Hays
Associate Director or Senior Manager

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Hays are delighted to be partnering with our client, a highly regarded and progressive accountancy and business advisory firm, in the search for an experienced Associate Director. This is a rare opportunity to join a leadership team at an exciting stage of growth, where you will play a key role in developing client relationships, driving commercial success, and helping to shape the future direction of the business.
This position is ideal for an accomplished Practice professional who combines strong technical expertise with a commercial mindset and a passion for delivering exceptional client service. You will act as a trusted advisor to a diverse portfolio of business owners, providing both business and tax advisory support while identifying opportunities to add value and grow client relationships.
The Role
As Associate Director, you will take ownership of a substantial client portfolio, ensuring excellent service delivery while managing commercial performance across WIP, recoverability, billing, and fee budgets. You will work closely with senior leadership, contribute to strategic decision-making, and support the ongoing development of the firm's people, processes, and service offering.
Key responsibilities include:
- Managing and developing a portfolio of clients as their primary trusted advisor.
- Delivering business advisory and tax advisory services to owner-managed businesses and individuals.
- Leading, mentoring, and developing managers and senior team members.
- Identifying opportunities to generate additional advisory work and increase fee income.
- Supporting business development activities, networking, and relationship building.
- Contributing to strategic initiatives, operational improvements, and firm-wide projects.
- Driving innovation and embracing technology to enhance both client service and operational efficiency.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
About You
To be successful in this role, you will be:
- ACCA and/or CTA qualified.
- An experienced accountancy practice professional with relevant UK practice experience.
- Commercially minded, with a strong track record of growing client relationships and generating advisory opportunities.
- Experienced in managing significant client portfolios and financial performance measures.
- A confident leader who enjoys coaching, mentoring, and developing high-performing teams.
- Comfortable building relationships with business owners and becoming a trusted long-term advisor.
- Motivated by growth and progression, with aspirations to develop towards Director level.
- Passionate about innovation, technology, and continuous improvement.


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What's on Offer
Our client offers an excellent package alongside genuine long-term career opportunities, including:
- Competitive salary and annual bonus
- Hybrid and flexible working
- Private health insurance
- Enhanced pension contributions
- Life assurance
- Health care
- Professional subscriptions
- Electric vehicle scheme
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase additional leave
- Clear progression opportunities within a growing and entrepreneurial firm
If you are an ambitious Senior Manager or existing Associate Director seeking a leadership opportunity within a forward-thinking firm where you can make a genuine impact, please contact Cara Whyte at Hays or apply online.
What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
Hays EA is a trading division of Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited and acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy, and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk.
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