Head of Talent | Neurodiversity Champion | Driving Inclusive, Future-Ready Workforces
Join Duncan & Toplis
Duncan & Toplis is one of the UK’s largest independent accountants and business advisers. Celebrating our 100-year anniversary in 2025, we are on course for the biggest period of growth in our history. Our vision to be the team that clients always choose to work with and where talented people belong remains at the forefront and guides everything that we do.
We are looking for an experienced and dynamic Assurance Director with Responsible Individual (RI) status to join our leadership team. This is a pivotal role in shaping the direction and delivery of our assurance service line, driving quality, client relationships, and growth.
What You’ll Be Doing
* Champion our purpose, values, and behaviours as part of the senior leadership team.
* Lead strategic planning for the assurance service line, including budget setting, forecasting, and integration across departments.
* Drive workforce planning and talent development to meet future business needs.
* Promote business growth by identifying new opportunities and expanding existing services across the Derbyshire region.
Team Management & Development
* Lead, mentor, and coach senior team members, ensuring clear objectives, regular check-ins, and strong performance management.
* Embed a culture of continuous development, succession planning, and skills progression.
* Foster a values-led and high-performing team environment.
Client Relationships & Delivery Excellence
* Take overall responsibility for client engagement and satisfaction — aiming for a Net Promoter Score of 9 or 10.
* Oversee high-quality, timely delivery of assurance assignments to budget, ensuring all work meets regulatory and internal quality standards.
* Act as the key point of contact for complex client matters, anticipating needs and delivering strategic advice.
* Monitor and manage key financial metrics including recovery, WIP, lock-up, chargeable time, and departmental margin.
* Drive value-based pricing while ensuring quality service delivery.
* Coordinate with directors across service lines to ensure integrated service delivery and positive stakeholder outcomes.
* Share knowledge and insights internally to support team development and cross-functional collaboration.
Business Development & Networking
* Build a strong pipeline of opportunities by nurturing a network of prospective clients and professional introducers.
* Lead pitches, tender submissions and client proposals aligned to the wider group strategy.
* Identify opportunities to cross-sell services, adding value for existing clients.
Technical Expertise & Governance
* Act as a recognised technical expert internally and externally.
* Stay abreast of industry changes and ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and professional standards.
* Contribute to thought leadership, client briefings, and technical forums.
What You’ll Need to Succeed
* Hold RI status with a recognised professional body (e.g. ICAEW).
* Proven experience working within, and covering the Derbyshire, and surrounding regions.
* Fully qualified in a relevant field (ACA/ACCA or equivalent).
* Proven leadership experience in an assurance environment.
* Strategic thinker with strong commercial acumen and advisory experience.
* Effective communicator with excellent stakeholder and client engagement skills.
* Proven ability to develop high-performing teams and inspire future leaders.
* Business development expertise, with a strong track record of winning and growing client relationships.
* Up-to-date knowledge of regulatory frameworks and professional standards.
Why Join Duncan & Toplis?
From flexible working arrangements and time-matched volunteer hours to online fitness classes and mental health support, we’re committed to helping our people maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle. We support talent development through CPD and training opportunities. Our purpose, values, and commitments to trust, partnership, and inclusivity guide our work and culture.
Sounds like the right fit for you? Let’s talk!
Duncan & Toplis is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, ensuring equal opportunities for all candidates.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced individual with broad and in-depth technical knowledge of statutory accounting and compliance to support our client work and internal teams. The role emphasizes technical accuracy, continuous improvement, and collaborative problem-solving, with responsibility for high-quality service delivery to clients.
Application details
Additional information is available on request. This description reflects the current role and is subject to change.
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