Manager Transaction Services in Manchester

Armstrong Watson are a trusted and leading independent Accountancy and Business Advisory firm based in the North of England and Scotland. Our services and advice are all centred around our Quest to support our clients to achieve prosperity, a secure future and peace of mind, which cannot be achieved without the expertise of our dedicated and valued colleagues. With approximately 800 colleagues situated across 19 offices, our people and our culture are at the heart of what we do. We recognise the unique impact we have on not only our clients, but also our colleagues, and the communities in which we operate. Our success is dependent on every colleague embracing all four of our core values: Honesty, Humanity, Trust and Passion.

The Role

Due to continued growth within our Corporate Finance team, we are seeking to appoint a highly motivated Transaction Services Manager to be based in either our Leeds or Manchester office. You will work closely with our Transaction Services Partner, taking a hands‑on role in delivering high‑quality financial due diligence, managing projects, and supporting our growing pipeline of advisory work. The main elements of this role will include:

• Undertaking and reviewing detailed financial analysis and interpreting key outputs
• Identifying key deal issues and commercial considerations
• Drafting high‑quality due diligence reports and reviewing work produced by other team members
• Project managing due diligence assignments and taking ownership of draft report production
• Liaising with clients, target businesses and other professional advisers
• Leading and supporting Corporate Finance Executives and Assistants, including effective delegation
• Managing workflow, planning assignments, and ensuring client deadlines are met
• Monitoring project performance against budgets and timelines
• Supporting wider Armstrong Watson service lines
• Building and maintaining external relationships with intermediaries, funders, lawyers, and the broader business community
• Supporting business development activities and raising the firm’s market profile

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 candidate to have:

• A recognised professional qualification (ICAS, ACA or ACCA)
• A minimum of two years’ experience gained in a dedicated Transaction Services role
• Strong financial analysis skills with the ability to interpret and present complex information
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce high‑quality reports
• Strong project management and organisational capability
• Ability to build strong working relationships with clients, advisers, and colleagues
• A proactive approach to business development, networking, and market engagement
• Good understanding of related professional services such as audit, tax, accounting, insolvency and corporate finance (desirable)

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 up to 26 days, plus Bank Holidays
• 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
• Ongoing access to online training courses and materials
• Paid professional membership fees
• Charity of the Month
• Colleague of the Month
• Subsidised social events throughout the year

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.