Business Advisory Associate

About Ashfords
Ashfords is Melbourne’s South East’s largest independently owned multidisciplinary firm. Across seven specialist business units, we offer the depth and opportunity of a larger firm with the agility, flexibility and close-knit culture of an independent business. We’re ambitious about what comes next—for our clients, our firm and our people. Here, you’ll have the support to grow, the freedom to lead and the opportunity to make a visible impact.

About the team
At Ashfords Business Management Advisory, our vision is to be the undisputed leader in helping drive the value and improvement of Melbourne’s mid-market businesses. Our advisors help owners and leadership teams to solve their most pressing challenges and execute their biggest opportunities.

We develop strategies, and execution plans and drive improved business performance in both business turnaround and high-growth situations across manufacturing, wholesaling, professional services, transport, retail, education and healthcare.

Our advisors combine deep strategy and problem-solving skills, along with proven, highly regarded methodologies to deliver clarity, confidence and accelerated outcomes in pursuit of our client’s business and personal goals.
Join a growing team that is establishing its mark to positively transform mid-market business in Melbourne and beyond across the following core areas:

• Strategic Planning
• Business Performance Improvement
• Business Mergers & Acquisitions
• Digital Transformation.

You will be considered a professional, proactive learner who enjoys working closely with clients. You will need to:

• Be comfortable with research, data gathering and analysis to solve challenging problems, supported by data analytics tools where appropriate
• Bring a considered, evidence-based perspective and structured methodology to client situations rather than acting on opinion
• Work independently at times while remaining accountable to meet timeframes and quality standards
• Remain focused on delivering excellent outcomes for clients, leading to positive feedback and referrals
• Continue to develop highly effective communication skills and relationships, with clients, our broader Ashfords team and external stakeholders
• Thrive in a dynamic environment, balancing the competing demands of multiple engagements and diverse client needs.

What will your typical day look like?
As an Associate Business Advisor at Ashfords you will be working as part of a project delivery team supporting clients to improve, buy or sell their business. You will be in a client-facing role spanning all aspects of the lifecycle from business development through project scoping and project delivery.

Your day-to-day responsibilities may include:

• Undertaking research and analysis to understand how a client’s business is performing in the context of their industry, market and competition
• Developing materials to prepare for client strategic planning or advisory board sessions and building action plans based on the outcomes of these sessions
• Working with the Senior Business Advisor to accurately diagnose client challenges and work collaboratively with clients to define business improvement plans
• Identifying and reaching out to potential buyers of our clients’ businesses, including developing marketing materials to shape business transactions
• Contributing to practice and business development activities such as refining our methodologies, applying lessons learned and developing thought leadership and marketing materials.
• Support the development of objectives, strategies, and plans to enhance customer experience and satisfaction while ensuring effective use of organizational resources and capabilities.
• Identify business and operational gaps and opportunities using continuous improvement and change management methodologies.
• Analyze existing systems, structures, and capabilities to evaluate operational efficiency and effectiveness.
• Develop actionable recommendations to close current‑state gaps and resolve organizational challenges.
• Prepare and present proposals to improve processes, optimize workflows, and redefine job functions to drive innovation.
• Support implementation of approved recommendations and participate in organizational improvement initiatives.

Why Join Us?
We proudly offer all the benefits and opportunities for growth you would expect in a global firm, with the added benefit of being a valued member of an entrepreneurial and growth-oriented team; focused on delivering “financial freedom and peace of mind” for our clients, our firm, and our people.

• Fast-growing mid-sized accounting firm, with a diverse, inclusive and social work culture.
• Flexible work arrangements
• Social activities, and off-site team building days with a comprehensive range of wellbeing initiatives (including in-house corporate massages).
• Active investment into your professional development with internal and external tailored training.
• Financial incentives in addition to your salary