At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead client relationships and manage a portfolio while driving business growth.
- Company: Join a dynamic firm in Dumfries with a focus on professional development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, flexible working, and health benefits.
- Other info: Opportunities for continuous professional development and career advancement.
- Why this job: Make an impact by developing teams and driving business initiatives.
- Qualifications: Qualified Accountant with strong communication and management skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
We are recruiting for a Business Services Director to join our Dumfries office.
Responsibilities
- Conduct client meetings without a Business Services Partner
- Act as a key "Relationship Manager" for a designated portfolio of clients
- Raise and approve fees in connection with own portfolio
- Set formal objectives for all direct reports and monitor their progress / manage their development
- Monitor individual and team performance versus original objectives and departmental KPIs and provide feedback to the relevant Business Services Partner
- Sign off and authorise documents / accounts / returns where legally acceptable
- Build own network of professional contacts to generate new business
- Assist with recruitment activity in the team and deal with other people‑related matters when required
Candidate Requirements
- Full UK Driving Licence
- Qualified Accountant under ICAS, ICAEW or ACCA
- 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
- Sound knowledge and understanding of all relevant UK taxes such as Personal Tax, Corporation Tax, VAT and Capital Taxes etc
- Good understanding of all other services offered by the firm, to identify opportunities to refer to other Service Lines
- Excellent communicator in both verbal and written forms and able to flex style depending on 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
Benefits
- We will provide a competitive salary and a positive benefits package which includes:
- Salary Sacrifice Employer Contribution Pension Scheme including Life Cover (4× salary) and Income Protection
- Competitive annual leave entitlement & an Annual Leave Purchase Scheme allowing you to buy up to 5 additional days annual leave each year
- Smart Working Policy, allowing balance of 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) – allowing you to claim up to GBP 2,500 for each referral
- Investment towards Continuous Professional Development (CPD), including access to comprehensive training courses and materials
- Paid professional membership fees
Business Services Director | Dumfries, UK employer: Armstrong Watson
Join our dynamic team in Dumfries as a Business Services Director, where we prioritise employee growth and development through comprehensive training and a supportive work culture. Enjoy a competitive salary alongside a robust benefits package, including a Smart Working Policy that promotes work-life balance, and opportunities for professional networking and business development. We are committed to fostering a positive environment that values your contributions and encourages meaningful career progression.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Services Director | Dumfries, UK
✨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. 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 | Dumfries, UK
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.
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'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
✨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.
✨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 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 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.
