Business Services Manager

Overview

Location: Hybrid Working – Newcastle NE1

Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 35 hour week (Flexitime)

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.

Role Summary

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.

We already have a presence in Newcastle with Tax, but this is a great opportunity for you to manage our first ABS 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:

• Reviews of complex management accounts.
• Review and oversee complex VAT returns, including those with cross‑border transactions and where partial exemption calculations might be required.
• Have experience in dealing with larger entities where they are audited.
• Ensure all necessary year-end adjustments have been made in good time before the statutory accounts are prepared.
• Managing cross department relationships with the ABS, Audit and Personal Tax Teams.
• Have managed a team that's acted as a finance function for several businesses managing all processes.
• Manage relationships with overseas parent companies and subsidiary entities
• Reviews of Statutory accounts when required.
• Manage a varied portfolio of clients, ensuring deadlines are met and relationships are managed and developed.
• Management of staff, their workload and help with portfolios management when required.
• Ensure each client receives a bespoke service, and procedures are reviewed on a regular basis to ensure the best processes are in place.
• Ensure trainees are challenged and there is continuous development planned and regular feedback is given.
• Support the Business Services Director with client management/Xero subscriptions and ad hoc tasks
• Seeing opportunities in existing clients for new services that BKL can offer.
• Liaise with other departments in the firm and identify opportunities for cross selling
• Reviewing the current procedures and looking for opportunities to streamline processes without sacrificing the service.

You’ll Be Ideal for This Role If You Have

• Qualified accountant ACCA/ACA/CIMA or equivalent.
• Excellent knowledge of Xero and Sage.
• Excellent knowledge of VAT rules.
• Excellent knowledge of cloud accounting software and accounting standards.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple deadlines.
• Statutory accounts experience preferable
• Dealing with HMRC on a regular basis.
• Understand postponed VAT accounting.
• Keeping up to date with VAT and accounting changes (such as FRS 102 regarding Revenue and Leases).
• Excellent interpersonal and team working skills.
• Approachable with a strong work ethic.
• Ability to lead by example.
• Proactive with good problem-solving skills.

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:

• An introductory Teams call with our Talent Acquisition team.
• A first-stage interview with two team members.
• A final interview at our 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

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