Why choose MHA Moore and Smalley? – MHA Moore and Smalley is part of the 14th largest accountancy network in the UK and a leading independent provider of accounting, business advisory and wealth management services with offices across the Northwest.

In addition, MHA is a member of the ninth largest global accounting network Bakertilly International – with offices in 145 territories across the globe.

Working for MHA Moore and Smalley is anything but predictable, with no two days ever the same. We work with a wide range of clients from start-ups to multinational groups and household brands. 

We have a clear commitment to do everything within our power to become a net zero organisation by 2030 and to build a positive climate balanced contribution thereafter.

We are also Investors in People and truly value that our employees are our greatest asset.

Some of the benefits available to our staff include:

• Clear career opportunities and progression paths
• Pay progression linked to role development
• A proactive, supportive approach and an excellent reputation for encouraging development and training opportunities for staff at every stage of their career.
• Agile working is at our core, including flexible working patterns and hybrid working.
• Investors in People accredited.
• A variety of rewards and benefits including pension scheme, life assurance, flexible benefits (such as options to buy/sell annual leave, cycle to work scheme and private medical cover)
• Health and wellbeing is a priority across the network
• Great social life and involvement in community and charitable initiatives    

What are we looking for? –

The Role

Key responsibilities:

Clients and CRM

·          To look after a range of clients, preparing assignments for partner/director review (accounts, tax, briefing notes etc).

·          To co-ordinate compliance service delivery to clients and ensure that information is collected in the most efficient manner, timetabling work wherever possible to suit the needs of the client.

·          To ensure that compliance deadlines are met and to liaise with tax staff to ensure work is appropriately planned.

·          To ensure that jobs are adequately resourced, giving due regard to staff continuity where possible.

·          To identify opportunities for providing other relevant services.

·          To highlight issues which the partner/director needs to discuss with the client.

·          To plan the approach to assignments following partner/director briefing, having agreed fee budget and completion deadline.

·          To collate raw data for projects and summarise into a format suitable for review and amendment e.g. draft projections, draft reports.

·          To maintain accurate and up to date client records on CCH.

·          To generate file notes of any client meetings attended and circulate as appropriate to other service team members.

·          To maintain regular contact with client and client service team.

·          To report any client dissatisfaction immediately via the complaints database.

·          Communicate the firms values.  

Business development

·          Assist partner and directors in promoting the firm’s reputation and growing fees

·          Assist with preparation of tender proposals and delivery of tender presentations

·          Develop relationships with intermediaries and other relevant external parties  

Sector expertise (if applicable)

·          Has high level of technical knowledge in one or more specialist sectors

·          Takes responsibility for CPD in particular area or expertise

·          Assists partners and directors in working with marketing team on all aspects of business development

·          Contributes to writing of articles and other publications   Responsibility for internal service/project (if applicable)

·          Assists with management and delivery of internal service or project, including delivery of training and communication.  

Management of Work Flow/Work Programme

·          To plan own time and that of others to maximise staff utilisation and deliver a timely and efficient service to clients.

·          To actively manage the work programme, providing solutions to bottle necks and under utilisation.

·          To ensure all staff comply with the requirements to maintain the work programme and job tracking system.

·          To work flexibly, where required to accommodate the needs of the whole department.

·          To arrange pre-completion meetings with partners and completion meetings with clients on a timely basis.

·          To review work in progress, fee budgets and debtors on a monthly basis, reporting any variances from the target to the relevant Corporate Services Partner/Director.

·          To take an active role in the management of the Corporate Services Department, supporting partners and directors with departmental administration as required.

·          To organise and contribute to departmental team briefings and training events, as required.  

Management of Team Members

·          To give clear and unambiguous instructions to managers and staff on assignments.

·          To provide feedback to staff at the end of assignments, using the appropriate documentation.

·          To encourage all team members to make useful contributions.

·          To identify when staff members need support, and provide it, referring issues where appropriate to the relevant Partner/HR.

·          Communicate the firms values.

·          To conduct appraisals as appropriate.  

Management of Students in Training (if applicable)

·          To fulfil the responsibilities of qualified Student Counsellors, per the ICAEW guidelines.

·          To ensure that staff get a good mix of audit and accounts experience, such that they are able to meet the requirements of the student competency framework, providing 1-2-1 accounts preparation training where necessary.

·          To ensure that students are fully utilised and booked appropriately on the work programme.

·          To ensure that students are obtaining formal feedback on assignments and maintaining relevant training records, including work based learning questions, where relevant.

·          To sign students off as competent against framework at year-end.

·          To ensure that students are preparing adequately for examinations.

·          To authorise time off, sick leave, holiday.

·          To deal with issues as they arise, referring to HR when appropriate.

·          To ensure that staff feel supported, valued and appreciated.

·          To provide regular feedback to staff and ensure training needs are met.

·          To conduct six monthly student progress reviews, confirming to the QPRT that students are fit and proper to become members of the ICAEW.

·          To ensure training programme is attended and is adequate for student needs (pre and post training evaluation).

·          To manage and develop staff in training and following completion of training.  

Communication

·          To communicate the firm’s vision and values both externally and internally in a positive and motivational manner.

·          To ensure partner/director are fully briefed well in advance of key meetings and presentations.

·          To liaise with staff in other departments where applicable to provide holistic solutions based client service.  

Self Management

·          To take an active role in own personal development.

·          To manage personal time and working practices to maximize profitability and protect the good reputation of the firm.

·          To maintain the highest standards of personal organisation, setting an example to more junior members of staff.

·          To maintain and promote a clear desk policy.

Experience, Skills and Qualifications required

Essential Skills:

·          Up to date technical knowledge of Auditing and Financial Reporting Standards.

·          Departmental objectives and key performance indicators

·          Awareness of the firm’s services and product offering

·          ICAEW and /or ACCA exam structure, work experience and ethics training requirements

·          Appraisal system and CPD programme

·          Knowledge of student competencies

·          Is technically competent and compliant and gives due consideration to risk.

·          Is able to produce realistic projections and comment on draft projections versus historic accounts.

·          Generates ideas for clients and for the firm, striving for improvements and efficiencies

·          Plans to makes effective use of time and consistently meets deadlines

·          Demonstrates attention to detail

·          Is able to undertake internal projects, communicate findings and see through to completion

·          Builds effective relationships internally across departments and externally

·          Works flexibly and considers the needs of the whole department

·          Is a positive influence within the team and deals with problems/issues constructively

·          Asks for feedback on own performance and seeks out opportunities for development

·          Develops others via motivational feedback, coaching, appraisal

·          Sets SMART objectives  

Qualifications: ACA/ACCA Qualified or qualified by experience