Corporate Finance Director ​/ Partner

Corporate Finance Director / Partner

Department: Corporate Finance

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Leeds

Reporting To: Mike Kienlen

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.

We are seeking an experienced Corporate Finance Director / Partner to play a key leadership role in driving the growth, performance and reputation of our Corporate Finance service line.

Key responsibilities will include but not be limited to:

Client Delivery & Engagement Management

• Lead and oversee a portfolio of Corporate Finance assignments, ensuring delivery is aligned to agreed scope, budgets and professional standards.
• Stay current with Corporate Finance, accounting and relevant legislation to proactively identify risks and opportunities for clients.
• Agree scopes of work and fees with clients prior to commencement and manage delivery against those agreements.
• Monitor work in progress, maintaining clear and regular communication with clients and internal stakeholders.
• Proactively manage fee overruns, agreeing fair and transparent outcomes with clients.
• Authorise non‑contentious, non‑statutory documentation where legally appropriate.
• Ensure work is fully implemented, appropriately billed and completed in line with firm standards, including post‑assignment debriefs.

Leadership & People Development

• Lead, motivate and develop a high‑performing Corporate Finance team.
• Set clear objectives for team members and provide regular feedback through 1:1s and performance reviews.
• Conduct formal appraisals and competency assessments, identifying skills gaps and implementing development plans.
• Contribute expertise, case studies and best practice to departmental training and knowledge‑sharing initiatives.
• Champion a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.

Business & Financial Management

• Contribute to the strategic direction and tactical planning…