Our client is a tech-driven, innovative small accountancy and tax practice based in Belfast. Combining chartered accountancy and tax expertise with modern cloud technology, the firm supports ambitious, growing businesses and private clients across the UK.
Small enough to offer a genuinely personal, partner-led service but growing quickly, the firm has built a dynamic, collaborative team where people are trusted with real responsibility, recognised for their contribution and given room to develop.
The Role
Our client is looking for an experienced Associate Director to lead the accounts function and join the senior team alongside the partners. This is a senior leadership role with responsibility for a significant portfolio of clients, the quality of accounts and compliance work across the firm, and the development of the team.
Working closely with the partners, you will act as a trusted adviser to business owners and finance teams, helping growing businesses put the right financial systems and reporting in place and supporting them through growth, investment and exit. Internally, you will help shape how the accounts service is delivered and grown. For an ambitious senior manager or director who wants real influence in a growing boutique firm, this offers a genuine route towards partnership level responsibility.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead a significant portfolio of clients, taking overall responsibility for service delivery
- Act as a trusted adviser to business owners and senior finance teams
- Provide commercial insight on reporting, financial systems and growth planning
- Provide senior finance support to clients on an ad hoc basis where needed
- Act as the senior escalation point on complex client matters
Quality & Technical Oversight
- Oversee the final review of statutory accounts, management accounts and compliance work
- Maintain high standards of quality, governance and technical compliance across engagements
- Keep the firm up to date on accounting standards and regulatory developments
- Manage, develop and mentor the accounts team, from trainees through to managers
- Identify opportunities to expand services to existing clients and win new work
- Work with the partners and tax team to deliver integrated advice, including tax planning and structuring
- Contribute to the strategic direction of the firm and improvements to systems and processes
What You'll Need
- Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or equivalent)
- Significant post-qualification experience in practice, including time at senior manager level or above
- Strong technical expertise in financial reporting, FRS 102 and regulatory compliance
- Proven track record managing a complex client portfolio and leading teams
- Experience advising business owners and senior leadership on financial matters
- Experience working with high-growth, investor-backed or PE-backed businesses
- Exposure to corporate finance, transaction support or financial due diligence
- Knowledge of tax-efficient share schemes and investment reliefs
- Experience of business development and growing a client base
- Strong working knowledge of cloud accounting platforms
Skills Required
- Commercially astute, with the ability to spot opportunities and add value for clients
- Exceptional relationship-building and communication skills
- Natural leader who develops and motivates others
- Strong judgement and composure when dealing with complex issues
- Collaborative approach and comfortable working closely with the partners
What They Offer
- A senior role with genuine influence over the direction and growth of the firm
- Close working relationship with the partners and a route to further progression
- A genuine focus on work-life balance, with flexible working
- Varied, high-quality work with ambitious businesses and private clients
- Investment in modern cloud technology and tools
- A supportive, collaborative team culture
- Share options
For more information on this role, or any other Accountancy and Finance position, please contact Gemma Murphy at gemma@ochopeople.com.
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Associate Director, Accounts & Advisory employer: Ocho
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