Job description
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

We are now recruiting for a Business Services Assistant Manager or Manager to join our West Cumbria (Cockermouth) office.

This position is perfect if you are either AAT or ACA / ACCA qualified and seeking a new challenge.

The main elements of this role will include:
• Working closely with a portfolio of basic / large / complex Business Services clients
• Being responsible for the completion and submission of financial statements, business taxation and personal taxation for all clients within their portfolio
• Overseeing and providing technical support to Business Services Assistants / Seniors
• Resolving more complex queries relating to the assignment directly with the client
• Defining formal objectives for all direct reports and conducting regular 1-1s and reviews to monitor progress

Please note that we will not 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 Full UK Driving Licence
• Either AAT (Level 4) , ACA or ACCA qualified and have experience of working within a professional Accounting environment
• Able to effectively manage and support colleagues under their line management and ensure they are developed to their best ability (experience conducting 1-1s, appraisals and performance reviews for direct reports would be advantageous)
• A determined and motivated individual striving to provide an exemplary client service to all prospective and existing clients
• Excellent communication skills (both written and verbal forms)
• Able to demonstrate a positive attitude when dealing with colleagues and clients, and use initiative to solve any problems / queries
• Organised and experienced with planning of workload, prioritising deadlines and delegating work to members of their team
• Aware of the applicable Accounting standards

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
• 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.