Managing Partner / Executive Director

Sharon Nurock Recruitment; Durban; On-site; ZAR 500 000 - 600 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking a Managing Partner / Executive Director to lead day-to-day operations at a premier professional services firm. The ideal candidate will possess a Chartered Accountant designation, 10+ years in audit or professional services, and a strong ability to drive growth and inspire high-performing teams. This role offers a competitive salary and significant equity participation opportunities.

Benefits

Competitive executive salary

Performance-linked share options

Annual and long-term incentives

Qualifications

• 10+ years post-articles in audit, accounting or professional services.
• 5+ years in a senior leadership or executive role.
• Proven track record of driving growth and managing key client portfolios.

Responsibilities

• Assume full leadership of the firm and manage operational delivery.
• Drive client retention, satisfaction and identify new business opportunities.
• Uphold professional and regulatory standards as Registered Auditor.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Client relationship management

Operational excellence

Technical acumen

Education

Chartered Accountant (CA(SA))

Registered Auditor (IRBA)

Job description

Opportunity: Managing Partner / Executive Director (CA(SA), RA Eligible)

About the Opportunity

Our client is a fast-growing group of accounting, auditing and advisory firms, with a presence in Durban, Johannesburg and Cape Town. This is a high-impact leadership role reporting to the Group CEO at a leading professional services firm with a strong client base across multiple industries.

As the founder steps into a group-level leadership role, the firm is seeking a visionary Managing Partner / Executive Director to take the reins, leading the firm’s day-to-day operations, continuing to grow high-performing teams, managing key client relationships and driving the next phase of growth.

With centralised support, modern infrastructure and advanced systems already in place, this role allows the incoming leader to focus purely on strategic growth, operational excellence and client success.

Strategic Mandate

• Lead the firm to grow exponentially in five years through organic growth and strategic acquisitions.
• Execute the group’s strategic vision while ensuring compliance, quality and exceptional client service.
• Build, mentor and inspire a high-performing team aligned with the firm’s values.
• Strengthen and expand client relationships to solidify the firm’s market leadership.
• Uphold technical and regulatory excellence as the firm’s Registered Auditor (RA).

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Execution

• Assume full leadership of the firm: performance, operational delivery and team outcomes.
• Translate board strategy into tangible operational plans and measurable results.
• Lead all client-facing functions to deliver world-class service and value.

Client & Business Development

• Own and nurture all client relationships.
• Drive client retention, satisfaction and cross-service engagement.
• Identify and secure new business and acquisition opportunities aligned with strategic goals.

Technical, Quality & Regulatory

• Uphold the highest professional, ethical and technical standards.
• Serve as (or become) the firm’s Registered Auditor (IRBA).
• Oversee compliance, quality control and audit review processes.

People & Culture

• Lead, develop and inspire staff across audit, accounting, tax and admin divisions.
• Manage HR, recruitment and performance processes (supported by central admin).
• Foster a culture of excellence, accountability and collaboration.

Who We’re Looking For

Qualifications

• Chartered Accountant (CA(SA)) – mandatory
• Eligible for or currently registered as a Registered Auditor (IRBA)

Experience

• 10+ years post-articles in audit, accounting or professional services.
• 5+ years in a senior leadership or executive role.
• Proven track record of driving growth, leading high-performing teams and managing key client portfolios.
• Strong technical, strategic and commercial acumen.

Personal Attributes

• Inspirational leader with professional gravitas, credibility and presence.
• Commercially sharp, strategically minded and results-driven.
• Confident communicator — able to engage clients, staff and boards alike.
• Integrity-driven, emotionally intelligent and resilient.
• Motivated by scale, performance and impact.
• Growth-oriented

Compensation & Rewards

• Competitive executive salary with comprehensive benefits.
• Performance-linked share options tied to profitability and revenue growth and leadership performance.
• Annual and long-term incentives aligned with the firm’s five-year growth trajectory.
• Equity participation opportunities for long-term wealth creation.