Client Accounting Division Manager

Burkland Associates is seeking a seasoned leader to take the helm of their Client Accounting Division. Operating as a remote-first entity with a significant footprint—supporting over 800 clients with a team of more than 185 professionals—the organisation prides itself on fostering a culture of meaningful growth and high-impact work. This is a strategic leadership position that requires a candidate who can balance financial oversight with the complexities of people management.

About the role

This position is designed for an individual who views their division as a self-contained business unit. As the Division Manager, you will hold full accountability for the Profit and Loss (P&L) of your department. Your success will be measured by your ability to hit revenue, margin, and utilisation targets while ensuring the overall health of the division’s operations.

You will report directly to the Director of Accounting Advisory, serving as the primary bridge between the division’s day-to-day output and the company’s broader strategic goals. The role demands a professional who is comfortable acting as the final point of escalation for complex client relationship challenges and who is capable of driving the growth of the division through proactive business development efforts.

The core of this role involves overseeing both the human capital and the technical accounting functions of the unit. Your responsibilities include:

• **Financial Oversight:** Taking complete ownership of the division’s P&L, including meticulous management of revenue streams and margin performance.
• **Operational Management:** Monitoring and driving key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure consistent service delivery.
• **Team Leadership:** Managing capacity and workload distribution across the team, setting clear performance benchmarks, and providing the mentorship required for staff growth.
• **Technical Accounting:** Maintaining oversight of inventory valuation, balance sheet reconciliation, and the orchestration of physical count processes.
• **Client Advocacy:** Handling high-level escalation issues, ensuring that the firm’s commitment to client success remains unwavering.

What they're looking for

Burkland Associates is looking for a leader who blends technical accounting prowess with a refined management style. To be considered, you should possess:

• **Academic and Professional Background:** A Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business, or a closely related field.
• **Experience:** At least five years of progressive experience, demonstrating a clear upward trajectory in your career.
• **Leadership Capability:** Proven, direct experience managing teams, including the ability to coach and hold staff accountable to high standards.
• **Technical Proficiency:** A robust understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and specific experience in cost accounting.
• **Soft Skills:** Exceptional client relationship management skills and the ability to manage complex projects from inception to completion.

For South African accounting professionals, a role of this calibre—overseeing a business unit within a global remote-first firm—typically aligns with senior management or Associate Director levels. Locally, this position requires a high level of autonomy; prospective candidates should highlight their ability to work across time zones effectively. In the current SA market, individuals in similar roles often oversee diverse portfolios, providing a solid growth path toward executive financial leadership or consulting partner positions. Success in this environment generally requires not only technical expertise but also the ability to navigate the nuances of supporting startups in a virtual, fast-paced ecosystem.

• Bachelor's degree in business, accounting, finance, or a related field, and 5+ years of progressive experience.
• Direct people management experience.
• Exceptional client relationship management skills.
• Strong project management skills.
• Strong command of GAAP and cost accounting.