Operations Manager, Small Business Accounting

KPMG's Tax & Pensions practice is a dynamic and successful area of our business.
Our Tax Centre of Excellence (TCoE) has challenged and modernised the way that we deliver tax compliance services, by centralising the activities relating to the preparation and finalisation of tax computations and returns. Our vision is to build a more efficient and effective service for our clients
 

Job Description
KPMG has recently launched &lsquoKPMG Enterprise&rsquo, one of the Firm&rsquos Strategic Growth Investments focusing on small businesses and start-ups. Included within KPMG Enterprise is KPMG&rsquos Small Business Accounting (SBA) Services team. The offering utilizes a dedicated online platform to provide online accounting and tax services including:

- Bookkeeping and Management reporting using Xero (cloud accounting software)
- VAT compliance (incl EC sales lists and Intrastats, reverse charges and partial exemption where applicable)
- Corporate tax compliance and advisory
- UK statutory accounts using KPMG&rsquos K-Trinity software
- Payroll and company secretarial services (supported by separate specialists)
- Business Performance analytics (or KPIs)
- Personal & Partnership tax compliance (where appropriate)

The SBA team works with large volumes of fast growing SME client&rsquos. The goal of the SBA offering is to dominate professional services in the SME marketplace. As the time it takes fast growing start-up companies to become significant players is decreasing all the time it is important for KPMG that we are helping these businesses from the outset on their journey. The SBA team will be key to achieving this objective.

Based in KPMG&rsquos UK Tax Centre of Excellence in Glasgow, the SBA team supports business owners by allowing them more time to focus on growing their business, whilst the SBA team focusses on ensuring compliance and financial obligations are taken care off.

The SBA team is currently 18 strong with significant plans for growth. To support this growth we are looking to recruit an experienced operational manager to oversee the smooth running of the team whilst ensuring the efficient delivery of services to our clients.

Role and Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be operationally responsible for managing the SBA delivery in Glasgow, working very closely with the Transitional manager also based in Glasgow. The team are supported by the SBA Central team of Subject Matter Experts (accountants), Lead partner, COO and Sales staff based in London and with KPMG Finance teams (based in Glasgow, Birmingham and London). The Operations Manager will need to develop close working relationships with each of these stakeholders.

- Takes operational control of the SBA delivery team in Glasgow&rsquos Tax Centre of Excellence, manage resources, manage client workflows and timely, quality deliverables to them.
- Be the main point of contact for SBA leadership on the operation of the team and communicate regularly with them as well as with Finance to understand staff productivity and client workflows/progress.
- Analyse and develop/refine delivery processes that maximize productivity and efficient working methods and processes, assist delivery staff to work smartly.
- Continuously review, feedback and make recommendations on the effectiveness of the operating environment of the delivery team.
- Develop business plans to cope effectively and seamlessly with client/market acquisitions, staff turnover and the cyclical nature of accounting and tax work including recruitment, induction and arranging training of staff.
- Development and review delivery team and individual staff members&rsquo performance and training needs
- Exceptional communication and time management skills.
- Sustains a high level of drive, shows enthusiasm and a positive attitude when coping with pressure at work.
- Works in a cooperative, respectful manner with colleagues, clients and the wider community.
- Analyses problems, identifies core issues, investigates, evaluates and integrates information.
- Communicates with impact, in a way that is open, honest, consistent and clear.

Qualifications and Skills
The successful candidate should have the following

- ACA, ACCA, or recognized equivalent qualifications.
- Strong technical skills and experience of providing excellent client service.

Experience and Background

- Experience of managing large portfolios of clients and the people/teams delivering services to these clients. (Specific experience of working in an accountancy practice will be favoured as we seek candidates who have had to provide/manage a range of varied accounting & tax compliance services to clients).
- The core skills of an accountant with an appreciation for tax compliance and technology.
- Good resource management skills.

We are in a period of transition so candidates should be adaptable with a keen interest in / experience in developing efficient processes, spotting enhancement / refinement / improvement and the use of technology. The candidate will be required to manage a growing delivery team of accounting staff who will be servicing the entire portfolio of SME clients (5,000-10,000 clients)

KPMG offers an excellent working environment for personal and career progression.