About Us Armstrong Watson are a trusted and leading independent Accountancy and Business Advisory firm based in the North of England and Scotland. Our services and advice are all centred around our Quest to support our clients to achieve prosperity, a secure future and peace of mind, which cannot be achieved without the expertise of our dedicated and valued colleagues. With approximately 700 colleagues situated across 19 offices, our people and our culture are at the heart of what we do. We recognise the unique impact we have on not only our clients, but also our colleagues, and the communities in which we operate. Our success is dependent on every colleague embracing all four of our core values: Honesty, Humanity, Trust and Passion. The Role As a result of growth and expansion we have an exciting opportunity for a Business Services Senior Manager, or Director, to join our Carlisle or Dumfries office. The role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the success of our clients in the agricultural sector while advancing your career in a supportive and challenging environment. If you are passionate about accounting and have a desire to lead in the agricultural space, we would be delighted to hear from you. The main elements of this role will include: Taking ownership of a diverse client portfolio including rural and farming sectors Conducting client meetings without a Business Services Partner Raising and approving fees in connection with own portfolio Ensuring and defining and the agreement of formal objectives for all direct reports Monitoring individual and team performance versus original objectives and departmental KPI's and reporting to your Office Lead Accounting Director / Partner Building own network of professional contacts and receive referrals Please note that we will be accepting candidates from agency suppliers in connection with this vacancy. The Candidate In order to fulfil the responsibilities of the position, we would like candidates to be / have: A qualified Accountant under ICAEW, ACCA or ICAS An excellent knowledge, and working experience, of preparing non-statutory, sole trader and partnership accounts alongside preparing statutory financial statements in line with UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice A sound knowledge and understanding of all relevant UK taxes such as Personal Tax, Corporation Tax, VAT, Capital Taxes etc A good understanding of all other services offered by the firm, in order to identify opportunities to refer to other teams such as CF, RRI, Forensic, AWFP A good understanding of the agricultural industries unique financial landscape and be adept at providing tailored accounting solutions to our clients in this sector An excellent communicator both face to face and in writing, and be able flex your style depending on your audience Able to effectively manage and support colleagues ensuring they are developed to their best ability Stay up to date with changes in agricultural financial regulations and best practices, adapting strategies, as necessary Drive business development initiatives, identifying opportunities for growth within the agricultural sector A Full UK Driving Licence The Benefits In return for your hard work helping us shape our future growth and development; we will provide a competitive salary and a positive benefits package which includes: Salary Sacrifice Employer Contribution Pension Scheme including Life Cover ( 4x salary) and Income Protection A Full UK Driving Licence Competitive Annual Leave entitlement up to 26 days, plus Bank Holidays Annual Leave Purchase Scheme allowing you to buy up to 5 additional days annual leave each year Smart Working Policy, giving you the ability to balance home and remote working Health Shield Cash Plan (cash back on a range of Health benefits and discounts on holidays, fashion and entertainment) Employee Assistance Programme (24/7 confidential support for wellbeing and health) Paid flu jabs and eye tests Introductory Commission Scheme (financial reward if you refer a new client) Employee Referral Scheme (financial reward if you refer new AW colleagues) enabling you to claim up to £2,500 for each referral Ongoing access to online training courses and materials Paid professional membership fees Charity of the Month Colleague of the Month Subsidised social events throughout the year In addition to all the benefits you would expect from an award-winning employer, you will be given the utmost encouragement and support to develop your career further. When you’re with us we’re with you.