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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead accounts preparation and audit engagements while mentoring the management team.
- Company: Established independent firm in Guildford with a supportive and ambitious culture.
- Benefits: Partner-track opportunity, hybrid working, 25 days holiday, and professional development support.
- Why this job: Step up into a senior leadership role and make a real impact on firm growth.
- Qualifications: ACA/ACCA qualified with strong FRS 102 accounts and leadership experience.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
We are delighted to be working with a well-established independent firm in Guildford on an exciting Associate Director opportunity. This role is ideal for a highly motivated and driven qualified accountant looking to take a significant step up in their career. With a clear partner-track path, you will become a key member of the leadership team, overseeing managers, challenging partners, and driving the growth and development of the firm.
Please read the following job description thoroughly to ensure you are the right fit for this role before applying.
Job Title Associate Director
Job Type Permanent
Location Guildford
Salary £60,000 – 80,000 DOE
Reference no: HT15903g
Associate Director – About The Role
As Associate Director, your primary focus will be accounts preparation, but you will also have exposure to audit engagements. You will support and mentor the management team, helping them develop their technical skills and client management capabilities. At the same time, you will have the autonomy to implement improvements, share your ideas, and contribute directly to the firm’s strategic growth.
This is a rare opportunity to combine hands-on technical work with leadership responsibility in a supportive yet ambitious environment.
Key responsibilities:
Oversee managers and provide guidance on accounts and audit work
Support the development and progression of the managers and other members of the team
Challenge and collaborate with partners to implement process improvements and efficiency initiatives
Take ownership of client relationships and maintain high standards of service delivery
Review accounts in accordance with FRS 102, ensuring accuracy and compliance
Identify opportunities to grow the firm’s client portfolio and service offerings
Contribute to strategic planning and operational initiatives as a key member of the leadership team
The successful Associate Director will have:
ACA/ACCA qualified with experience in practice
Strong FRS 102 accounts experience
Previous exposure to audit engagements
Proven leadership or mentoring experience
Highly motivated, commercially aware, and ready for a step up into a senior leadership position
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
A proactive approach with the ability to implement ideas and improvements
Associate Director – Benefits
Partner-track opportunity
Hybrid and flexible working
25 days holiday
Professional development and CPD support
Opportunity to have a real impact on firm growth and culture
Howett Thorpe are acting as a recruitment agency in relation to this role and comply with all relevant UK legislation and do not discriminate on any protected characteristics. Due to the high volume of applications we currently receive, we are unable to respond to all candidates. If you do not hear from a Consultant within 5 working days, please assume that you have not been successful. xiskglj
Refer a friend
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Associate Director employer: Howett Thorpe
Contact Detail:
Howett Thorpe Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend networking events, join relevant online groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current employees at firms you’re interested in. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Ace the Informational Interview
If you can, set up informal chats with professionals in your desired role. This is a great way to learn more about the company culture and expectations. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the position and helps us get to know you better before the formal interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As an Associate Director, leadership is key! Be ready to share examples of how you've mentored others or led projects in your previous roles. We want to see that you can inspire and guide a team while driving growth and improvements.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website for the best chance of landing that interview! It streamlines the process and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to apply directly!
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Associate Director role. Highlight your ACA/ACCA qualifications and relevant experience in accounts preparation and audit engagements. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this position. Mention your leadership experience and how you can contribute to the firm's growth. We love seeing enthusiasm and personality!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Whether it's improving processes or mentoring team members, we want to know how you've made a difference in your previous roles. Numbers and specific examples work wonders!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Howett Thorpe
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Associate Director, you'll be dealing with accounts preparation and audit engagements. Brush up on FRS 102 standards and be ready to discuss your experience with them. Prepare specific examples of how you've ensured accuracy and compliance in past roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role involves mentoring and guiding managers, so be prepared to share your leadership experiences. Think of instances where you've successfully supported team members or implemented process improvements. Highlight your proactive approach and how it has positively impacted your previous teams.
✨Understand the Firm's Vision
Research the firm’s goals and recent developments. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their strategic growth and client portfolio expansion. Showing that you understand their ambitions will demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and the company.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about the firm's culture, leadership style, and future plans. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the firm aligns with your career aspirations and values.
