The posting
Location: Birmingham
Contract: Full-time (37.5 hours)
Salary: Dependent on experience
We are seeking an experienced and commercially minded Private Client Director to join our growing Birmingham office at an exciting stage in our journey.
This is a rare opportunity to become a key figure within one of the Midlands' most ambitious privately owned accountancy and business advisory firms, where decisions are made locally, relationships come first, and long-term growth is the priority. You'll join a highly respected Private Client team with a strong reputation in the market, working with an impressive portfolio of high-net-worth individuals, entrepreneurs, business owners, families and trustees.
As a trusted adviser, you'll help clients navigate some of the most important financial decisions they will make, from succession planning and wealth preservation to complex tax planning and estate matters. You'll have the opportunity to build deep, long-lasting relationships, providing strategic advice that delivers genuine value and peace of mind.
Beyond client work, you'll play an integral role in the continued growth of the team and wider business. Working closely with Partners and colleagues across the firm, you'll contribute to business development initiatives, identify opportunities to broaden client relationships and help shape the future direction of our Private Client offering in Birmingham.
As demand for our services continues to grow, we are investing in our Birmingham team and looking for an experienced Private Client Director to help us build on our success. This is an opportunity to join a thriving team, work with a high-quality client base, and play a visible role in developing one of the firm's key service lines.
Whether you're already operating at Director level or are a highly experienced Senior Manager ready to take the next step, this role offers the platform, support and autonomy to make a meaningful impact while advancing your career within a firm that genuinely invests in its people.
The Important Work You Will Be Doing:
- Managing a portfolio of high-net-worth individuals, business owners, entrepreneurs, trusts and estates
- Providing strategic tax planning and advisory services across a broad range of personal tax matters
- Advising clients on inheritance tax, capital gains tax, trusts, succession planning and wealth preservation strategies
- Supporting owner-managed businesses and their shareholders with tax-efficient planning throughout the business lifecycle
- Reviewing complex personal tax returns and ensuring compliance obligations are met to a high standard
- Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, professional advisers and key stakeholders
- Identifying opportunities to provide additional services and supporting business development activity across the wider firm
- Working closely with Partners and colleagues across service lines to deliver joined-up client solutions
- Supporting and mentoring Managers and junior team members, contributing to their development and success
- Keeping up to date with changes in tax legislation and ensuring clients receive proactive advice
- Contributing to the continued growth and success of the Birmingham Private Client team
- Acting as a visible ambassador for the firm's brand, values and culture
The Skills and Experience You Will Bring:
- Significant experience within Private Client Tax gained in practice
- Experience managing a portfolio of high-net-worth individuals, families, business owners, trusts and estates
- Strong technical expertise across personal taxation, inheritance tax, capital gains tax and succession planning
- Proven ability to provide commercially focused tax advice and build trusted client relationships
- Experience identifying and developing opportunities for additional work and service line collaboration
- Strong leadership and people development skills, with experience supporting and mentoring colleagues
- Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities
- Commercially aware, proactive and client-focused in your approach
- CTA qualified, ACA qualified or equivalent professional qualification
- A desire to contribute to the growth and continued success of a leading regional firm
Why PKF Smith Cooper?
PKF Smith Cooper is the 13th largest accounting firm by UK fee income (Accountancy Age Top 50+50) and a member of PKF Global, a network of legally independent firms operating in 150 countries. This global reach enables us to share expertise, specialist knowledge, and resources while delivering a personal service to our clients.
Our team of award-winning accountants and business advisors plans to double the size of our company within the next five years. As a fast-growing firm and ICAEW and ACCA Approved Training Employer, we are passionate about developing homegrown talent. Through comprehensive training, development, and progression opportunities, we can help you achieve your full potential and build a successful career in professional services.
Why Birmingham?
In the heart of the vibrant city, our new, state-of-the-art office boasts a contemporary open plan working area, on-site gym with lockers and shower facilities, and a large roof terrace perfect for taking in the views of the city. Our Birmingham office is easily accessible via train, being adjacent to Snowhill Train Station and only a 10-minute walk from New Street Station.
What's in it for you?
Our benefits package has been designed around our people and shaped by our values. As part of Team PKF Smith Cooper, here are some of the things you can expect:
- A working environment that empowers you to perform at your best, through our flexible working policy and dress for your diary scheme - Hybrid working during your probation period is subject to the manager's discretion
- Time to do what matters to you – 30 days annual leave plus statutory bank holidays, the option to reduce annual hours for additional annual leave, and your birthday off, on us. Long-serving employees can also request a sabbatical, giving you the chance to make truly unforgettable memories
- Rewards for those who actively embrace and embody our values and culture through our Kudos Reward Scheme
- Regular social events and annual, company-wide away days, giving you the opportunity to engage with colleagues across your division and office, as well as the wider firm
- Bonus referral schemes for introducing new talent or clients so that when we benefit, you do too
- Life doesn’t stop at the end of the working day and neither do our benefits. We also offer life assurance, discounts on a huge variety of retailers through the PKF Smith Cooper Rewards Scheme, and cashback on healthcare (including dental visits, physiotherapy etc) through Simplyhealth.
Ready to start your career with PKF Smith Cooper? We'd love to hear from you.
How to apply?
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to a member of the People team at [email protected] or by calling 01332 332021.
Please note that we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds; however, we are unable to accept applications from candidates who require a visa to work in the UK.
We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive and welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences.
Also, we ask that recruitment agencies refrain from contacting us unless we have directly reached out to you.
