Accounts and Business Advisory Director

Closing date: Monday 6 January 2025

Job Title: Accounts & Business Advisory Director

Location: Berwick upon Tweed and/or Haddington with the option to work flexibly
Salary: Competitive, depending on experience (£55-100k)
Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent

About Us:

Greaves West & Ayre is an Independent Chartered Accountancy firm that has been advising and supporting clients across the UK for over 100 years. With offices across the North East of England and East Lothian, we are proud to have provided specialist advice to families and businesses across the generations.  We provide a broad range of accounting, auditing, tax, and advisory services to a diverse portfolio of clients. With a reputation for excellence and a commitment to delivering the highest standard of service, we are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Chartered Accountant to join our dynamic team.

Job Summary:

As a Director of our Accounts & Business Advisory team, you will oversee at a higher level the preparation of financial accounts for a varied client portfolio, ensuring that all statutory reporting requirements are met. You will take a leadership role in managing the chartered accountants, helping them in delivering high-quality business advice, and fostering strong client relationships. This position is critical to the firm’s success, focusing on the accuracy and efficiency of account preparation, financial statement reviews, and maintaining compliance with accounting standards.

You will be involved in assisting and nurturing the next generation of trainee and newly qualified chartered accountants and we will value your assistance in delivering strategic insights that contribute to the firm’s growth and success.

We are proud of our reputation for ongoing development. This role provides the opportunity to coach and develop other members of the team and enable them to grow their knowledge, experience, and confidence.

We envisage that the successful candidate will become an integral part of our firm, playing a key role in managing the operational and strategic direction of the team whilst ideally possessing an ambition and desire to progress to the level of Partner.

Key Responsibilities:

• Account Preparation: Lead the preparation of annual statutory accounts, financial statements, and management accounts for a range of clients, including sole traders, partnerships and limited companies ranging from micro to medium sized entities.
• Client Relationships: Build and maintain strong client relationships by supporting partners as a primary contact for all financial reporting matters, ensuring client satisfaction and service excellence.
• Financial Reporting: Review and approve all financial reports to ensure they comply with accounting standards (e.g., FRS 105, FRS 102) and regulatory requirements.
• Team Leadership: Manage and mentor the chartered colleagues, ensuring the timely delivery of high-quality financial reports, setting departmental goals, and fostering continuous improvement.
• Process Management: Implement and oversee efficient processes for preparing accounts, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and cost-effectiveness in service delivery.
• Business Advisory: Provide guidance and advice to clients, particularly around financial reporting, budgeting, and cash flow management.
• Business Strategy: Play an integral role in shaping the firm’s business development strategy.
• Compliance: Ensure that all financial statements and practices adhere to relevant financial regulations, laws, and industry standards.

Key Requirements:

• Qualifications: Must be a fully qualified Chartered Accountant (CA, ACA, ACCA, or equivalent).
• Experience: Minimum of 3+ years of post-qualification experience in a similar role, ideally within an accountancy practice or professional services firm.
• Technical Skills: In-depth knowledge of accounting principles and financial reporting.
• Client-Focused: Proven track record in managing client relationships, providing financial consultancy, and meeting client expectations.
• Leadership Skills: Proven experience in leading and managing a team, with a track record of delivering high-quality services on time and within budget.
• Communication: Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to explain complex financial information clearly to clients and colleagues.
• Attention to Detail: Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, with high attention to detail and accuracy.
• IT Skills: Proficient in accounting software (e.g., CCH, Xero, Sage, QuickBooks) and MS Office Suite, particularly Excel.

Why Join Us?

• Professional Development: Access to continuous learning and clear career progression opportunities.
• Collaborative Environment: Be part of a supportive and high-performing team in a thriving firm.
• Diverse Client Base: Opportunity to work with a variety of clients across different industries.
• Work-Life Balance: We offer a flexible working environment, ensuring a healthy work-life balance for our employees.
• Competitive Package: Competitive salary with an enhanced overtime rate, pension scheme, death in service and other benefits.

A role at GWA will enable you to achieve the lifestyle and career ambitions you are looking for.

How to Apply: If you are a driven and experienced Chartered Accountant looking to take the next step in your career, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your CV and a cover letter detailing your suitability for the role to arb@gwayre.co.uk.

Closing date: 6 January 2025

Closing date: Monday 6 January 2025