Affinia 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 level
• Up-to-date CPD record with advanced technical knowledge in accounting and tax compliance
• Expert-level understanding of UK GAAP (especially FRS 102, and ideally IFRS), corporate tax, VAT, and financial reporting requirements
• Extensive experience in reviewing and signing off complex statutory accounts and advisory work
• Skilled in analysing client risk, identifying technical issues, and delivering accurate, commercially sound solutions
• High proficiency in practice and accounting software (e.g. CCH, Xero, Sage, QuickBooks), including workflow and billing tools
• Proven track record of managing multiple teams and direct reports across different levels
• Strong delegation, coaching, and mentoring capabilities, with a focus on staff development and succession planning
• Skilled in performance management, delivering structured feedback, and leading appraisal processes
• Excellent communication and client-handling skills with the ability to build trust and long-term relationships
• Commercially astute, with experience in managing fees, recovery rates, and identifying upsell or cross-sell opportunities
• Ability to contribute to new business activity, proposals, and firm growth initiatives
• Operates as a senior leader and role model within the practice
• Demonstrates ownership, sound judgement, and a solutions-focused mindset
• Aligns with the firm’s values and culture, promoting collaboration, integrity, and continuous improvement
• Able to lead change initiatives and drive service line development alongside Directors
• Ability to respond and be reactive to shifting priorities at short notice.
• Ability to multitask under pressure and to lead others.