Business Services Manager - Clear Path to Partnership

$150,000 - $180,000 + genuine pathway to Partner

Run the business. Build the relationships. Become a Partner.

This role is for an experienced Business Services Manager who is ready for more than managing a portfolio.

You'll take ownership of a significant client base, lead and develop a team, work directly with the firm's Partners on complex tax and advisory matters, and play a genuine role in how the business operates.

More importantly, there is a clear and short pathway to Partnership.

This isn't a vague "future opportunities" promise. The firm is looking for someone who can step in as a Manager, prove themselves as a leader and trusted client adviser, and progress into Partnership.

What's in it for you?

- A genuine pathway to Partner - clear expectations, direct access to the Partners and a defined progression plan.

- Ownership of a substantial client portfolio - build relationships and become the trusted adviser, rather than simply reviewing compliance work.

- Run and develop a team - manage workflow, mentor accountants and build capability around you.

- Interesting advisory work - tax planning, business structuring, valuations, SMSFs, succession planning and broader commercial advice.

- A voice in the firm - contribute to systems, people, client strategy and how the practice grows.

- Established clients and workflow - you're not being hired as a salesperson with an accounting qualification attached.

- Direct Partner exposure - work closely with the people currently running the firm and learn what it takes to become one of them.

The opportunity

The firm is looking for someone who wants to run a business, not simply have a senior accounting job.





You'll be responsible for the performance of your portfolio and team, including client relationships, quality, workflow, deadlines and commercial outcomes.

As you establish yourself, your responsibilities will expand beyond portfolio management into the broader operation and direction of the practice.

The destination is Partnership. The pathway to get there will be transparent from the outset.

About You

You'll likely already be operating at Manager level, or be an experienced Supervisor / Assistant Manager ready to make the jump.

You'll have:

- CA or CPA qualification.

- Strong experience in Australian business services, tax and advisory.

- The technical capability to review complex work and confidently advise clients.

- Experience managing or mentoring accountants.

- Strong client relationship skills and commercial judgement.

- The confidence to take ownership rather than wait for work to be delegated.

- An interest in the commercial side of running an accounting practice.

- A genuine ambition to become a Partner in the near term.

- Australian permanent residency or citizenship.

You don't need to arrive with a book of clients. You do need to arrive wanting to take responsibility for one.

Where this can go

Manager → Partner.

There doesn't need to be a collection of invented titles in between.

If you've reached the point where you're capable of running clients, leading people and making commercial decisions, but your current firm's partnership pathway still sounds like "maybe in a few years", this is worth a conversation.

Please apply with a one-page cover letter outlining your experience, leadership capability and what you're looking for in a pathway to Partnership.

📌 Accountant - Business Services Manager (Canberra)
🏢 Important Group
📍 Canberra