Corporate Tax Director in Carlisle

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.

The firm business owners talk about. The firm lawyers and bankers recommend without hesitation. To achieve this, we are building the best Accounting and Financial Advisory firm to deal with, not just in the North, but across 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, and being part of a firm with real momentum and intent.

This is a rare opportunity to step into a senior leadership role within a collaborative, ambitious, and fast‑developing team. Based in Carlisle, you will influence the strategic direction of our Corporate Tax offering, work closely with our Partners, and play a key role in driving business development and team capability across the region.

This is your opportunity to:

• Influence the growth trajectory of a respected regional firm with national reach.
• Own and grow a high‑quality portfolio with plenty of scope for expansion.
• Work with an inspiring senior team that values collaboration, innovation, and technical excellence.
• Shape and develop a growing Corporate Tax team, making your mark as a leader.
• Enjoy the autonomy of a director role while being fully supported in your career progression.

The main elements of this role will include:

• Acting as the lead Tax Relationship Director for a portfolio of valued clients, building long‑term, trusted advisor relationships.
• Delivering and prioritising all relevant client work and ensuring effective workflow for your team.
• Overseeing delivery of complex advisory work, ensuring exceptional quality, commercial value, and efficient workflow across your team.
• Agreeing scope and fees with confidence, ensuring transparency and strong fee recovery from the outset of each project.
• Championing communication, keeping clients and internal stakeholders closely updated throughout each engagement.
• Leading meetings and future‑planning conversations, identifying additional opportunities to support clients.
• Ensuring all work is delivered to scope, budget, and Armstrong Watson’s high professional standards.
• Driving business development, supporting firm‑wide growth targets and helping us expand our market share in Cumbria and beyond.
• Coaching, mentoring and developing talented tax professionals, shaping the next generation of Corporate Tax expertise within the firm.

Please note that we will not be accepting candidates from agency suppliers in connection with this vacancy.

In order to fulfil the responsibilities of the position, we would like candidates to be / have:

• CTA qualified or hold an equivalent qualification.
• Seen as a thought leader in their area of expertise to the external marketplace.
• A Full UK Driving Licence.

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.