Insight – What it’s like working as a Client Manager

Interview with some of our Client Managers

Let us introduce you to Lee, Gemma and Tom

So Lee, what does a day in the life of a Client Manager look like for you…

“Where do I begin…there is no such thing as a ‘normal’ day here as it can be varied. Such as:

• we review client accounts that have been prepared for by our team
• we plan work flows so all key tasks are prioritised and the right team are working on those jobs
• we support our team through their studies, we help to guide their development to be the best they can be
• we meet clients regularly of course as we can cover a variety of accounting and tax topics as well as discussing how to develop their business.

There is always different special projects ongoing for our clients.”

You mentioned supporting the team through study, can I ask what does this involve?

“Yes, we currently have over a dozen members of the team studying with a number of different institutes towards their exams in ACA or it could be AAT. My role as a Client Manager involves supporting all of those students to be the best they can be. Majority are studying through an approved apprenticeship scheme which is structured and required to match their development progress. We have quarterly meetings with their apprenticeship coach, that doesn’t just cover exams but all aspects of their development including softer skills and current events.”

Tell us more about the different special projects you do for clients?

“The service we provide goes above and beyond just providing a compliance service. In just the first couple of months of this year I have supported my clients on a management buyout, numerous research and development claims, the incorporation of a sole trader business, remuneration planning for high net worth individuals, a risk management project to transfer a high value property into a holding company away from the trading business as well supporting a business gearing up for sale.”

Wow! Thank you Lee for the insight into the type of work you are doing. It’s much more than just Client Manager Compliance role.

Gemma, tell us a little about your experience and how you joined the team…

“So I previously worked in a range of firms from small to large and i wanted to join a firm that had the work of a big firm like project work and large size clients but also with that small firm feel and making you feel valued as a member of the team which is why I choose Mark Holt & Co.”

Tom, tell us a little too…

“So, I came quite a fresh faced young 20 year old. I left Sixth form and was quite good at maths so i knew I wanted to do something with that subject. I joined a law firm as their bookkeeper and after some experience into that role I wanted to become an accountant. I joined Mark Holt & Co and have stayed for the past 10 years.”

That’s fantastic. We have heard the client support is important to Mark Holt & Co but what else is important?

“The people, the team, are also very important to the business and one way they show that is to ensure we have fun at work.”