Based in Birmingham, Worcester, and Droitwich, Ballards is a progressive firm of chartered accountants helping businesses and private clients achieve stronger financial performance through integrated tax, audit, and consultancy expertise.
Due to continued growth and the increasing importance of technology across the business, we are seeking a Head of IT to lead and manage the firm’s technology environment.
This is a senior leadership role with full accountability for the firm’s IT estate, ensuring systems are secure, resilient and scalable while supporting the organisation’s strategic and regulatory objectives. You will oversee infrastructure, applications, cybersecurity, data and third-party technology services, ensuring the technology landscape enables business efficiency, operational stability and future growth.
About the Role
Alongside operational leadership, you will shape and deliver the firm’s technology strategy and roadmap, translating business priorities into well-governed technology projects and initiatives.
A key element of the role will be driving the responsible adoption of AI and automation, ensuring these technologies are implemented safely and pragmatically to improve efficiency, decision-making and client service.
Working closely with senior leadership, you will manage technology investments, oversee supplier relationships and ensure all IT change is delivered through strong project management and governance frameworks.
Key responsibilities include:
* Leading and managing the firm’s IT infrastructure, systems and cloud platforms to ensure reliability, security and scalability
* Owning the firm’s cybersecurity posture, implementing policies and controls to protect systems and data
* Ensuring compliance with data protection legislation and industry best practice
* Defining and delivering the firm’s IT strategy and multi-year technology roadmap
* Leading IT and digital change initiatives using structured project management approaches
* Managing relationships with external technology providers, including the Managed Service Provider
* Overseeing IT contracts, service agreements and vendor performance
* Managing the IT budget, investment planning and technology governance frameworks
* Maintaining robust business continuity and disaster recovery processes
* Driving the responsible adoption of AI and automation technologies across the business
* Line managing and developing the IT Support Technician while ensuring high-quality user support
About You
As an experienced IT leader, you will combine strategic thinking with practical delivery, ensuring technology supports business performance while maintaining strong security and governance standards.
You will bring:
* Proven experience in a senior IT leadership role such as IT Manager, IT Lead or Head of IT
* Strong knowledge of IT infrastructure, cloud platforms and business systems
* Demonstrable experience managing cybersecurity, data protection and technology risk
* Experience delivering IT projects and managing technology change programmes
* Strong experience managing vendors, contracts and Managed Service Providers
* Excellent stakeholder management skills, with experience working with senior leaders and executives
* Proven leadership and team management capability
* Strong communication, problem-solving and decision-making skills
Relevant certifications such as Microsoft, ITIL, CompTIA or CISSP would be advantageous but are not essential.
About the Rewards
* 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays
* Career progression
* Electric Car scheme
* Cycle to Work Scheme
* Life Assurance
* Group Personal Pension Plan
* Flexible Holiday Purchase Scheme
* Enhanced Family Pay – maternity, paternity, parental, and compassionate leave
* Employee Assistance Programme – 24/7 confidential helpline as well as online support
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