At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a diverse client portfolio and develop high-performing teams in a progressive accountancy practice.
- Company: Highly respected accountancy firm offering strong career progression and partner-level exposure.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, generous leave, and extensive professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive culture focused on collaboration and high performance.
- Why this job: Make a genuine impact in a leadership role with significant autonomy and growth potential.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified ACA, ACCA, or ICAS with 10+ years of relevant experience.
The predicted salary is between 85000 - 85000 £ per year.
Salary: £85,000 + DOE (+ Excellent Benefits Package)
Location: Skipton | Hybrid Working Available
Leadership Opportunity | Strong Career Progression | Partner-Level Exposure
Are you an ambitious ACA, ACCA or ICAS qualified accountant looking for a senior leadership role within a highly respected and progressive accountancy practice? Our client is seeking an experienced Business Services Director to lead a substantial client portfolio, develop high-performing teams, and play a key role in driving strategic growth across the firm. This is an outstanding opportunity for a commercially minded practice professional who thrives on client relationships, people leadership, and business development.
The Opportunity
As Business Services Director, you will take ownership of a diverse portfolio of clients while providing leadership to a talented team of accounting professionals. Key responsibilities will include:
- Acting as the principal relationship manager for a portfolio of business clients
- Leading client meetings and providing strategic business advice independently
- Managing and developing long-term client relationships
- Raising, reviewing and approving client fees
- Reviewing and authorising accounts, tax returns and related documentation where appropriate
- Leading, mentoring and developing team members across the department
- Setting objectives, monitoring performance, and supporting career development plans
- Driving departmental performance against KPIs and strategic objectives
- Identifying opportunities to introduce additional advisory and specialist services
- Building a professional network to generate new business opportunities
- Supporting recruitment activities and wider people management initiatives
- Contributing to the continued growth and success of the practice
What We're Looking For
Qualifications
- ICAS, ICAEW or ACCA fully qualified
- Full UK driving licence
- Relevant practising experience within a UK accountancy practice environment
Essential Experience
- Minimum 10+ years' post-qualified experience (PQE) within accountancy practice
- Extensive UK Practice experience managing owner-managed businesses, partnerships and SMEs
- Significant experience overseeing a client portfolio and leading client relationships
- Proven team leadership and staff development experience
- Demonstrable success in business development and winning new work
Technical Expertise
- Strong technical knowledge across:
- Statutory accounts preparation under UK GAAP
- Non-statutory accounts
- Sole trader and partnership accounts
- Corporation Tax
- Personal Tax
- VAT
- Capital Taxes
- Financial reporting and compliance requirements
- Practice management systems and cloud accounting technologies
Personal Attributes
- A confident and credible client adviser
- Commercially aware and growth-focused
- An excellent communicator with strong stakeholder management skills
- Capable of leading, motivating and developing teams
- Proactive, organised and solutions-focused
- Passionate about delivering exceptional client service
Career Development & Progression
This role offers excellent long-term prospects, including:
- Exposure to senior leadership and strategic decision-making
- Opportunity to influence departmental growth
- Ongoing investment in professional and leadership development
- Access to extensive CPD programmes and technical training
- Clear progression pathways within a growing and ambitious practice
Benefits Package
In addition to a highly competitive salary, our client offers an excellent benefits package including:
- Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
- Enhanced employer pension scheme
- Life assurance (4x salary)
- Income protection cover
- Generous annual leave entitlement
- Option to purchase up to 5 additional days' holiday
- Health Cash Plan
- Employee Assistance Programme (24/7 confidential support)
- Paid flu vaccinations
- Paid eye tests
- Professional membership fees paid
- Comprehensive CPD and training support
- Client referral incentive scheme
- Employee referral bonuses of up to £2,500
- Long-term career progression opportunities
- Access to a collaborative, supportive and high-performing culture
Apply Today
If you are an experienced practice professional seeking a leadership position where you can make a genuine impact, we would be delighted to hear from you. For a confidential discussion or to apply, please contact: David Hawthorne-Finch Email: d.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com Applications will be reviewed on a strictly confidential basis.
Contact Details:
Trades Workforce Solutions Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Services Director in Skipton
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Trades Workforce Solutions. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Services Director in Skipton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Trades Workforce Solutions.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Trades Workforce Solutions's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Trades Workforce Solutions
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Trades Workforce Solutions.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Trades Workforce Solutions will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Trades Workforce Solutions employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
