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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape assurance services, driving quality and client relationships.
- Company: Join Duncan & Toplis, a top independent accountancy firm celebrating 100 years of excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, volunteer hours, fitness classes, and mental health support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic role with growth opportunities and a focus on inclusivity.
- Qualifications: Must hold RI status and have proven leadership experience in assurance.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to continuous improvement and technical excellence.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Head of Talent | Neurodiversity Champion | Driving Inclusive, Future-Ready Workforces
Join Duncan & Toplis
Duncan & Toplis is one of the UK’s largest independent accountants and business advisers. Celebrating our 100-year anniversary in 2025, we are on course for the biggest period of growth in our history. Our vision to be the team that clients always choose to work with and where talented people belong remains at the forefront and guides everything that we do.
We are looking for an experienced and dynamic Assurance Director with Responsible Individual (RI) status to join our leadership team. This is a pivotal role in shaping the direction and delivery of our assurance service line, driving quality, client relationships, and growth.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Champion our purpose, values, and behaviours as part of the senior leadership team.
- Lead strategic planning for the assurance service line, including budget setting, forecasting, and integration across departments.
- Drive workforce planning and talent development to meet future business needs.
- Promote business growth by identifying new opportunities and expanding existing services across the Derbyshire region.
Team Management & Development
- Lead, mentor, and coach senior team members, ensuring clear objectives, regular check-ins, and strong performance management.
- Embed a culture of continuous development, succession planning, and skills progression.
- Foster a values-led and high-performing team environment.
Client Relationships & Delivery Excellence
- Take overall responsibility for client engagement and satisfaction — aiming for a Net Promoter Score of 9 or 10.
- Oversee high-quality, timely delivery of assurance assignments to budget, ensuring all work meets regulatory and internal quality standards.
- Act as the key point of contact for complex client matters, anticipating needs and delivering strategic advice.
- Monitor and manage key financial metrics including recovery, WIP, lock-up, chargeable time, and departmental margin.
- Drive value-based pricing while ensuring quality service delivery.
- Coordinate with directors across service lines to ensure integrated service delivery and positive stakeholder outcomes.
- Share knowledge and insights internally to support team development and cross-functional collaboration.
Business Development & Networking
- Build a strong pipeline of opportunities by nurturing a network of prospective clients and professional introducers.
- Lead pitches, tender submissions and client proposals aligned to the wider group strategy.
- Identify opportunities to cross-sell services, adding value for existing clients.
Technical Expertise & Governance
- Act as a recognised technical expert internally and externally.
- Stay abreast of industry changes and ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and professional standards.
- Contribute to thought leadership, client briefings, and technical forums.
What You’ll Need to Succeed
- Hold RI status with a recognised professional body (e.g. ICAEW).
- Proven experience working within, and covering the Derbyshire, and surrounding regions.
- Fully qualified in a relevant field (ACA/ACCA or equivalent).
- Proven leadership experience in an assurance environment.
- Strategic thinker with strong commercial acumen and advisory experience.
- Effective communicator with excellent stakeholder and client engagement skills.
- Proven ability to develop high-performing teams and inspire future leaders.
- Business development expertise, with a strong track record of winning and growing client relationships.
- Up-to-date knowledge of regulatory frameworks and professional standards.
Why Join Duncan & Toplis?
From flexible working arrangements and time-matched volunteer hours to online fitness classes and mental health support, we’re committed to helping our people maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle. We support talent development through CPD and training opportunities. Our purpose, values, and commitments to trust, partnership, and inclusivity guide our work and culture.
Sounds like the right fit for you? Let’s talk!
Duncan & Toplis is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, ensuring equal opportunities for all candidates.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced individual with broad and in-depth technical knowledge of statutory accounting and compliance to support our client work and internal teams. The role emphasizes technical accuracy, continuous improvement, and collaborative problem-solving, with responsibility for high-quality service delivery to clients.
Application details
Additional information is available on request. This description reflects the current role and is subject to change.
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Assurance Director - (RI) employer: Duncan & Toplis
Contact Detail:
Duncan & Toplis Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assurance Director - (RI)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential colleagues or clients on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨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 showcase why you’re the perfect fit for Duncan & Toplis and how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to talk about your experience and how it relates to the role of Assurance Director. Highlight your leadership skills and any successful projects you've led that demonstrate your ability to drive growth and client satisfaction.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Assurance Director - (RI)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see how your values align with ours at Duncan & Toplis. Share why you’re excited about the opportunity to drive inclusive, future-ready workforces.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your relevant experience and skills that match the job description. We love seeing how your background in assurance can contribute to our growth and client satisfaction.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your achievements and how they relate to the role. Avoid fluff and focus on what makes you a great fit!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Duncan & Toplis
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of assurance services and the regulatory frameworks relevant to the role. Brush up on your technical knowledge and be ready to discuss how you’ve applied it in past roles, especially in a leadership capacity.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading teams and driving performance. Think about times when you’ve mentored others or fostered a high-performing team environment. This is crucial for a role that involves managing senior team members.
✨Demonstrate Business Acumen
Be ready to discuss your approach to business development and how you’ve successfully identified new opportunities in the past. Highlight any specific strategies you’ve used to grow client relationships and expand services, particularly in the Derbyshire region.
✨Engage with Their Values
Familiarise yourself with Duncan & Toplis’ purpose and values. During the interview, weave these into your responses to show that you align with their culture. Discuss how you can contribute to their mission of fostering inclusivity and driving positive impact.
