Associate Director in Milton Keynes

Connolly Accountants & Business Advisors is a growing independent accountancy practice based in Milton Keynes.

We support individuals, small and medium-sized businesses with a wide range of accountancy, tax and business advisory services, helping them navigate challenges and achieve their goals.

At the heart of everything we do is a commitment to building strong, long-lasting relationships and delivering a personal, proactive service our clients can rely on.

With a talented team of over 25 professionals, we’ve built a collaborative and supportive culture where people are trusted, encouraged to share ideas and given the opportunity to develop rewarding careers.

The Opportunity

We're looking for an experienced and ambitious Associate Director to join our leadership team at an exciting stage in our firm's growth.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who wants to play a key role in shaping our future, building trusted relationships with ambitious business owners and helping to drive the continued success of the business.

You’ll bring more than technical expertise.

You’ll lead and develop client relationships, support and inspire our people, contribute to strategic decision-making and identify opportunities that create lasting value for both our clients and the firm.

You’ll also take ownership of the commercial performance of your client portfolio, balancing exceptional client service with effective management of WIP, recoverability, billing and fee budgets.

We’re looking for someone who thinks commercially, embraces innovation and technology, and is continually looking for better ways to enhance client experience, improve efficiency and strengthen our business.

In return, you’ll join a collaborative and supportive leadership team where your ideas will be valued, your contribution recognised and you’ll have the opportunity to make a genuine impact while developing your career as the firm continues to evolve.

Skills & Experience

• ACCA and/or CTA qualified
• 8–10 years' relevant experience within a UK accountancy practice, including corporate and personal taxation
• Demonstrable business advisory and tax advisory experience
• Commercially driven, with a proven track record of identifying advisory opportunities, converting them into billable work and growing recurring fee income
• Experience managing a significant client portfolio, acting as their primary advisor and ensuring exceptional client experience
• Experience managing a client portfolio including WIP, recoverability, billing, debtors and achieving fee budgets
• Evidence of winning new business, cross-selling services and developing long-term client relationships
• Strong leadership experience, with the ability to lead, develop and mentor teams, including managers and senior staff
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the confidence to handle challenging conversations professionally
• Experience participating in business development activities, including networking, referrals and client meetings
• Experience contributing to strategic planning, operational improvements and firm-wide initiatives
• Able to delegate effectively while maintaining quality and empowering team members.
• Who We’re Looking For
• You have an entrepreneurial mindset, enjoy taking ownership and are motivated by the opportunity to help grow the business while progressing towards Director level
• You thrive in a fast-paced, growing firm and are excited by the opportunity to help shape its future
• You are comfortable leading change, helping the team embrace new systems, technology and ways of working
• You’re a trusted advisor who enjoys building long-term relationships with business owners and becoming an integral part of their journey
• You have high emotional intelligence and build trust quickly, using your influencing and coaching skills to bring out the best in clients and colleagues alike
• You’re confident working independently, making informed decisions and taking ownership of your work with minimal supervision
• You lead by example, supporting and developing those around you while fostering a collaborative, high-performing team culture
• You’re passionate about AI, emerging technologies and innovation, continually looking for ways to improve efficiency and enhance the client experience
• You’re naturally curious and enjoy challenging the status quo, bringing fresh ideas that improve both the client experience and the way we work
• You understand the value of building your personal brand and are happy to contribute to networking, marketing and thought leadership activities that support the firm’s continued growth
• You’re organised, focused and able to prioritise competing demands without compromising quality
• You’re conscientious, accountable and take pride in delivering work to a consistently high standard
• You’re resilient, adaptable and remain calm under pressure
• You bring a positive, solutions-focused attitude and enjoy working collaboratively to achieve the best outcomes for our clients and our team

What We Offer

• Competitive salary, commensurate with experience
• Flexitime
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Annual bonus
• Death in service cover
• Health insurance
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (with option to salary sacrifice and buy 5 more)
• Enhanced pension contribution
• BUPA Cash Plan
• Professional subscriptions
• Electric vehicle scheme
• Genuine progression opportunities in a rapidly growing firm
• #J-18808-Ljbffr