Grants Advisory Services Associate

Clive Owen Llp; Tees Valley; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A consultancy firm in Darlington is seeking a Grant Advisory Services Associate to undertake grant audit work and support clients throughout the grant process. Ideal candidates will have strong organisational and communication skills, and possess or be pursuing a relevant professional qualification. The role offers mentorship, professional development, and a direct client-facing experience.

Benefits

Study support for professional qualifications

Real world client experience

Career progression opportunities

Mentorship from experienced professionals

Training in modern tools

Qualifications

• Detail-driven and curious mindset.
• Comfortable communicating with clients face-to-face, by phone, and email.
• Ability to analyse data and identify risks.

Responsibilities

• Undertake grant audits and prepare reports.
• Complete assurance assignments on grant funding.
• Build and maintain client relationships.

Skills

Strong organisational skills

Excellent communication skills

Good IT skills (Excel)

Attention to detail

Proactive problem-solving

Flexibility in managing priorities

Education

AAT/ACA/ACCA qualification or equivalent experience

Tools

Accounting and reporting software

Job description

We are recruiting for the following position for our Darlington office.

Type: Full Time/Permanent

Location: Darlington

At Clive Owen LLP, our Grant Advisory Services team helps clients unlock funding opportunities to bring their projects to life. As a Grant Advisory Services Associate, you’ll work closely with clients to undertake grant audit work, prepare compelling applications, ensure compliance, and provide expert guidance throughout the grant process.

You’ll gain hands‑on experience, use modern tools, and develop skills that open doors to a rewarding career in advisory and beyond.

What you’ll be doing

• Undertake grant audits and independent accountants’ reports.
• Complete assurance assignments on grant funding expenditure.
• Work with clients to develop strong business cases for grant support, including preparing financial forecasts.
• Write appraisal reports on third‑party applications.
• Build strong client relationships and deliver exceptional service, including attending client premises across the North‑East and North Yorkshire.
• Contribute to team meetings and share ideas for process improvements.
• Support the department by updating systems and improving workflows.
• Completing a professional accountancy qualification or, if already held, maintaining technical knowledge through CPD and applying best practices.

What we’re looking for

We value enthusiasm and potential just as much as prior experience.

• Strong organisational skills and ability to meet deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills—comfortable with clients face‑to‑face, by phone, and email.
• Good IT skills (Excel is key).
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Proactive and able to show initiative when solving problems.
• Flexible and able to manage multiple priorities.

Nice to have

• AAT/ACA/ACCA qualification (or working towards) or equivalent experience, if not then a desire to study towards one of these qualifications.
• Experience in audit or grant‑related work.
• Ability to analyse data and identify risks or limitations.
• Skilled in writing clear, structured reports.
• Awareness of grant funding processes and compliance requirements.
• Ability to travel to client sites across the North East and North Yorkshire.

What you’ll get from us

• Professional Qualifications: Study support for AAT/ACA/ACCA.
• Real World Experience: Work directly with clients from day one.
• Career Progression: A clear pathway into senior advisory roles.
• Mentorship & Support: Learn from experienced professionals.
• Modern Tools: Training in leading accounting and reporting software.

Key Skills you’ll build

• Grant advisory and assurance expertise.
• Report writing and communication skills.
• Critical thinking and problem solving.
• Organisation and time management.
• Confidence in working directly with clients.

If you’re detail‑driven, curious, and excited to start your career in grant advisory services with a firm that values your growth, we’d love to hear from you!