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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead high-value client portfolios and deliver strategic, compliant services.
- Company: Join a flexible and inclusive firm committed to equality and professional growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days holiday, study support, and a hybrid working model.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while mentoring future leaders in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified ACA/ACCA with 10+ years managing complex clients.
- Other info: Embrace a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Overview
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 escalate 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
- Death in Service
- Full study support 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.
Associate Director - Accounts in Sutton employer: Affinia
Contact Detail:
Affinia Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director - Accounts in Sutton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry folks, attend events, and join relevant groups. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Associate Director role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight your experience in managing complex client portfolios and your strategic thinking skills. Make sure they see you as the go-to advisor they need.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s values and recent projects. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their service line strategy and operational projects. Tailor your answers to show you’re a perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director - Accounts in Sutton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Associate Director role. Highlight your experience with high-value clients and any strategic initiatives you've led. We want to see how you can add value to our team!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves mentoring and guiding others, don’t forget to mention your leadership experiences. Share examples of how you've supported junior team members or contributed to a positive team culture. We love seeing strong leaders!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate straightforward communication, especially when it comes to your achievements and skills.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Affinia
✨Know Your Clients Inside Out
Before the interview, research the company’s client portfolio and understand their needs. Be ready to discuss how you can add value to these clients and improve their experience. This shows that you’re proactive and genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or mentored others in your previous roles. Highlight specific instances where your guidance has resulted in improved performance or team cohesion. This will demonstrate your capability to lead Managers and Senior Managers effectively.
✨Be Ready for Strategic Discussions
Brush up on current market trends and competitor activities relevant to the firm’s service line. Be prepared to share your insights on how these factors could influence the company’s strategy and operations. This will position you as a strategic thinker who can contribute to business planning.
✨Demonstrate Your Commercial Acumen
Familiarise yourself with financial management concepts like WIP, billing, and profitability. Be ready to discuss how you’ve managed these aspects in the past and how you can ensure the firm meets its financial targets. This will show that you understand the commercial side of the role.
