Associate Director

Howett Thorpe; Woking; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-established independent firm in Guildford is looking for an Associate Director who will oversee managers and lead accounts preparation and audit engagements. Ideal candidates will be ACA/ACCA qualified with strong FRS 102 experience, ready to take a step into senior leadership. The role offers hybrid working and a partner-track opportunity, along with professional development support.

Benefits

Partner-track opportunity

Hybrid and flexible working

25 days holiday

Professional development and CPD support

Qualifications

• ACA/ACCA qualified with experience in practice.
• Strong FRS 102 accounts experience required.
• Proven leadership or mentoring experience.

Responsibilities

• Oversee managers and provide guidance on accounts and audit work.
• Support the development and progression of the managers and other team members.
• Take ownership of client relationships while maintaining service delivery standards.

Skills

Leadership and mentoring

FRS 102 accounts experience

Excellent communication

Commercial awareness

Proactive implementation

Education

ACA/ACCA qualified

Job description

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.

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 engagementsProven 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