Associate Director

Job Title: Associate Director (Audit and Accounts) Location: Balbriggan

Who We Are

UHY Farrelly Dawe White Limited is a leading Top 20 accountancy and taxation practice in the Northeast of Ireland and a member of the global accountancy network UHY, ranked in the Top 20 networks worldwide.

UHY FDW has evolved significantly over the past decade to become one of the most modern and cutting-edge firms in today’s market. It has a significant market share and presence across the north-east which is attributed to its exceptionally talented workforce, strategic planning and adoption of new technologies & methodologies to now be labelled a trendsetter within the sector.

We pride ourselves on being people-focused, and we understand the importance of attracting and retaining the highest calibre individuals. Our team of 7 directors and 80 staff deliver a first-class service across 4 offices to a diverse range of clients, locally, nationally and internationally. We are committed to our purpose “Achieve a Better Future Together” and are excited to expand our team with individuals who will help us in fulfilling our purpose.

Role Overview

We are seeking an ambitious and commercially minded Associate Director to lead our Audit & Accounts team in Balbriggan. This is a key leadership role for a high-performing professional ready to take the next step in their career.

You’ll work closely with the Board of Directors, leading a talented team and managing a strong portfolio of clients across a variety of sectors. This role offers a clear path to Directorship, with progression built into your development journey and ongoing strategic involvement in the firm’s growth.

Why Join Us?

• Leadership role with genuine progression to Director level
• Direct exposure to firm strategy and decision-making
• Supportive, collaborative culture with ongoing CPD and leadership development
• Diverse client base across a wide range of industries
• Modern, tech-enabled working environment
Competitive salary and benefits package

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & People Development

• Lead and mentor the Audit & Accounts team to consistently deliver high-quality results within allocated timeframes.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and identify individual development plans.
• Provide training and professional development opportunities for the team.
• Create a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and collaboration
• Attending staff meetings and training development programmes as required.
• Ensuring to uphold the firm's code of ethics and business conduct.

Client Relationship Management

• Act as a key point of contact for a diverse portfolio of clients.
• Build and maintain long-term client relationships
• Identify client needs and deliver tailored, commercial solutions.
• Actively cross-sell additional services (tax, advisory, etc.) to drive client success.

Audit & Compliance Oversight

• Oversee and review statutory audits and financial statements for a wide range of entities.
• The review of corporation tax returns and ensuring filings are made in accordance with deadlines.
• Ensure all engagements meet professional, ethical and regulatory standards (UK GAAP, FRS 102, IFRS, ISAs).
Maintaining an advanced level of technical knowledge through appropriate reading and course attendance, and to fulfil the Institute’s CPD requirements.

Business Strategy & Growth

• Collaborate with Directors to shape and deliver departmental and firmwide strategic goals.
• Contribute to business development, including proposal preparation, pitching and onboarding new clients.
• Liaise with all other departments ensuring all potential client needs are identified and serviced accordingly.
• Monitor work in progress and drive strong commercial outcomes through effective fee recovery and resource management.
Assisting with ad hoc business consultancy.

Innovation & Continuous Improvement

• Embrace and implement digital solutions to improve team efficiency and client experience.
• Encourage a tech-forward approach across the department.
Support internal initiatives to streamline processes and enhance service delivery.

About You

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or equivalent)
• Significant post-qualified experience in audit, accounts, and client management
• Proven success in leading teams and managing complex audits
• Strong technical knowledge of Irish/UK accounting and auditing standards
• Commercially astute, with a strategic mindset and entrepreneurial outlook
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Tech-savvy and comfortable leveraging cloud-based platforms and digital tools
• Organised, detail-oriented and adaptable in a fast-paced environment
A natural leader who thrives on developing others and driving business success

What We Offer

We offer a comprehensive package with many supports and benefits, some of which we have listed:

• Competitive salary based on your experience
• Flexible working hours, with a four-and-a-half-day week
• UHY Network firm – Network & Travel opportunities
• Paid Professional Membership
• Generous holiday allowance with additional company days for Christmas and Easter holidays
• Ability to build up 5 additional days of annual leave per annum
• Additional days of annual leave after 5 years of service
• Travel Insurance
• Volunteering day to spend one day each year dedicated to a cause you care about
• Training and continuous learning & Funded CPD hours programme/tuition
• Free parking
• CSR, ESG and Social Committees offering funded social events
• Wellbeing programme & discount platform for gyms, hotel bookings and more
• Commission for introducing new clients and new team members
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
• Great teammates & Diverse and inclusive culture
& Onsite Food Truck & Games Room

Our Values

Our firm and entire team are committed to our purpose “Achieve a Better Future Together” and we have aligned our core values to support us all in achieving this. Our core values are: Integrity, Teamwork, Respect, Be Engaged & Be Passionate.

If you believe our company values align with your own, we would love you to be a part of our team.

Salary Level

Salary commensurate with experience.