Practice Manager

Scholes Chartered Accountants; Kirkwall; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable accounting firm in Kirkwall seeks a Practice Manager to oversee daily operations and manage workflows. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership skills, attention to detail, and problem-solving abilities. Responsibilities include managing team performance, client interactions, and financial oversight. This is a fully in-person role, emphasizing community and firm values. If you are ready to take ownership and lead confidently within a close-knit team, submit your CV and cover letter today.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in managing operations within a professional environment.
• Ability to lead and mentor a diverse team effectively.
• Strong skills in client relationship management and business development.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations and ensure workflow efficiency.
• Lead and mentor the team while ensuring high client satisfaction.
• Manage financial records and support business development efforts.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Attention to detail

Problem-solving skills

Business development management

Tools

Wolters Kluwer – CCH

Sage HR

Job description

Our Kirkwall office is recruiting a new Practice Manager to oversee operations across all of our offices.

If you are ready to embrace your leadership potential and manage staff, workflows and client service, then this is the role for you.

Community is core to everything we do, so this role is an entirely in-person position.

Our Practice Manager oversees daily firm operations, managing staff, workflow, and client service while driving growth and profitability.

You will play a key role in maintaining compliance, as well as having strong oversight of financial management and our business development, so that our high standards of quality and client satisfaction can be maintained.

Key responsibilities:

• Operations & workflow: Manage daily operations, resource allocation, workflow, and deadlines to ensure timely delivery.
• Team leadership: Lead, mentor, train, and supervise a team of support staff, fostering development.
• Client management: Act as a key contact for client queries, build strong relationships, and ensure high client satisfaction.
• Financial management: Manage the firm’s sales ledger, including billing, receipts, Direct Debits, debt collection, and monitoring practice KPIs and work-in-progress (WIP).
• Business development: Support growth by identifying new business opportunities and representing the firm.
• Strategy & improvement: Contribute to strategic planning, implement process improvements, and ensure adherence to best practices.
• Compliance: Ensuring the practice adheres to regulatory standards such as AML (Anti-Money Laundering), GDPR, and liaising with professional bodies (e.g. ICAS, ACCA), HM Revenue & Customs and insurance brokers.
• Systems & technology: Championing digital transformation by managing Practice Management and related software (e.g. Wolters Kluwer – CCH and Sage HR) and implementing automated workflows to increase efficiency (e.g. specialised client onboarding software and ID verification software).
• HR: Maintain contracts of employment; process the setup of new employees on all systems; confidentially maintain all personnel files.

Strong Communication & Interpersonal Skills

Attention to Detail & Accuracy

Problem-Solving & Advisory Skills

Business Development & Client Relationship Management

If you are looking for a role where your leadership genuinely matters and where you can make a visible impact every day, this is an opportunity to step into a central, respected position within a close-knit firm.

You will be trusted to shape how the practice runs, support people to do their best work, and help the firm continue to grow while staying true to its values and community focus.

If you are ready to take ownership, lead with confidence, and be part of a firm that values commitment, quality, and people, we would love to hear from you.

Please email your CV and covering letter to [e-mail] or give us a call to request more information.