Affinia Chelmsford, England, United KingdomAssociate Director: AccountsAffinia Chelmsford, England, United Kingdom1 week ago Be among the first 25 applicantsDirect message the job poster from AffiniaGroup Head of Talent Acquisition at AffiniaJob title: Associate Director: AccountsReporting to: Director/ Regional HeadHours: Full time Mon-Fri 9am-5.30pm (37.5 hours per week)Location: Chelmsford officeAffinia 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.Serve as a technical escalation point for Managers and Seniors, offering expert guidance on complex or judgemental issues.Monitor WIP, recovery rates, and fee arrangements across your portfolio, working with the Director to maximise commercial performance.Oversee billing processes and ensure timely invoicing and resolution of fee queries or scope changes.Participate in pricing discussions and proposal preparation for new and existing clients.Support the development of service line strategy by contributing sector knowledge, client insights, and operational improvements.Participate in client pitches, tenders, and networking events, collaborating with Directors on growth opportunities.Drive internal projects to improve processes, technology use, and client experience.Ensure adherence to internal compliance standards, ethical guidelines, and external regulations (including ICAEW, HMRC, Companies House).Review file completion, engagement documentation, and internal audit reports, taking corrective action where needed.Proactively identify and mitigate risk across your team and portfolio.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 levelUp-to-date CPD record with advanced technical knowledge in accounting and tax complianceExpert-level understanding of UK GAAP (especially FRS 102, and ideally IFRS), corporate tax, VAT, and financial reporting requirementsExtensive experience in reviewing and signing off complex statutory accounts and advisory workSkilled in analysing client risk, identifying technical issues, and delivering accurate, commercially sound solutionsHigh proficiency in practice and accounting software (e.g. CCH, Xero, Sage, QuickBooks), including workflow and billing toolsProven track record of managing multiple teams and direct reports across different levelsStrong delegation, coaching, and mentoring capabilities, with a focus on staff development and succession planningSkilled in performance management, delivering structured feedback, and leading appraisal processesExcellent communication and client-handling skills with the ability to build trust and long-term relationshipsCommercially astute, with experience in managing fees, recovery rates, and identifying upsell or cross-sell opportunitiesAbility to contribute to new business activity, proposals, and firm growth initiativesOperates as a senior leader and role model within the practiceDemonstrates ownership, sound judgement, and a solutions-focused mindsetAligns with the firm’s values and culture, promoting collaboration, integrity, and continuous improvementAble to lead change initiatives and drive service line development alongside DirectorsAbility to respond and be reactive to shifting priorities at short notice.Ability to multitask under pressure and to lead others.Core Benefits:At Affinia, our culture is driven by ambition and a commitment to positively impact all the communities we serve. We are dedicated to the success, development, and wellbeing of our colleagues, helping them achieve their goals and seize the opportunities that come with our growth. Alongside a flexible and inclusive work environment, we offer the following core benefits:Auto enrolment Pension Scheme with True PotentialDeath in ServiceProfessional membership supportPaycare – claim money back for Dental / Optical / Professional TherapiesAgile/Hybrid Working PolicyDress for your Diary PolicyPlease note that this job profile is not an exhaustive list of duties but merely an outline of the key components of the role. You may be required by your line manager to take on additional responsibilities when requested.Affinia is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our policy is unequivocal: we do not tolerate discrimination based on age, disability, sex, race, religion, or belief, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy, or maternity, or sexual orientation. We pride ourselves on being an inclusive organisation that actively promotes equality of opportunity for all, valuing the right mix of talent, skills, and potential. We welcome applications from a diverse range of candidates, and selection for roles is based solely on individual merit.Seniority levelSeniority levelDirectorEmployment typeEmployment typeFull-timeJob functionJob functionAccounting/AuditingIndustriesAccounting and Professional ServicesReferrals increase your chances of interviewing at Affinia by 2xGet notified about new Account Specialist jobs in Chelmsford, England, United Kingdom.Dagenham, England, United Kingdom 23 hours agoEnfield, England, United Kingdom 4 weeks agoWaltham Cross, England, United Kingdom 1 week agoAesthetics Account Manager - East London & EssexEssex, England, United Kingdom 1 hour agoInternational Applicant Enquiries OfficerChelmsford, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks agoHornchurch, England, United Kingdom 1 month agoErith, England, United Kingdom 1 week agoBillericay, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks agoWaltham Cross, England, United Kingdom 1 week agoBishop's Stortford, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks agoWaltham Cross, England, United Kingdom 1 week agoHertford Heath, England, United Kingdom 5 days agoRomford, England, United Kingdom 3 weeks agoWaltham Cross, England, United Kingdom 1 week agoLoughton, England, United Kingdom 1 week agoLoughton, England, United Kingdom 1 week agoHarlow, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks agoGravesend, England, United Kingdom 5 months agoDartford, England, United Kingdom 4 days agoKey Account Manager - Residential and HousingAccount Manager - International Express & FreightEnfield, England, United Kingdom 1 month agoAccount Executive – Specialist Housing (Commercial Insurance)Woodford, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks agoChelmsford, England, United Kingdom 1 day agoFixed Term Account Manager - John Lewis BluewaterGreenhithe, England, United Kingdom 4 days agoColchester, England, United Kingdom 1 week agoAccount Manager - Print / POS - Bishop's StortfordBishop's Stortford, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks agoWe’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. 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