Audit & Assurance Director / Partner
Department: Audit
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Carlisle
Description
About Us Build 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 professionalism
* Doing work they are proud to put their name to
* Building long‑term client relationships
* Being part of a firm with real momentum and intent
If 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 momentum
* Clients who value advice and relationships
* Colleagues who care about doing things properly
* A culture built on Passion, Trust, Humanity and Honesty
* Genuine opportunity to shape your career as the firm grows
This is our moment, and our vision is clear, to build something genuinely remarkable.
The Role
We're continuing to strengthen our presence across Cumbria, as one of our fastest growing regions. Our success is built on long‑standing client relationships, a deep understanding of the business landscape, and a genuine commitment to helping organisations and the people behind them prosper.
With growth comes opportunity, and we're looking to bring on board an Audit Director / Partner who wants to be part of a firm where their contribution truly matters. This role can be based from several of our offices including Carlisle, Penrith and Kendal.
This is a strategic, market‑facing leadership position offering the opportunity to join an established and supportive Partner group, while shaping the development of our regional footprint. You will be instrumental in broadening our Audit offering, developing new opportunities and elevating Armstrong Watson's profile within the local business community.
The main elements of this role will include:
* Taking ownership of a diverse portfolio of audit engagements, ensuring high quality delivery across a broad range of sectors
* Serving as a trusted advisor to business owners, providing insight, challenge and commercially focussed guidance
* Playing an active role in the development of the wider audit team, nurturing capability and supporting the progression of future leaders
* Overseeing the planning and prioritising of all relevant client work whilst ensuring effective departmental workflow, ensuring appropriate levels of communication with all clients and internal stakeholders
* Collaborating closely with senior leadership to influence and shape strategic direction
* Building, developing and maintaining a network of business partners / intermediates to ensure the profile of Armstrong Watson is positive in the marketplace and to generate referral opportunities.
Please note that we will be accepting candidates from agency suppliers in connection with this vacancy.
The Candidate
In order to fulfil the responsibilities of the position, we would like candidates to have:
* A recognised professional qualification (ACA / ACCA) and RI status, or the ability to obtain, with the credibility and technical authority expected at Director or Partner level.
* Extensive experience leading complex audit engagements, supported by a deep understanding of the UK financial reporting environment, including the accurate application of Corporation Tax, VAT, PAYE and other relevant tax considerations within statutory accounts.
* Strong, up‑to‑date knowledge of the International Standards on Auditing (UK & Ireland), with the confidence to apply these rigorously while guiding and developing audit teams.
* A proven ability to operate effectively in a fast‑moving, deadline‑driven environment, demonstrating sound judgement, resilience and the ability to remain composed under pressure.
* A proactive, solutions‑focused mindset, with the organisational capability and problem‑solving skills needed to manage competing priorities and drive high‑quality outcomes.
* A confident, engaging leadership style, with the presence to build trusted relationships across a varied client base.
* Commercial awareness and an eye for opportunity, contributing to the growth of the audit service line.
* A full UK driving licence.
The Benefits
In 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 Protection
* Competitive Annual Leave entitlement & Annual Leave Purchase Scheme allowing you to buy up to 5 additional days annual leave each year
* Smart Working Policy, giving you the ability to balance home and remote working
* Health 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 tests
* Introductory 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 referral
* Investment towards Continuous Professional Development (CPD), which includes access to comprehensive training courses and materials
* Paid professional membership fees
In 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.
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