SME Director - Audit & Advisory

Fitzgerald Power; Waterford; Hybrid; EUR 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Fitzgerald Power is seeking a Director to lead the SME accounting, audit and advisory team in Waterford. You will shape the future of the SME department, manage key client relationships and drive monthly billing targets.

Join a growing Ireland-based firm with a strong emphasis on professional development, high-quality service, and collaboration across departments to deliver innovative accounting and advisory solutions.

Qualifications

• Qualified ACA/ACCA/CPA with Irish practice experience.
• 5+ years PQE in Irish practice.
• Strong knowledge of the Irish tax system.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the SME accounting, audit and advisory team.
• Deliver client assignments on time in line with billing targets.
• Organise statutory accounts, audits, management accounts and tax returns (CT & VAT).
• Manage a portfolio of clients and build direct client relationships.
• Ensure department KPIs are met and training needs are addressed.

Skills

Team leadership

Client relationship management

Billing targets

KPI management

Training & development

Strategic planning

Education

ACA / ACCA / CPA professional qualification

Tools

Accounting software proficiency

Job description

Job Description – Director, SME, Audit & Advisory

Reporting To: Partner, SME

Team: SME Accounting, Audit & Advisory

Location: Waterford, Ireland

Flex Working: We offer flexible working hours and operate a hybrid working model, based on the 60/40 rule; 3 days onsite and 2 set days remote

Salary: A competitive package will be offered to the right candidate

Status: Permanent/Full-time

Who We Are

At Fitzgerald Power, we have spent decades building a top-tier team of experts dedicated to delivering innovative and strategic accountancy services. As one of Ireland’s fastest growing accountancy firms, we are not just advisors, we are partners in growth, working closely with clients to navigate challenges and seize opportunities.

The Role

We are at an exciting point in Fitzgerald Power’s journey, and as part of our ambitious growth plans, we’re looking to welcome a Director – accounting, audit and advisory into our SME department. This newly created position represents a critical role in shaping the future of our SME team.

As Director, you will lead and develop our growing team, currently comprising of 18 people with additional support from other departments. You will be tasked with managing key client relationships whilst delivering monthly billing targets, and you will be assisted by the Management Team and SME Partner. If you thrive in a dynamic, client focused environment and are ready to play a pivotal role in driving innovation and excellence within our accounting and advisory services, we would love to hear from you.

What will you do?

Management of Fitzgerald Power’s accounting, audit and advisory SME team to include workflow management, management of individual team member KPI’s and the training and development requirements of team members.

Key duties include:

• The timely delivery of client assignments in accordance with the department’s
• workflow and billing targets.
• Organising, planning and completion of statutory accounts, audits, management
• accounts and tax returns (Corporation Tax and VAT) in accordance with the
• workflow plan.
• Preparation and completion of ad-hoc advisory assignments.
• Managing a portfolio of clients.
• Building direct client relationships (as per the portfolio assigned).
• Deliver timely client assignments in line with workflow and billing targets,
• including monthly billing targets.
• Completing all engagements in accordance with the firm’s agreed procedures.
• Capturing and reporting all KPI’s relevant for the purposes of the team’s Key
• Performance Management.
• Leading and managing the Accounting & Advisory SME team, together with the
• department’s partner.
• Working with the partner and wider team to ensure all department KPI’s are met.
• Working with professionalism and care, ensuring Fitzgerald Power’s values are
• always adhered to by both you and your team.

What will you bring?

• ACA / ACCA / CPA Professional Qualification.
• 5 years + PQE with Irish Practice experience.
• Knowledge of the Irish tax system.
• Proven track record in leading, managing, building and developing a team of
• accounting professionals.
• Strong technical knowledge & skills of Accounting (FRS) 102 and Auditing
• standards (ISA).
• The department is growing rapidly.
• A good understanding of accounting software packages.
• Strong work ethic.
• Problem solver.
• Growth mindset.
• Ability to take direction and work within a team environment.
• Strong communication, organisational and planning skills.
• Strong analytical and technical ability and excellent attention to detail.
• Strong team player with the ability to adapt to new challenges.