A focus on: what it takes to be a Senior Portfolio Manager

At Monahans, we pride ourselves in having a workforce full of people with a variety of ages, backgrounds, experiences and skillsets, who are passionate about helping their clients.

We are always looking for talented and passionate individuals to join us so that we can continue to support the businesses that help to keep the UK spinning. One of the key roles in accountancy is a Senior Portfolio Manager. Below we explore what you can expect from this type of role in terms of responsibilities and the skillsets required and why it is rewarding job choice.

What does the role involve?
Senior Portfolio Managers are responsible for managing a varied portfolio of clients across numerous different sectors. This involves completing complex accountancy work, including dealing with all tax related matters, but also providing lots of consultative support. After all, you are there to act as your client’s trusted partner and to provide them with reassuring expertise at a time that may be stressful for them.

The role also requires close collaboration with the wider team. Not only in terms of client work but also in supporting the development of other team members and providing coaching and mentoring.

Therefore, although there is an administrative element to the role, a large chunk of the day-to-day work will involve speaking with clients or collaborating with other team members either virtually, over the phone or in person. It is a very social job that often requires team-wide cooperation, alongside independent work. This may also involve out-of-office travel to visit different businesses.

What skills are important?
Having technical expertise and prior experience in client facing roles and developing a portfolio are all really important to the role, but so are ‘softer skills’ such as:

• Strong communication capabilities – Much of the role involves building strong relationships with clients but also acting as a sounding board during sometimes stressful situations, which requires a patient, empathetic and firm approach.

• Problem solving and working well under pressure – Accounting often requires spinning numerous plates which means constant multitasking and prioritisation, as well as the ability to work to deadlines. The fast-paced nature of the role can be challenging but is also what makes it exciting and with the variety of work, no two days are the same.

• A curiosity and passion for helping businesses to grow – At Monahans our aim is to ensure that our clients don’t lie awake at night worrying about things, instead they know they can talk to us at any time. We also want to enable them to continue to do what they do best. Therefore, having a genuine interest in helping people is something invaluable to the role, and what makes it so rewarding.

• Being a team player – Although much of the work will be independent, you are also part of a bigger team who work closely together, which makes the ability to work collaboratively towards a common goal crucial. This also means being part of a really supportive and positive team who encourage one another.

Why Monahans?
We know that there are lots of brilliant accountancy firms out there, but we firmly believe that what we offer in terms of training, experience and culture is unique. By choosing Monahans, you’ll be joining:

• One of the UK’s top 15 mid-market accountancy firms that has international reach but with a local base – the best of both worlds.

• A firm passionate about future-proofing your job prospects and providing you with the skills, knowledge and support to succeed. For over 120 years Monahans has been helping people to grow their careers, giving them support they need from the outset, and a voice from day one.

• A team of people of approachable like-minded people who genuinely care about what they do and about helping clients. As well as helping Monahans’ mission: ‘to make a difference to the lives of those we serve, making a positive impact on our community and driving positive change in the world.”

• An organisation committed to minimising its impact on the environment that has been taking steps to actively make sustainable choices. Monahans is also currently going through the B-Corp accreditation process.

• You’ll get the opportunity to make a positive impact on the communities you are working within, whether that be via volunteering, fundraising for charities or attending local events. You are entitled to paid leave for volunteering, but we also organise regular events such as beach litter picking.

A few of the other benefits:

• Competitive salary and performance Related Pay Increases.
• Generous study packages
• Flexible and hybrid working options
• Volunteering policy of paid leave to support charitable causes.
• Option to buy up to 5 days’ additional holiday each year.
• Regular social events.
• 24hr access to a GP.
• Life assurance (x 4 salary).
• Wellbeing Hub and Wellbeing initiatives.
• Enhanced maternity & paternity pay

Craig Hatherall is a Senior Portfolio Manager, working in Monahans’ Chippenham office to provide clients with a friendly and proactive service. He shared with us his experience in the role:

“What I really enjoy about my role is the opportunity to deeply understand the financial details of a business and the individuals behind the scenes who make things tick. I enjoy analysing the data and providing recommendations that help shape the business. The advisory aspect of the job is extremely rewarding, as I am trusted to find solutions for our clients, whether it’s for tax planning, assisting with growth or planning an exit strategy. The variety in the role keeps it interesting and engaging.

“As a senior member of the team, I am encouraged to participate in a wide range of projects and provide feedback on processes which is helpful for Monahans overall success. I enjoy mentoring our trainees and watching them grow in their roles. I try my best to offer support where I can, knowing that it can have a significant impact on their future.”

Clare Bowen, Partner, is responsible for managing many of Monahans’ Senior Portfolio Managers. As a result she has built a strong sense of the skills and attitude required to excel in the position, she told us that:

“An exceptional Senior Portfolio Manager needs to be passionate about improving the business and financial situation of their clients. This includes being curious and interested in how their clients’ businesses work and being eager to provide support and guidance to help them to develop.

“Alongside this, we look for candidates who understand that for a team to work effectively, team members must support and encourage one another to grow and develop in their own careers, while we work to further our own knowledge and skills.”

Clare Bowen