Associate Director - Accounts

Affinia is the UK’s largest purpose‑led, purpose‑built Accountancy firm, focused on building stronger, more valuable relationships. With over 1,000 colleagues across the East, South East, London and the Midlands, we are dedicated to supporting our clients, colleagues and communities.

We advise businesses, public sector organisations, charities and individuals throughout the UK and internationally across six Service Lines – Accountancy & Advisory, Tax and Planning, Audit & Assurance, Corporate Finance, Payroll and Corporate Recovery. Our team also offer in‑depth sector expertise across a number of sectors, ensuring our clients receive the best short to medium and long‑term advice, tailored to them.

We are committed to delivering excellence in every aspect of our work, adapting to the evolving technology and regulatory landscape while consistently exceeding client expectations.

Our people are our most valuable asset. We are therefore committed to supporting our colleagues throughout their professional development, providing guidance and training at whatever stage of their career they join us.

Real people. Real growth. Real difference.

As an Associate Director within our expanding Accounts service line, you will lead a high‑value client portfolio, delivering strategic, compliant, and commercially successful services. You will act as a key advisor to clients, supporting business development efforts and identifying opportunities to add value. Internally, you will oversee and mentor Managers and Senior Managers, role model the firm’s values, and contribute to service line strategy, operational projects, and change initiatives.

You’ll take ownership of 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 be supported in your role with line management and leadership training as well as CPD access via Tolley’s, Croner‑i, Mercia and Linked In Learning as required. Together with your line manager you will craft a development plan that sees you succeed in your role and plan for the next step should you wish to take it.

• Lead service delivery for a portfolio of high‑value or technically complex clients, ensuring timely, high‑quality, and compliant output.
• Act as a trusted advisor to clients, providing strategic, commercially sound advice and proactively identifying opportunities to add value.
• Maintain strong client relationships through regular contact, effective communication, and a deep understanding of client needs.

• Monitor WIP, billing, and recovery rates across your portfolio, taking proactive action to maximise profitability and manage overruns or scope creep.
• Meet targets for billable hours, utilisation, and portfolio profitability, ensuring jobs are delivered within agreed budgets and time frames.
• Contribute to fee discussions, service scoping, and pricing strategy in collaboration with Directors and Partners.

• Contribute insights to the development of service line and group strategy, particularly in any areas of specialism or market knowledge.
• Support Directors and Service Line Leaders (SLLs) on strategic initiatives and internal planning projects.
• Take ownership of service line projects, driving outcomes that support operational efficiency, quality, or growth.
• Stay informed on market trends, competitor activity, and emerging client needs to inform service line positioning.

• Provide ongoing guidance and structured development opportunities to junior team members, particularly Managers and Senior Managers.
• Act as a role model for firm values and behaviours, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Conduct or support performance appraisals, 1:1s, and feedback processes to drive individual and team growth.
• Champion diversity and inclusion within the team, promoting open, honest, and two‑way communication across locations.

• Identify and lead process improvements…