At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead client relationships and manage a portfolio while driving business growth.
- Company: Join Armstrong Watson, a rapidly growing firm with a strong reputation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, and comprehensive health benefits.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team committed to client success and professional development.
- Why this job: Shape your career in a values-driven environment focused on excellence.
- Qualifications: Qualified Accountant with strong communication and leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
About Us
Build something exceptional, with us. Our ambition is clear and openly bold. Armstrong Watson is on a journey to more than double our turnover by 2030, through disciplined organic growth, the attraction of outstanding talent, and the selective acquisition of like‑minded firms. But growth alone is not the goal. Reputation is earned, not inherited. Our strategic intent is simple to say and hard to deliver: to become the most respected adviser to privately owned businesses in the North and the UK. Exceptional service, deep expertise, trusted relationships, and absolute reliability define everything we do. These are not slogans; they are standards we hold ourselves to every day. At our core, we exist for one reason, to help our clients achieve prosperity, a secure future, and peace of mind.
This strategy sets the direction. Our people, our values‑led culture, and our standards will deliver it. We are looking for people who want more than the next job. People who care deeply about:
- Standards and professionalism
- Doing work they are proud to put their name to
- Building long‑term client relationships
- Being part of a firm with real momentum and intent
If you want to grow with a business that is ambitious, values‑driven, and serious about excellence, Armstrong Watson offers opportunity and expectation in equal measure.
What you will find here:
- A firm with clear direction and momentum
- Clients who value advice and relationships
- Colleagues who care about doing things properly
- A culture built on Passion, Trust, Humanity and Honesty
- Genuine opportunity to shape your career as the firm grows
This is our moment, and our vision is clear, to build something genuinely remarkable.
The Role
We are now recruiting for a Business Services Director to join our Dumfries office. The main elements of this role will include:
- Conducting client meetings without a Business Services Partner
- Acting as a key 'Relationship Manager' for a designated portfolio of clients
- Raising and approving fees in connection with own portfolio
- Setting formal objectives for all direct reports and monitoring their progress / managing their development
- Monitoring individual and team performance versus original objectives and departmental KPIs and providing feedback to the relevant Business Services Partner
- Signing off and authorising documents / accounts / returns where legally acceptable
- Building own network of professional contacts which will hopefully lead to generating new business
- Assisting with recruitment activity in the team and dealing with other 'People' related matters when required
The Candidate
In order to fulfil the responsibilities of the position, we would like candidates to be / have:
- A Full UK Driving Licence
- A qualified Accountant under ICAS, ICAEW or ACCA
- An excellent knowledge, and working experience, of preparing non-statutory, sole trader and partnership accounts alongside preparing statutory financial statements in line with UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice
- A sound knowledge and understanding of all relevant UK taxes such as Personal Tax, Corporation Tax, VAT and Capital Taxes etc
- A good understanding of all other services offered by the firm, in order to identify opportunities to refer to other Service Lines
- An excellent communicator in both verbal and written forms, and be able to flex your style depending on your audience
- Able to effectively manage and support colleagues, ensuring they are developed to their best ability
- Able to drive business development initiatives, identifying opportunities for growth
The Benefits
In return for your hard work helping us shape our future growth and development, we will provide a competitive salary and a positive benefits package which includes:
- Salary Sacrifice Employer Contribution Pension Scheme including Life Cover (4x salary) and Income Protection
- Competitive Annual Leave entitlement & Annual Leave Purchase Scheme allowing you to buy up to 5 additional days annual leave each year
- Smart Working Policy, giving you the ability to balance home and remote working
- Health Shield Cash Plan (cash back on a range of Health benefits and discounts on holidays, fashion and entertainment)
- Employee Assistance Programme (24/7 confidential support for wellbeing and health)
- Paid flu jabs and eye tests
- Introductory Commission Scheme (financial reward if you refer a new client)
- Employee Referral Scheme (financial reward if you refer new AW colleagues) enabling you to claim up to £2,500 for each referral
- Investment towards Continuous Professional Development (CPD), which includes access to comprehensive training courses and materials
- Paid professional membership fees
In addition to all the benefits you would expect from an award winning employer, you will be given the utmost encouragement and support to develop your career further. When you're with us... we're with you.
Business Services Director in Dumfries employer: Armstrong Watson LLP
Armstrong Watson is an exceptional employer, committed to fostering a values-driven culture that prioritises professionalism and client relationships. Located in Dumfries, the firm offers a supportive environment with genuine opportunities for career growth, competitive benefits, and a focus on employee well-being, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the accounting and financial advisory sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Services Director in Dumfries
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Armstrong Watson LLP. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Services Director in Dumfries
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Armstrong Watson LLP.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Armstrong Watson LLP's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Armstrong Watson LLP
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Armstrong Watson LLP.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Armstrong Watson LLP will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Armstrong Watson LLP employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
