The Senior Accounting Manager is responsible for leading a portfolio of client engagements and overseeing the delivery of high-quality accounting, financial reporting and related services. The role combines client relationship management, technical and quality oversight, team leadership, resource planning and commercial management to ensure engagements are delivered accurately, efficiently, and in accordance with applicable accounting and regulatory requirements.
The role is accountable for portfolio performance, client satisfaction, team development and continuous improvement in service delivery. It also supports business growth, client retention, cross-service collaboration and the development of technology-enabled and value-added accounting solutions.
Key Responsibilities
- Portfolio & Engagement Management
- Lead and manage a portfolio of client engagements across multiple engagement teams, ensuring service delivery meets agreed deadlines, quality standards and client expectations.
- Monitor portfolio performance, including revenue, engagement profitability, resource utilisation, client satisfaction and client retention.
- Develop a strong understanding of clients' businesses, reporting requirements and commercial needs to provide practical and value-added accounting solutions.
- Act as an escalation point for significant client matters and service delivery issues, ensuring timely and effective resolution.
- Ensure effective engagement planning, delegation, supervision and accountability across assigned teams.
- Maintain strong client relationships through proactive communication, regular service reviews and effective management of client expectations.
- Technical Oversight & Quality Assurance
- Oversee the preparation and review of financial statements, management accounts and other accounting deliverables to ensure accuracy, completeness and compliance with applicable Financial Reporting Standards and regulatory requirements.
- Provide technical guidance and professional judgement on complex accounting and financial reporting matters.
- Ensure consistent application of standard operating procedures, internal controls and quality requirements across the portfolio.
- Keep abreast of changes in accounting standards and regulatory requirements and ensure relevant updates are communicated to the team.
- Promote a strong culture of technical excellence, professional judgement and accountability.
- Team Management & Development
- Lead and supervise Accounting Managers, Senior Associates and Associates, fostering a collaborative and accountable team environment.
- Oversee resource allocation, workload distribution and capacity planning to support efficient delivery and sustainable team utilisation.
- Provide coaching, technical guidance and performance feedback to strengthen individual and team performance.
- Support recruitment, onboarding, training and retention of team members.
- Develop team members, identify high-potential individuals and prepare them to take on greater responsibilities.
- Client Retention & Business Growth
- Take an active role in retaining and strengthening key client relationships.
- Identify opportunities to expand existing client relationships based on clients' evolving accounting and business needs.
- Support proposals, tenders, fee quotations, fee negotiations and new client onboarding where appropriate.
- Work with the Head of Accounting Services and other service lines to develop and coordinate cross-service solutions.
- Review fee arrangements, scope of services and engagement economics to ensure appropriate pricing, recovery of time costs and sustainable profitability.
- Contribute to the development of new service offerings and advisory capabilities within Accounting Services.
- Process Improvement & Transformation
- Identify and implement opportunities to improve accounting processes, workflows and service delivery.
- Drive standardisation and adoption of best practices across the portfolio.
- Support the implementation of accounting systems, automation and technology-enabled solutions.
Requirements
- Degree in Accounting, Finance or a related discipline.
- Professional accounting qualification such as CA Singapore, ACCA or equivalent.
- 8–12 years of relevant accounting experience, preferably with substantial experience in accounting services, outsourcing, professional services or public practice.
- Strong knowledge of Singapore accounting and financial reporting requirements.
- Strong client management, communication and interpersonal skills.
- Good leadership and people management capabilities.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving and review skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities, complex engagements and tight deadlines.
- Experience with accounting systems, automation or process transformation would be advantageous.