Delivery Consistently deliver accurate, well-documented work on time Keep timesheets and WIP up to date without prompting Identify and correct issues before review Manage multiple deadlines while maintaining high standards Take full ownership of the accuracy and completion of your work Organisation & Independence Manage regular outputs across multiple clients Work independently, escalating only genuinely complex issues Organise your workload well and communicate changing priorities clearly Communication & Collaboration Communicate confidently and professionally with clients and colleagues Produce clear, review-ready emails and updates Raise concerns early, with suggested solutions Support team delivery, coach juniors, and collaborate to solve problems Client Focus & Professional Conduct Build trust with clients through consistent, reliable service Handle client queries independently and professionally Tailor outputs to client expectations and understand their commercial context Act with integrity, protect confidentiality, and represent the firm professionally You'll Be Ideal for This Role If You Have: Experience 3-4 years' experience in accounts and business services. A solid understanding of accounts processes and industry standards. Skills Confidence using accounts and data analysis software Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail Clear, professional written and verbal communication Qualifications Qualified with an AAT, ACA or ACCA qualification. (Or close to qualification) We know you have a lot to offer, which is why we give you the freedom to thrive, no matter who you are or what your background is.