Associate Director

Top End jobs; Guildford; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established independent firm in Guildford is seeking an Associate Director to join their leadership team. This role focuses on accounts preparation with opportunities in audit engagements. The ideal candidate will have ACA/ACCA qualifications, significant FRS 102 experience, and proven leadership skills. Responsibilities include guiding managers, maintaining client relationships, and driving strategic growth within the firm. With a hybrid working model and a clear path to partnership, this position is a significant career step for motivated individuals.

Benefits

Partner-track opportunity

Hybrid and flexible working

25 days holiday

Professional development and CPD support

Qualifications

• Experience in practice as an ACA/ACCA qualified accountant.
• Previous exposure to audit engagements.
• Ability to oversee managers and provide guidance.

Responsibilities

• Oversee managers and provide guidance on accounts and audit work.
• Support the development and progression of team members.
• Challenge partners to implement process improvements.

Skills

Strong FRS 102 accounts experience

Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills

Proven leadership or mentoring experience

Commercial awareness

Proactive implementation of ideas and improvements

Education

ACA/ACCA qualified

Job description

Associate Director

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.

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.

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)

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