Associate Director – Accounts (CHE31)

Affinia is a leading, UK Top 50 Accountancy firm. Through successful acquisitions and organic growth, the firm has seen significant development within the last 18 months. Last October we launched our new brand ‘Affinia’ (www.affinia.co.uk) which saw the coming together of LB Group and six other likeminded firms across the East & South East of England to form a combined challenger accounting, tax and business advisory firm.

With a combined heritage spanning over 300 years, we have more than 400 accountancy professionals based in Stratford, Colchester, Chelmsford, Ipswich, Halstead, Harlow, Orpington, Sidcup, Leigh-on-sea and Sutton. We advise businesses, government and public sector organisations and individuals in the UK and internationally across seven principal practice groups: Accountancy & Advisory, Tax and Planning, Audit Services, Corporate Finance, Digital Solutions, Payroll and Financial Planning.

We have invested continuously in technology and gained in-depth knowledge across a broad range of markets, growing through acquisitions and private investment. We offer an exceptional service to our clients, with access to our sector experts to develop the strategy that will help them reach their goals. We keep a finger on the industry pulse, so our clients receive the best short to medium and long-term advice.

Purpose of the role:
As an Associate Director within the Accounts team, you will lead a high-performing client portfolio, acting as a strategic advisor and ensuring the delivery of accurate, timely, and commercially effective services. You will oversee multiple teams across complex engagements, maintaining quality control, managing risk, and driving efficiency.

A key part of the role is to develop and retain strong client relationships, proactively identifying opportunities for additional support and working closely with Directors on business development initiatives. Internally, you will play a pivotal role in mentoring and developing Managers, contributing to succession planning, and assisting with the leadership of the service line and firm-wide projects that enhance operational excellence.

This role balances strong technical leadership with people management, commercial awareness, and strategic contribution, forming a critical step towards future progression to Director level.

Accountabilities:

• Lead the delivery of services across a portfolio of complex or high-value clients, ensuring deadlines, budgets, and quality standards are consistently met.
• Act as a strategic advisor to clients, offering proactive guidance on financial, regulatory, and operational matters.
• Identify client risks and emerging needs, proposing appropriate additional services in collaboration with Directors.
• Manage and develop Managers, Assistant Managers, and Senior Accountants, ensuring strong team engagement, performance, and succession planning.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and development conversations, setting clear expectations and providing targeted feedback.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, and training initiatives to strengthen the capability and culture of the Accounts service line.
• Review and sign off on complex accounting work, ensuring compliance with UK GAAP (FRS 102), tax legislation, and internal quality standards.

Skills/Qualifications:

• ACA, ACCA, or equivalent qualification (fully qualified)
• Minimum of 5–7 years’ experience in UK accountancy practice, including experience at Manager/ Senior Manager level
• Up-to-date CPD record with advanced technical knowledge in accounting and tax compliance
• Expert-level understanding of UK GAAP (especially FRS 102, and ideally IFRS), corporate tax, VAT, and financial reporting requirements
• Extensive experience in reviewing and signing off complex statutory accounts and advisory work
• Skilled in analysing client risk, identifying technical issues, and delivering accurate, commercially sound solutions
• High proficiency in practice and accounting software (e.g. CCH, Xero, Sage, QuickBooks), including workflow and billing tools
• Proven track record of managing multiple teams and direct reports across different levels
• Strong delegation, coaching, and mentoring capabilities, with a focus on staff development and succession planning

Please use the ‘Apply Now’ button to view the full role and benefits package.