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

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.

Our Values

At BKL, we live by five core values:

• Think Big – Be curious, brave, and open to new ideas.

• In It Together – Collaborate, care, and build an inclusive culture.

• Take Pride – Strive for excellence and believe in your impact.

• Do the Right Thing – Act with integrity, honesty, and fairness.

• Enjoy It – Bring your whole self to work and have fun doing it.

Working With Us: Your Benefits, Wellbeing & Development

At BKL, we’re committed to creating a people-first workplace where everyone can thrive. We offer a carefully curated benefits package, wellbeing support, and meaningful development opportunities that empower you to grow your career.

Snapshot of our Benefits Package

We’ve designed a flexible, sustainable set of benefits to support your life at work and beyond:

• Private Medical Insurance (PMI) – including mental health cover, hospital treatment & 24/7 GP access

• Health Cash Plans – covering everyday costs like dental, optical & physiotherapy and an Employee Assistance Programme

• Pension scheme – helping you save for retirement in a tax-efficient way

• Group Life Assurance – peace of mind with financial protection for your loved ones

• Cashback & savings portal – discounts across hundreds of high-street and online retailers

• Cycle to Work Scheme – spread the cost of a new bike and accessories tax-free

• Electric Vehicle Scheme – sustainable transportation options that include roadside support and servicing

• Free Mortgage Advice – expert guidance for your home-buying journey

• Season Ticket Loan – support with travel expenses

• Enhanced Family Leave – generous leave policies for family-related needs

• Holiday Entitlement – generous entitlement which increases with promotion

Development & Growth

We don’t just offer jobs, we support careers:

• Clear development pathways and progression frameworks

• Professional qualifications support – including study time and funding

• Internal mentoring, coaching, and buddying schemes

• Leadership development programmes to help you grow with us

• Regular check-ins and performance conversations – driven by your goals, not just metrics

Take Your Next Step

Ready to grow your career with a company that balances ambition with purpose? Apply today and discover how far you can go at BKL.

Our recruitment process typically involves three stages:

1. An introductory Teams call with our Talent Acquisition team.

2. A first-stage interview with two team members.

3. A final interview at our London office, including a tour to give you a feel for our working environment.

Compliance & Equal Opportunities

In addition to the responsibilities listed above, you will be required to undertake GDPR training in order to fully understand the regulations and ensure all work is carried out in a compliant manner.

As part of any recruitment process, BKL collects and processes personal data relating to job applicants. BKL is committed to being transparent about how it collects and uses that data and to meeting its data protection obligations.

BKL is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified candidates eligible to work in the UK.

We know you have a lot to offer, which is why we want to give you the freedom to thrive no matter who you are or what your background is. You will have every opportunity to use your creativity in how you approach your work and the support to innovate.

Inclusion, diversity, and talent development are a fundamental aspect of who we are, and we welcome applications from candidates who share and champion these values. You will play an integral part in helping to make BKL a great place to work with a sense of belonging for everyone.

High challenge, high support

If you enjoy problem-solving and a fast-changing environment, you will thrive in this role.

As in all BKL roles, you will be able to take a flexible approach: balancing independent work with teamwork, and remote working with time in the office with colleagues.

You can get an insight into life at BKL here.

We’re proud to be one of the few Certified B Corporations in the accountancy sector. In joining us, you’ll become part of a business that’s committed to balancing profit and purpose.

Take your next step

If this sounds like the role for you, we’d be delighted to discuss the career you could build at BKL.

By applying, you consent to the processing of your personal data for recruitment purposes, in line with UK GDPR. Your information will be used securely, only for recruitment, and won’t be shared without your consent. For details, see our Privacy Policy - BKL