Associate Director

Howett Thorpe; Wrecclesham; Hybrid; GBP 51,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-established independent firm in Farnham is looking for an Associate Director to join their leadership team. This role presents a partner-track opportunity for a qualified accountant with strong FRS 102 accounts and audit experience. You will oversee teams, support strategic growth, and implement process improvements. The company offers hybrid working, professional development, and a chance to make a significant impact on the firm's direction.

Benefits

Partner-track opportunity

25 days holiday

Professional development support

Qualifications

• Experience in practice and strong FRS 102 accounts understanding.
• Experience with audit engagements.
• Strong mentoring skills with the ability to support managers.

Responsibilities

• Oversee managers and audit work.
• Develop and guide team members.
• Maintain high standards of client service.
• Identify growth opportunities for clients.
• Contribute to strategic planning.

Skills

Leadership experience

FRS 102 accounts experience

Communication skills

Proactive approach

Education

ACA/ACCA qualified

Job description

We are delighted to be working with a well-established independent firm in Farnham 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

Farnham

Salary

60 000 DOE

Reference no:

HT15903f

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.

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