Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead accounts preparation and mentor managers while driving firm growth.
- Company: Established independent firm in Farnham with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, 25 days holiday, and professional development.
- Why this job: Join a leadership team and make a real impact on the firm's future.
- Qualifications: ACA/ACCA qualified with strong accounts and audit experience.
- Other info: Clear partner-track path and opportunities for personal growth.
We are delighted to be working with a well-established independent firm in Farnham 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.
Apply below after reading through all the details and supporting information regarding this job opportunity.
Job Title Associate Director
Job Type Permanent
Location Farnham
Salary 60,000 – 80,000 DOE
Reference no: HT15903f
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
If this job is not of interest to you, but you know a friend or colleague who may be interested, recommend them to us and receive a minimum of £100 in vouchers if we assist them in securing a permanent role and a minimum of £25 in vouchers if we place them in a temporary assignment. (Terms & conditions apply)
Associate Director employer: Howett Thorpe
Contact Detail:
Howett Thorpe Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry and let them know you're on the hunt for an Associate Director role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the firm thoroughly. Understand their values, recent projects, and challenges they face. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their growth.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! As an Associate Director, you'll need to demonstrate your mentoring and management skills. Think of specific examples where you've led a team or implemented improvements, and be ready to share them during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Associate Director role. Highlight your leadership experience and technical skills, especially in FRS 102 and audit engagements, to show us you're the right fit.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re excited about this opportunity and how your background aligns with our needs. Be genuine and let your personality come through!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share your achievements! Quantify your successes where possible, like improvements you've made or teams you've led. We love to see how you've made an impact in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s straightforward and ensures your application goes straight to us, so we can review it promptly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Howett Thorpe
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Associate Director, you'll need to demonstrate your strong FRS 102 accounts experience. Brush up on key accounting principles and be ready to discuss how you've applied them in previous roles. Prepare specific examples of accounts preparation and audit engagements to showcase your expertise.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role involves mentoring and guiding managers, so be prepared to talk about your leadership experience. 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 culture and strategic goals. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their growth and development. Show that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their leadership team and driving their success.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about the firm's future plans, team dynamics, and expectations for the Associate Director role. This shows your interest and helps you assess if the firm aligns with your career aspirations.
