Associate Director - Accounts in Chelmsford

Affinia is the UK’s largest purpose‑led, purpose‑built Accountancy firm, focused on building stronger, more valuable relationships. With over 1,000 colleagues across the East, South East, London and the Midlands, we are dedicated to supporting our clients, colleagues and communities.

We advise businesses, public sector organisations, charities and individuals throughout the UK and internationally across six Service Lines – Accountancy & Advisory, Tax and Planning, Audit & Assurance, Corporate Finance, Payroll and Corporate Recovery. Our team also offer in‑depth sector expertise across a number of sectors, ensuring our clients receive the best short to medium and long‑term advice, tailored to them. We are committed to delivering excellence in every aspect of our work, adapting to the evolving technology and regulatory landscape while consistently exceeding client expectations.

Our people are our most valuable asset. We are therefore committed to supporting our colleagues throughout their professional development, providing guidance and training at whatever stage of their career they join us.

Real people. Real growth. Real difference.

Purpose Of The Role

As an Associate Director within our expanding Accounts service line, you will lead a high‑value client portfolio, delivering strategic, compliant, and commercially successful services. You will act as a key advisor to clients, supporting business development efforts and identifying opportunities to add value. Internally, you will oversee and mentor Managers and Senior Managers, role model the firm’s values, and contribute to service line strategy, operational projects, and change initiatives. You’ll take ownership of process improvements, risk management, and cross‑location collaboration, while supporting the Director or Service Line Head in achieving team and firm‑wide objectives.

You will be supported in your role with line management and leadership training as well as CPD access via Tolley’s, Croner‑i, Mercia and LinkedIn Learning as required. Together with your line manager you will craft a development plan that sees you succeed in your role and plan for the next step should you wish to take it.

Accountabilities

Client and Portfolio Leadership

• Lead service delivery for a portfolio of high‑value or technically complex clients, ensuring timely, high‑quality, and compliant output.
• Act as a trusted advisor to clients, providing strategic, commercially sound advice and proactively identifying opportunities to add value.
• Maintain strong client relationships through regular contact, effective communication, and a deep understanding of client needs.

Commercial and Financial Management

• Monitor WIP, billing, and recovery rates across your portfolio, taking proactive action to maximise profitability and manage overruns or scope creep.
• Meet targets for billable hours, utilisation, and portfolio profitability, ensuring jobs are delivered within agreed budgets and timeframes.
• Contribute to fee discussions, service scoping, and pricing strategy in collaboration with Directors and Partners.

Strategic and Operational Contribution

• Contribute insights to the development of service line and group strategy, particularly in any areas of specialism or market knowledge.
• Support Directors and Service Line Leaders (SLLs) on strategic initiatives and internal planning projects.
• Take ownership of service line projects, driving outcomes that support operational efficiency, quality, or growth.
• Stay informed on market trends, competitor activity, and emerging client needs to inform service line positioning.

People Leadership and Culture

• Provide ongoing guidance and structured development opportunities to junior team members, particularly Managers and Senior Managers.
• Act as a role model for firm values and behaviours, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Conduct or support performance appraisals, 1:1s, and feedback processes to drive individual and team growth.
• Champion diversity and inclusion within the team, promoting open, honest, and two‑way communication across locations.

Process Improvement and Change

• Identify and lead process improvements that enhance service efficiency, quality, or client experience.
• Support the adoption and implementation of new technology or systems, advocating for smarter ways of working.
• Embrace and help deliver change projects within the service line or wider group.

Risk Management and Compliance

• Ensure all services are delivered in line with firm quality standards, ethical policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Manage risks associated with client engagements, including reputational, legal, and compliance risks.
• Proactively identify and elevate internal risk incidents or concerns in line with firm protocols.

Business Development and External Profile

• Support Directors and SLLs with business development activities including proposals, pitches, and client onboarding.
• Identify and act on cross‑selling or upselling opportunities within your client portfolio.
• Represent the firm at industry events, networking opportunities, and speaking engagements, contributing to the firm’s public profile.

Professional Skills / Qualifications

• ACA, ACCA or equivalent qualification (fully qualified with significant post‑qualification experience)
• Ideally 10+ years in practice with demonstrable experience managing large or complex clients
• Expert technical knowledge of UK GAAP (FRS 102), Companies Act, and tax principles
• Track record in commercial portfolio management, WIP/billing oversight, and client retention
• Strong leadership and coaching skills, including mentoring Managers and future leaders
• Strategic thinker with the ability to contribute to business planning and change initiatives
• High‑level communication and interpersonal skills, with credibility to represent the firm.

Benefits and Culture

• 27 days holiday (FTE) plus Bank Holidays (Sept‑Aug)
• Ability to purchase 3 additional days annual leave per year
• Auto enrolment Pension Scheme with True Potential
• 3 × salary – Death in Service (Capped at £400 k)
• Full study support if required, including tuition fees and paid study days
• Professional membership support
• Paycare – claim money back for Dental / Optical / Professional Therapies
• Agile/Hybrid Working Policy
• Dress for your Diary Policy

Please note that this job profile is not an exhaustive list of duties but merely an outline of the key components of the role. You may be required by your line manager to take on additional responsibilities when requested.

Affinia is a flexible business which has embraced a hybrid working model where our colleagues enjoy a mix of home and office working. We welcome applications from people looking for flexible and agile roles and we are happy to explore your preferred working patterns as part of your application.

Affinia is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our policy is unequivocal: we do not tolerate discrimination based on age, disability, sex, race, religion, or belief, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy, or maternity, or sexual orientation. We pride ourselves on being an inclusive organisation that actively promotes equality of opportunity for all, valuing the right mix of talent, skills, and potential. We welcome applications from a diverse range of candidates, and selection for roles is based solely on individual merit.

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For full details on how we handle personal data, please see our Privacy Policy: https://www.affinia.co.uk/privacy-policy/