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, Leigh on Sea, 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 a Director within our Private Client team, you will be responsible for continuing to grow our Private Client offering within the firm both internally within the existing client portfolio but also externally through your own professional contacts and connections. You will act as a key advisor to clients, supporting business development efforts and identifying opportunities to add value. Internally, you will oversee and mentor Managers and Senior Managers, role model the firm’s values, and contribute to service line strategy, operational projects, and change initiatives. You’ll take ownership of process improvements, risk management, and cross-location collaboration, while supporting the Director or Service Line Head in achieving team and firm-wide objectives. 

 You will be supported in your role with line management and leadership training as well as CPD access via Tolley’s, Croner-i, Mercia and LinkedIn Learning as required. Together with your line manager you will craft a development plan that sees you succeed in your role and plan for the next step should you wish to take it.  

Accountabilities:
You will be required to manage a comprehensive and complex client list, provide line and performance management and make a significant contribution to ongoing growth of a successful Private Client tax practice. You will have a direct contribution to the development and achievement of building the practice and will be required to build and maintain relationships with third parties, such as trustees, lawyers, wealth managers and more.  You will be expected to advise clients in connection with their tax affairs and onboard them to the team to offer bespoke advice. You should already be working as an experienced senior manager and looking to develop your role considerably through technical advice, client management and business development.

Client and Portfolio Leadership
• Lead service delivery for a portfolio of high-value or technically complex clients, ensuring timely, high-quality, and compliant output.
• Experience of working with our target clients such as UHNWs/ HNW clients, family-owned, SMEs and not purely large corporate clients
• Experience in providing advice and implementing Inheritance Tax planning strategies including Family Investment Companies and Trusts structures
• You will need a strong understanding of Trust and Estates, not just on compliance issues but have experience and practical know how on advising such clients.
• Previous experience working closely and collaboratively with professional connections, such as lawyers and financial advisers.
• Proven track record of being able to provide high level, strategic and holistic advice to private clients and other third-party advisers.
• Act as a trusted advisor to clients, providing strategic, commercially sound advice and proactively identifying opportunities to add value.
• Maintain strong client relationships through regular contact, effective communication, and a deep understanding of client needs.

Commercial and Financial Management
• Monitor WIP, billing, and recovery rates across your portfolio, taking proactive action to maximise profitability and manage overruns or scope creep.
• Identify potential tax risks and cash savings opportunities, and support initiatives to manage the risks or realise the opportunities.
• Meet targets for billable hours, utilisation, and portfolio profitability, ensuring jobs are delivered within agreed budgets and timeframes.
• Contribute to fee discussions, service scoping, and pricing strategy in collaboration with Directors and Partners.

Strategic and Operational Contribution
• Contribute insights to the development of service line and group strategy, particularly in any areas of specialism or market knowledge.
• Support Directors and Service Line Leaders (SLLs) on strategic initiatives and internal planning projects.
• Take ownership of service line projects, driving outcomes that support operational efficiency, quality, or growth.
• Stay informed on market trends, competitor activity, and emerging client needs to inform service line positioning.

People Leadership and Culture 

Process Improvement and Change
• Identify and lead process improvements that enhance service efficiency, quality, or client experience.
• Support the adoption and implementation of new technology or systems, advocating for smarter ways of working.
• Embrace and help deliver change projects within the service line or wider group.

Risk Management and Compliance
• Ensure all services are delivered in line with firm quality standards, ethical policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Manage risks associated with client engagements, including reputational, legal, and compliance risks.
• Proactively identify and escalate internal risk incidents or concerns in line with firm protocols.

Business Development and External Profile
• Support Directors and SLLs with business development activities including proposals, pitches, and client onboarding. 
• Identify and act on cross-selling or upselling opportunities within your client portfolio. 
• Represent the firm at industry events, networking opportunities, and speaking engagements, contributing to the firm's public profile. 

Professional skills/qualifications:
• CTA qualification or an equivalent professional tax qualification.
• Ideally 10+ years in practice with demonstrable experience managing large or complex clients
• Experience and ability to assist in managing the KPIs such as Chargeable Time, Recoveries, Utilisation and Gross Margin and take the necessary actions to improve the performance where needed.
• Track record in commercial portfolio management, billing oversight, and client retention 
• Strong leadership and coaching skills, including mentoring Managers and future leaders 
• Strategic thinker with the ability to contribute to business planning and change initiatives 
• High-level communication and interpersonal skills, with credibility to represent the firm.