At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead client relationships and drive business growth in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join Armstrong Watson, a forward-thinking firm with ambitious goals.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, and extensive professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Opportunity to make a real impact in a values-driven culture.
- Why this job: Be part of a respected team shaping the future of financial advisory services.
- Qualifications: Qualified Accountant with strong communication and leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Department: Business Services
Location: Newcastle
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 or Partner (depending on experience) to join our Newcastle office. The main elements of this role will include:
- Conducting client meetings
- 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 the generating of new business
- Assisting with recruitment activity in the team and dealing with other 'People' related matters when required
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:
- 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.
Strategic Business Services Director & Growth Partner employer: Armstrong Watson
Armstrong Watson is an exceptional employer, committed to fostering a values-driven culture that prioritises professionalism and client relationships. Located in Newcastle, the firm offers a supportive environment with genuine opportunities for career growth, competitive benefits, and a strong focus on employee well-being, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Business Services Director & Growth Partner
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with yours. This will help you articulate why you're a great fit and show that you genuinely care about being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your experience and how it relates to the role. Keep it concise but impactful. Remember, you want to leave them thinking, 'Wow, we need this person on our team!'
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit!
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Business Services Director & Growth Partner
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 reflects the skills and experiences that align with the job description. Highlight your experience in managing client relationships and driving business development initiatives, as these are key for us.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've built long-term client relationships and contributed to team success in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Armstrong Watson
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Strategic 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 how you've applied this knowledge in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Relationship Management Skills
This role requires excellent communication and relationship management skills. Prepare examples of how you've built and maintained client relationships in the past. Think about specific instances where your approach led to successful outcomes for both clients and your team.
✨Demonstrate Leadership and Development
You’ll be managing direct reports, so be prepared to discuss your leadership style. Share examples of how you've supported colleagues' development and driven performance. Highlight any initiatives you've led that resulted in team growth or improved KPIs.
✨Align with Their Values
Armstrong Watson values passion, trust, humanity, and honesty. Research these values and think about how they resonate with your own professional ethos. Be ready to articulate how you embody these values in your work and how you can contribute to their culture.
