Are you an experienced public-practice accountant who enjoys building client relationships, making sound technical decisions and helping business owners achieve better results?
At Scale Up Accounting, we're looking for a Senior Client Manager to take ownership of an established client portfolio, lead a dedicated accounting team and help our clients grow their businesses.
This is an opportunity for someone who wants genuine autonomy, meaningful client relationships and the ability to influence the direction of a growing accounting and advisory firm.
The opportunity
You'll take responsibility for an established portfolio generating approximately $700,000–$800,000 in annual fees, supported by an experienced production manager and dedicated accounting team.
Our production team handles the preparation of routine annual accounts and tax returns. Your focus will be on final technical review, client relationships, advisory opportunities and team leadership.
You'll report directly to the director and have the authority to manage your clients, prioritise work, agree fees and lead your team to achieve its objectives.
We want someone who can take genuine ownership of this role while knowing when to seek specialist support.
What you'll be doing
Building strong client relationships: Become the trusted adviser and primary contact for your portfolio, delivering proactive service and developing long-term relationships.
Taking technical responsibility: Review and sign off annual accounts, compilation engagements, GST returns and income tax work, within your professional authority.
Growing advisory services: Identify opportunities, scope and price engagements, win additional client work and deliver practical business advice.
Leading your team: Work alongside your production manager to manage quality, staff development, deadlines and budgets.
Improving how we work: Contribute to better systems, technology, automation and the use of AI to improve client outcomes and team efficiency.
Our clients offer particularly good opportunities in succession planning, profit improvement and business accountability.
What we're looking for
We're looking for an experienced accountant who combines technical confidence, commercial thinking and excellent people skills.
Essential requirements:
CA or CPA qualification with a current practising certificate appropriate to New Zealand public practice.
At least five years of New Zealand public-practice experience, including demonstrated final review and sign-off responsibility.
Strong technical judgement and attention to detail, with the ability to identify material issues and know when specialist advice is needed.
Proven experience managing client relationships and identifying and securing additional advisory or project work.
Experience leading accounting staff and managing team performance.
Strong Xero and Excel skills, and a valid driver's licence.
Experience with business advisory, succession planning, Microsoft 365 and AI tools will be an advantage.
You don't need to be the most technically specialised accountant in the market. You do need the experience and professional judgement to take responsibility for the work, recognise issues and resolve them appropriately.
Why join Scale Up Accounting?
We're a growth-focused accounting and advisory firm that believes accountants can make a meaningful difference to the businesses they support.
Here's what makes this opportunity different:
Genuine autonomy
You'll have responsibility for your own client portfolio and team, with the freedom to make decisions and drive results.
Established team support
You'll work with a dedicated production team, allowing you to spend more time on client relationships, technical review and valuable advisory work rather than routine preparation.
Meaningful advisory opportunities
Our clients are business owners who can benefit from practical advice on profitability, succession, business performance and achieving their goals.
Flexibility and work-life balance
This is a full-time role of 37.5 hours per week. You'll typically work from home four days a week, with one coordinated office day in Ponsonby and occasional client visits.
A voice in the future of the firm
We're actively improving our systems, embracing technology and developing new ways to help clients. You'll work directly with the director, and your ideas and experience will help shape our future.
Remuneration and start date
Total remuneration starts from $150,000 per annum, including employer KiwiSaver, with the final package reflecting your experience and capabilities.
We'd ideally like someone to start before February 2027, although we can accommodate the right candidate starting as late as 1 April 2027.
Interested?
If you are an experienced public-practice accountant who wants to take genuine ownership of a client portfolio and help business owners succeed, we would love to hear from you.
Apply directly through SEEK with your CV and a brief outline of:
Your experience taking final responsibility for annual accounts and tax work.
An advisory or project engagement you personally identified and secured for a client.
Whether you currently hold a valid Certificate of Public Practice (CPP) recognised in New Zealand. Please state Yes, No, or Working towards it. If you are working towards obtaining your certificate, please include your expected completion date.
You don't need to prepare a lengthy cover letter.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an initial conversation, followed by a structured assessment of technical, commercial and leadership capabilities.
Take the next step in your career with Scale Up Accounting.