Corporate Finance Director / Partner in Leeds

Corporate Finance Director / Partner in Leeds

Leeds Full-Time 54000 - 66000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and oversee Corporate Finance assignments while developing a high-performing team.
  • Company: Join Armstrong Watson, a values-driven firm with ambitious growth plans.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, and comprehensive health benefits.
  • Other info: Be part of a dynamic culture built on passion, trust, and continuous improvement.
  • Why this job: Shape your career in a respected firm focused on client relationships and excellence.
  • Qualifications: Experience at Partner level in Corporate Finance with strong leadership skills.

The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.

Corporate Finance Director / Partner

Department

Corporate Finance

Employment Type

Full Time

Location

Leeds

Reporting To

  • Mike Kienlen
  • Description

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 seeking an experienced Corporate Finance Director / Partner to play a key leadership role in driving the growth, performance and reputation of our Corporate Finance service line.

Key responsibilities will include but not be limited to

  • Client Delivery & Engagement Management
  • Lead and oversee a portfolio of Corporate Finance assignments, ensuring delivery is aligned to agreed scope, budgets and professional standards.
  • Stay current with Corporate Finance, accounting and relevant legislation to proactively identify risks and opportunities for clients.
  • Agree scopes of work and fees with clients prior to commencement and manage delivery against those agreements.
  • Monitor work in progress, maintaining clear and regular communication with clients and internal stakeholders.
  • Proactively manage fee overruns, agreeing fair and transparent outcomes with clients.
  • Authorise non‑contentious, non‑statutory documentation where legally appropriate.
  • Ensure work is fully implemented, appropriately billed and completed in line with firm standards, including post‑assignment debriefs.
  • Leadership & People Development
  • Lead, motivate and develop a high‑performing Corporate Finance team.
  • Set clear objectives for team members and provide regular feedback through 1:1s and performance reviews.
  • Conduct formal appraisals and competency assessments, identifying skills gaps and implementing development plans.
  • Contribute expertise, case studies and best practice to departmental training and knowledge‑sharing initiatives.
  • Champion a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
  • Business & Financial Management
  • Contribute to the strategic direction and tactical planning of the Corporate Finance service line.
  • Own and manage your area’s financial performance, including revenue, profitability and delivery against agreed targets.
  • Monitor performance against budgets and KPIs, sharing results with the wider service line.
  • Drive remedial actions where performance is below target and celebrate success where targets are exceeded.
  • Business Development
  • Achieve personal new business and fee targets through proactive networking and relationship building.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with key intermediaries and business partners to generate referral opportunities.
  • Actively support and enable cross‑selling of services across the firm, both into and out of the Corporate Finance client base.
  • Represent the firm externally at meetings, events, pitches and marketing initiatives, enhancing profile and reputation in the market

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

The Candidate

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

  • Experience operating at Partner or senior leadership level within Corporate Finance.
  • Strong technical grounding combined with commercial awareness and client‑facing credibility.
  • Demonstrated ability to win work, grow client relationships and deliver against financial targets.
  • An inclusive and collaborative leader with a passion for developing people and building high‑performing teams.
  • Excellent communication skills and the confidence to operate as a trusted adviser to owners, boards and intermediaries.
  • 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.

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Corporate Finance Director / Partner in Leeds employer: Armstrong Watson LLP

Armstrong Watson LLP is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values professional growth and development. With a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including a pension scheme, employees in Glasgow enjoy a collaborative environment that fosters meaningful client interactions and compliance excellence. The company's commitment to employee advancement ensures that team members can thrive in their careers while contributing to impactful tax solutions.

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Contact Details:

Armstrong Watson LLP Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Corporate Finance Director / Partner in Leeds

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 Corporate Finance Director / Partner in Leeds

Corporate Finance Expertise
Client Engagement Management
Financial Performance Management
Leadership and Team Development
Business Development
Networking Skills
Communication Skills

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.