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- Tasks: Lead accounts preparation and audit engagements while mentoring the management team.
- Company: Established independent firm in Guildford with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Partner-track opportunity, hybrid working, 25 days holiday, and professional development.
- Why this job: Step up into a senior leadership role and make a real impact on firm growth.
- Qualifications: ACA/ACCA qualified with strong accounts and audit experience.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
We are delighted to be working with a well-established independent firm in Guildford on an exciting 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.
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 candidate 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
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
Locations
Associate Director in Guildford, Surrey employer: Howett Thorpe
Contact Detail:
Howett Thorpe Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director in Guildford, Surrey
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend local events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the hunt for an Associate Director role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those 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 improved processes, 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 directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director in Guildford, Surrey
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 showcase your leadership experience and how you can contribute to our firm's growth. Be genuine and let your personality come through – we love to see that!
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to mentor others and drive process improvements. We’re keen to see how you've made an impact in previous positions!
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. Plus, it shows you're proactive – a quality we admire!
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' development or implemented process improvements. Highlight your proactive approach!
✨Understand the Firm's Vision
Research the firm’s strategic goals and recent developments. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their growth and culture. Showing that you align with their vision will demonstrate your commitment and enthusiasm for the role.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
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 genuine interest and helps you assess if the firm is the right fit for you.
