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: Competitive salary, flexible working, health benefits, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with genuine opportunities for career advancement.
- Why this job: Be part of a values-driven team making a real impact in the financial advisory sector.
- Qualifications: Qualified Accountant with strong communication and leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ 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. And 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
- 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, offering a vibrant work culture in Dumfries that prioritises professional growth and client relationships. With a commitment to excellence, employees benefit from a competitive salary, comprehensive training opportunities, and a supportive environment that values passion, trust, and honesty. Join us to be part of a firm with clear direction and the ambition to shape the future of accounting and financial advisory services.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Services Director in Dumfries
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts. You never know who might help you land that Business Services Director role!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their values, mission, and recent achievements. This will not only impress your interviewers but also help you tailor your responses to show how you align with their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Bring examples of your past work to interviews. Whether it’s client success stories or innovative solutions you’ve implemented, having tangible proof of your skills can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your appreciation and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role!
We think you need these skills to ace Business Services Director in Dumfries
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through. We want to see that you care about standards and professionalism, just like we do at StudySmarter.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Business Services Director role. Highlight your experience with client relationships and business development initiatives, as these are key to what we’re looking for.
Be Clear and Concise:In your written application, clarity is crucial. Use straightforward language and get straight to the point. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with Armstrong Watson.
How to prepare for a job interview at Armstrong Watson LLP
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Business Services Director, you'll need to demonstrate your expertise in financial statements and UK tax regulations. Brush up on your knowledge of non-statutory accounts, personal tax, and corporation tax. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experience where you've successfully navigated these areas.
✨Showcase Your Relationship Management Skills
This role requires you to act as a key 'Relationship Manager'. Prepare to share stories about how you've built and maintained client relationships in the past. Highlight your communication skills and adaptability, as you'll need to flex your style depending on your audience.
✨Demonstrate Leadership and Development Abilities
You'll be responsible for managing and developing your team. Think of examples where you've successfully supported colleagues in their growth. Discuss how you set objectives and monitor performance, showing that you can drive a team towards achieving departmental KPIs.
✨Emphasise Business Development Experience
Armstrong Watson is looking for someone who can identify growth opportunities. Prepare to talk about your previous business development initiatives and how you've generated new business. Be specific about strategies you've implemented and the results achieved.
