Posted 24 July, 2026
SME Partner Designate
Farrer Barnes Limited
Gillingham, ENG, GB
Full Time
Job Description
An exciting and rare opportunity has arisen for an ambitious and experienced accountant to join a highly regarded, long-established SME accountancy firm based in Rainham (Kent) as an SME Partner Designate. This is a genuine succession opportunity for an individual who is looking to take the next step in their career and play a key role in the future direction and growth of the practice. The successful candidate will work closely with the existing partners with the opportunity to progress into a leadership role and ultimately take responsibility for running the firm within the next 3–5 years. The Role The successful applicant will take responsibility for managing a diverse portfolio of SME clients, providing high-quality accountancy and advisory support while taking a lead role in the continued development of the practice. The role will be predominantly review-focused, with responsibility for overseeing client work, supporting the team, and ensuring excellent standards of service are maintained. Key responsibilities will include:\n
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- Managing and reviewing a varied caseload of SME accounts and tax assignments \n
- Providing technical guidance and support to clients across a range of sectors \n
- Reviewing work prepared by junior team members and ensuring accuracy and quality \n
- Developing, mentoring, and supporting more junior members of staff \n
- Building strong, trusted relationships with existing clients and acting as a key point of contact \n
- Identifying opportunities to provide additional value-added services to clients \n
- Supporting business development activities and helping to grow the client base \n
- Taking responsibility for work-in-progress management, billing, and ensuring commercial performance \n
- Contributing to the strategic development and future success of the practice \n
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- Strong experience within an accountancy practice environment \n
- A proven track record of managing SME clients \n
- Excellent accounts and tax knowledge \n
- Experience reviewing work and supporting less experienced team members \n
- Strong commercial awareness and an understanding of WIP and billing management \n
- The confidence and ability to develop client relationships and identify new opportunities \n
- A desire to progress into a senior leadership position \n
