Business Services Director / Partner

About UsBuild something exceptional, with us...Our ambition is clear and openly bold.Armstrong Watson is on a journey to more than double our turnover by 2030, through disciplined organic growth, the attraction of outstanding talent, and the selective acquisition of like‑minded firms.But growth alone is not the goal.Reputation is.And reputation is earned, not inherited.Our strategic intent is simple to say and hard to deliver.To become the most respected adviser to privately owned businesses in the North and the UK.The firm business owners talk about.The firm lawyers and bankers recommend without hesitation.To achieve this, we are building the best Accounting and Financial Advisory firm to deal with, not just in the North, but across the UK. Exceptional service, deep expertise, trusted relationships, and absolute reliability define everything we do. These are not slogans; they are standards we hold ourselves to every day.At our core, we exist for one reason, to help our clients achieve prosperity, a secure future, and peace of mind.This strategy sets the direction.Our people, our values‑led culture, and our standards will deliver it.We are looking for people who want more than the next job. People who care deeply about:Standards and professionalismDoing work they are proud to put their name toBuilding long‑term client relationshipsBeing part of a firm with real momentum and intentIf you want to grow with a business that is ambitious, values‑driven, and serious about excellence, Armstrong Watson offers opportunity and expectation in equal measure.What you will find here: A firm with clear direction and momentumClients who value advice and relationshipsColleagues who care about doing things properlyA culture built on Passion, Trust, Humanity and HonestyGenuine opportunity to shape your career as the firm growsThis is our moment, and our vision is clear, to build something genuinely remarkable.The RoleWe are now recruiting for a Business Services Director or Partner (depending on experience) to join our Carlisle office.The main elements of this role will include:Conducting client meetingsActing as a key "Relationship Manager" for a designated portfolio of clientsRaising and approving fees in connection with own portfolioSetting formal objectives for all direct reports and monitoring their progress / managing their developmentMonitoring individual and team performance versus original objectives and departmental KPIs and providing feedback to the relevant Business Services PartnerSigning off and authorising documents / accounts / returns where legally acceptableBuilding own network of professional contacts which will hopefully lead to the generating of new business Assisting with recruitment activity in the team and dealing with other "People" related matters when required Please note that we will not be accepting candidates from agency suppliers in connection with this vacancy. The CandidateIn order to fulfil the responsibilities of the position, we would like candidates to be / have:A Full UK Driving LicenceA qualified Accountant under ICAS, ICAEW or ACCAAn excellent knowledge, and working experience, of preparing non-statutory, sole trader and partnership accounts alongside preparing statutory financial statements in line with UK Generally Accepted Accounting PracticeA sound knowledge and understanding of all relevant UK taxes such as Personal Tax, Corporation Tax, VAT and Capital Taxes etcA good understanding of all other services offered by the firm, in order to identify opportunities to refer to other Service LinesAn excellent communicator in both verbal and written forms, and be able to flex your style depending on your audienceAble to effectively manage and support colleagues, ensuring they are developed to their best ability Able to drive business development initiatives, identifying opportunities for growthThe BenefitsIn return for your hard work helping us shape our future growth and development; we will provide a competitive salary and a positive benefits package which includes: Salary Sacrifice Employer Contribution Pension Scheme including Life Cover (4x salary) and Income ProtectionCompetitive Annual Leave entitlement & Annual Leave Purchase Scheme allowing you to buy up to 5 additional days annual leave each yearSmart Working Policy, giving you the ability to balance home and remote workingHealth Shield Cash Plan (cash back on a range of Health benefits and discounts on holidays, fashion and entertainment)Employee Assistance Programme (24/7 confidential support for wellbeing and health)Paid flu jabs and eye testsIntroductory Commission Scheme (financial reward if you refer a new client)Employee Referral Scheme (financial reward if you refer new AW colleagues) enabling you to claim up to 2,500 for each referralInvestment towards Continuous Professional Development (CPD), which includes access to comprehensive training courses and materialsPaid professional membership feesIn addition to all the benefits you would expect from an award winning employer, you will be given the utmost encouragement and support to develop your career further.When you're with us... we're with you.DepartmentBusiness Services Employment TypeFull TimeWorkplace typeHybrid