Business Services Senior Manager – Manchester

Lead a portfolio. Shape client outcomes. Step into real advisory leadership.

We’re working with a leading professional services firm in Manchester seeking an experienced Business Services Senior Manager to join their growing advisory and outsourced finance team.

This is a senior leadership role for a qualified accountant who wants to move beyond compliance-heavy work and take ownership of a diverse client portfolio, delivering high-quality accounting, reporting, and commercial finance support while leading and developing a high-performing team.  You’ll play a key role in shaping client delivery, improving financial processes, and acting as a trusted advisor to businesses across a wide range of sectors.  If you’re a strong practice professional ready to step into a more commercial, client-facing leadership role, this is a standout opportunity.  

What You’ll Be Doing As a Business Services Senior Manager, you will take ownership of both client delivery and team leadership, including:
  • Leading the delivery of management accounts, statutory accounts, and financial reporting for a portfolio of clients
  • Acting as the senior point of contact for key clients, building strong and trusted relationships
  • Reviewing complex financial information and providing commercial insight and recommendations
  • Overseeing budgeting, forecasting, and cashflow reporting for clients
  • Managing audit liaison and ensuring compliance with relevant accounting standards
  • Leading, coaching, and developing Managers, Assistant Managers, and junior team members
  • Ensuring high-quality delivery across all client work, on time and within budget
  • Supporting client onboarding and transitions into outsourced finance services
  • Identifying opportunities to enhance client service and introduce additional advisory support
  • Working closely with wider service lines to deliver integrated solutions
  • Supporting operational leadership and contributing to team strategy and growth
About You We are looking for a confident, technically strong leader with excellent client management skills.
Essential Requirements
  • ACA / ACCA qualified (or equivalent)
  • Significant experience in practice within Business Services, Accounts, or Advisory teams
  • Proven experience managing client portfolios and leading client relationships
  • Strong technical accounting knowledge (management accounts, statutory reporting, compliance)
  • Experience reviewing work and leading teams in a fast-paced environment
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
  • Strong organisational ability and commercial awareness
  • Comfortable working to deadlines in a high-volume environment
Desirable Experience
  • Experience in outsourced finance or CFO services environments
  • Exposure to cloud accounting systems and digital finance tools
  • Experience working with SME, mid-market, or owner-managed businesses
  • Involvement in advisory projects or process improvement work
What’s on Offer
  • Senior leadership role with real client ownership and influence
  • Clear pathway into Director-level progression
  • Exposure to a wide and varied client portfolio
  • Opportunity to move further into advisory and CFO services work
  • Supportive, collaborative, and ambitious team culture
  • Strong technical and leadership development opportunities
Candidates must have a full and unrestricted right to work in the UK. Sponsorship is not available for this role.