Affinia Chelmsford, England, United Kingdom
Affinia is a UK Top 50 Accountancy firm and growing. Through successful acquisitions and organic growth, we have seen significant development within the last 18 months. We focus on authentic connections, collaboration and growth with clients and colleagues. Affinia is a challenger accounting, tax and business advisory firm with over 300 years’ experience, with more than 500 accountancy professionals across 11 offices.
We offer flexible and hybrid working – your line manager will work with you to agree the pattern that works best for you and Affinia. We provide access to training providers and professional qualifications as part of development.
Purpose of the role
As a Director within our Private Client team, you will grow our Private Client offering both internally and through your professional contacts. You will act as a key advisor to clients, support business development efforts and identify opportunities to add value. You will oversee and mentor Managers and Senior Managers, contribute to service line strategy, operational projects, and change initiatives. You will own 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 receive leadership training and CPD access, and will craft a development plan with your line manager for role progression.
Accountabilities
You will manage a comprehensive and complex client list, provide line and performance management, and contribute to the growth of a Private Client tax practice. You will build and maintain relationships with third parties (trustees, lawyers, wealth managers) and onboard clients to offer bespoke advice. You should be an experienced senior manager looking to further develop 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 with target clients such as UHNWs/HNWs, family-owned businesses, SMEs.
* Provide inheritance tax planning strategies including Family Investment Companies and Trusts structures.
* Strong understanding of Trusts and Estates with practical advisory experience.
* Collaborate with professional connections (lawyers, financial advisers).
* Provide high-level, strategic, holistic advice to private clients and third-party advisers.
* Act as a trusted advisor, identifying opportunities to add value and maintain strong client relationships.
Commercial and Financial Management
* Monitor WIP, billing, and recovery rates; maximise profitability and manage overruns or scope creep.
* Identify tax risks and cash savings opportunities; support initiatives to manage risks or realise opportunities.
* Meet targets for billable hours, utilisation, and portfolio profitability; deliver within budgets and timeframes.
* Contribute to fee discussions, service scope, and pricing strategy with Directors and Partners.
Strategic and Operational Contribution
* Contribute to development of service line and group strategy, including areas of specialism or market knowledge.
* Support Directors and Service Line Leaders on strategic initiatives and planning projects.
* Take ownership of service line projects, driving efficiency, quality, or growth.
* Stay informed on market trends and client needs to inform service line positioning.
People Leadership and Culture
* Provide ongoing guidance and development opportunities to junior team members (Managers and Senior Managers).
* Model firm values and promote collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
* Support performance appraisals, 1:1s, and feedback processes.
* Champion diversity and inclusion across locations.
Process Improvement and Change
* Lead process improvements that enhance service efficiency, quality, or client experience.
* Support adoption of new technology or systems and promote smarter ways of working.
* Deliver change projects within the service line or wider group.
Risk Management and Compliance
* Ensure services align with firm quality standards, ethical policies, and regulatory requirements.
* Manage risks of client engagements, including reputational, legal, and compliance risks.
* Identify and escalate internal risk incidents in line with firm protocols.
Business Development and External Profile
* Support business development activities including proposals, pitches, and client onboarding.
* Identify cross-selling or upselling opportunities within the client portfolio.
* Represent the firm at industry events and networking opportunities to enhance the firm’s public profile.
Professional skills/qualifications
* CTA qualification or an equivalent professional tax qualification.
* Ideally 10+ years in practice with experience managing large or complex clients.
* Experience in managing KPIs such as Chargeable Time, Recoveries, Utilisation and Gross Margin; take actions to improve 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 to represent the firm.
Core Benefits
* Auto enrolment Pension Scheme with True Potential
* Death in Service
* Professional membership support
* Paycare – dental/optical/therapies reimbursements
* Agile/Hybrid Working Policy
* Dress for your Diary Policy
Please note that this job profile is not an exhaustive list of duties but outlines the key components of the role. You may be required to take on additional responsibilities as requested by your line manager.
Affinia is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not tolerate discrimination based on age, disability, sex, race, religion or belief, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, or sexual orientation. We welcome applications from a diverse range of candidates, and selection is based on individual merit.
Seniority level
* Director
Employment type
* Full-time
Job function
* Accounting/Auditing
* Industries: Accounting, Professional Services, and Financial Services
Note: This description reflects key components of the role and does not intend to be exhaustive.
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