Associate Director - Corporate Services

Job description

About Waystone Waystone is a leading asset-servicing solutions provider of institutional governance, administration, risk and compliance services to financial institutions. With over 25 years’ experience and a comprehensive range of specialist services to its name, Waystone helps our clients structure, operate and grow through our expertise, innovation and digitisation, backed by the operational scale to support global expansion. Summary: The Associate Director - Corporate Services is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing the accurate, timely and high-quality delivery of corporate services to a diverse client portfolio. The role combines client service leadership, technical accounting oversight, people management and operational governance. Working closely with Risk, Compliance, Legal and other key functions, the Associate Director will ensure that client, regulatory and operational requirements are met while driving continuous improvement, developing team capability and supporting sustainable business growth. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Lead the planning, organisation and prioritisation of the team’s activities to ensure client engagements are delivered efficiently, consistently and in accordance with agreed service standards. Develop, document and implement robust procedures and controls that support professional standards, regulatory compliance and operational excellence. Provide effective oversight and direction to team leaders to ensure that: Client management accounts are subject to comprehensive and appropriately evidenced review prior to issuance. Monthly, quarterly and statutory financial information is delivered accurately, consistently and within agreed timelines. Financial information and related correspondence are presented to clients and stakeholders in a clear, timely and professional manner. Corporation tax, VAT and all other statutory filing obligations are completed accurately and within prescribed deadlines. Regulatory reports and returns are prepared to a high standard and submitted accurately and on time. Drive continuous improvement across accounting and corporate services processes, ensuring they remain robust, well controlled, scalable and efficient. Review and enhance reporting processes to shorten delivery timelines, strengthen quality and improve the overall client experience. Collaborate effectively with colleagues across the Waystone Group, promoting clear communication, knowledge sharing and practical, commercially focused solutions. Build and maintain trusted, professional relationships with key internal and external stakeholders, acting as a senior point of contact where appropriate. Support strategic initiatives, ad hoc assignments and project requirements as directed by the Board of Directors or senior management. Lead, coach and mentor members of the Corporate Services team, fostering accountability, professional development and consistently high performance. Identify and support opportunities for business growth, service enhancement and the expansion of client relationships. Act as a director of client companies, where required, exercising sound judgement and maintaining appropriate standards of governance, fiduciary oversight, conflicts management and compliance awareness. REQUIREMENTS To perform this role successfully, the individual must be capable of discharging each essential responsibility to a consistently high professional standard. The requirements below reflect the principal knowledge, skills and capabilities expected for the role. Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word, together with the ability to use relevant business and reporting systems effectively. Strong technical accounting capability, including financial reporting, taxation and the review of complex financial information. Experience with accounting platforms such as Xero is desirable. Highly organised and detail focused, with a disciplined approach to quality, accuracy and follow-through. Proven ability to learn quickly, exercise sound judgement and manage competing priorities effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. Excellent written communication, numerical and analytical skills, with the ability to prepare accurate financial information and polished client correspondence. Demonstrates integrity, discretion and sound judgement, with an unwavering commitment to confidentiality. Strong client and stakeholder focus, with the ability to establish credibility and build effective, long-term professional relationships. Collaborative, proactive and self-motivated, with the confidence to use initiative, work independently and consistently deliver high-quality outcomes. Education: Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent). A university degree in accounting, business or a related discipline is preferred. Experience: A minimum of seven years’ relevant experience in finance, accounting, corporate services or a comparable professional services environment. Previous experience within financial services, corporate services or a regulated environment would be advantageous.