Tax Director - Private Client Advisory in London

Reporting to: Director/ Regional Head

Hours: Full time Mon-Fri 9am-5.30pm (37.5 hours per week)

Location: Any Affinia office locations / hybrid

Affinia is a UK Top 50 Accountancy firm and growing. We focus on building authentic connections, collaboration and growth both with our clients and colleagues. We have more than 500 accountancy professionals across our 11 offices and advise businesses, government and public sector organisations and individuals in the UK and internationally.

Purpose of the role:

As a Director within our Private Client team, you will be responsible for continuing to grow our Private Client offering within the firm both internally within the existing client portfolio but also externally through your own professional contacts and connections. 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.

Accountabilities:

• Manage a comprehensive and complex client list, provide line and performance management and make a significant contribution to ongoing growth of a successful Private Client tax practice.
• Build and maintain relationships with third parties, such as trustees, lawyers, wealth managers and more.
• Advise clients in connection with their tax affairs and onboard them to the team to offer bespoke advice.

Client and Portfolio Leadership:

• Lead service delivery for a portfolio of high-value or technically complex clients, ensuring timely, high-quality, and compliant output.
• Experience of working with our target clients such as UHNWs/ HNW clients, family-owned, SMEs and not purely large corporate clients.
• Experience in providing advice and implementing Inheritance Tax planning strategies including Family Investment Companies and Trusts structures.
• Strong understanding of Trust and Estates, not just on compliance issues but have experience and practical know how on advising such clients.
• Proven track record of being able to provide high level, strategic and holistic advice to private clients and other third-party advisers.
• 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.
• Identify potential tax risks and cash savings opportunities, and support initiatives to manage the risks or realise the opportunities.
• Meet targets for billable hours, utilisation, and portfolio profitability, ensuring jobs are delivered within agreed budgets and timeframes.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Professional skills/qualifications:

• CTA qualification or an equivalent professional tax qualification.
• Ideally 10+ years in practice with demonstrable experience managing large or complex clients.
• Strong leadership and coaching skills, including mentoring Managers and future leaders.
• High-level communication and interpersonal skills, with credibility to represent the firm.

Core Benefits:

• Auto enrolment Pension Scheme with True Potential
• Death in Service
• Professional membership support
• Paycare – claim money back for Dental / Optical / Professional Therapies
• Agile/Hybrid Working Policy
• Dress for your Diary Policy

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.