Accounting Practice Manager

Be among the first 25 applicants Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features. Location: Hybrid – 1 day WFH Employment Type: Full-Time About the Role We are seeking an experienced and proactive Practice Manager with at least 5 years of hands‑on experience working within a public accounting practice (chartered accounting or CPA firm). We are looking for an outstanding Practice Manager who has already proven they can turn a good firm into a great one. This is not a "keep the wheels turning" role — it's a career-defining opportunity for someone who lives for speed, quality, simplicity, and measurable results. You will play a pivotal role in the day-to-day operations of the firm, driving efficiency, ensuring exceptional client service, and supporting the growth of the practice while managing workflow, team performance, compliance, and technology. Key Responsibilities Oversee end-to-end practice operations including workflow management, job scheduling, lodgement deadlines, and resource allocation Lead the team to consistently deliver work faster, to a higher quality standard, and with greater ease for both staff and clients Actively reduce average job turnaround time year-on-year while increasing client satisfaction scores Own the firm's client experience program — NPS, onboarding journeys, offboarding risks, surprise-and-delight moments Design, implement and continuously refine systems and processes that remove bottlenecks, reduce rework, and accelerate turnaround times Drive the firm's digital transformation and best-practice use of cloud accounting software to maximise speed, accuracy and client self-service Implement and maintain efficient systems, processes, and internal controls Monitor practice KPIs (WIP, lock-up, recovery rates, lodgement compliance, staff utilisation) and proactively address inefficiencies Manage billing, debtor control, and trust account compliance Ensure compliance with professional standards, ATO / ASIC deadlines, and quality control requirements Coordinate HR functions (recruitment, onboarding, payroll, leave management) Prepare management reports and contribute to strategic planning and budgeting Identify and implement opportunities to improve profitability, operational speed, quality of output, and overall client experience Essential Experience & Qualifications Minimum 5 years' experience working in a public practice accounting firm (essential) Proven experience in a senior administration, operations, or practice management role within an accounting firm Tertiary qualification in Business, Accounting, or related discipline (desirable but not essential) Current or recent Australian or New Zealand residency with full working rights Technical Skills (Required) Advanced proficiency in Xero (practice-level administration, Xero HQ, reporting, workflow automation) Strong working knowledge of FYI (or similar practice management software) Expert level in Microsoft Office & Co-pilot suite (particularly Excel, Word, Outlook, and Teams) Experience with additional tools such as Class, BGL, Xero Tax, ATO Portal, ASIC Edge, and CAS 360 highly regarded Key Skills & Attributes for Success Obsessive focus on operational efficiency — you spot inefficiencies quickly and fix them permanently Proven ability to increase speed of delivery without sacrificing quality Relentless drive for quality — establishing checklists, templates, and review processes that raise the firm's standard Talent for making complex work feel easy for both the team and clients through smart systems and clear communication Exceptional organisational and prioritisation skills in a deadline-driven environment Strong leadership and people-management capabilities — able to set clear expectations, remove roadblocks, and hold the team accountable to higher performance standards Outstanding communication skills (verbal and written) Commercial acumen and deep understanding of practice financial metrics (WIP, realisation, lock-up) Process-driven with a continuous-improvement and automation-first mindset High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy and compliance Proactive problem-solver who thrives under pressure Confident, approachable, and professional demeanour What We Offer Competitive salary package ($100k–$140k package, depending on experience) Genuine work-life balance and flexible working options Clear career progression pathway (potential equity / partnership opportunity for the right candidate) Ongoing professional development and training Supportive and collaborative firm culture #J-18808-Ljbffr