About Us
Build something exceptional, with us...
Our ambition is clear and openly bold.
Armstrong Watson is on a journey to more than double our turnover by 2030, through disciplined organic growth, the attraction of outstanding talent, and the selective acquisition of like‑minded firms.
But growth alone is not the goal.
Reputation is.
And reputation is earned, not inherited.
Our strategic intent is simple to say and hard to deliver.
To become the most respected adviser to privately owned businesses in the North and the UK.
The firm business owners talk about.
The firm lawyers and bankers recommend without hesitation.
To achieve this, we are building the best Accounting and Financial Advisory firm to deal with, not just in the North, but across the UK. Exceptional service, deep expertise, trusted relationships, and absolute reliability define everything we do. These are not slogans; they are standards we hold ourselves to every day.
At our core, we exist for one reason,
to help our clients achieve prosperity, a secure future, and peace of mind.
This strategy sets the direction.
Our people, our values‑led culture, and our standards will deliver it.
We are looking for people who want more than the next job. People who care deeply about:
Standards and professionalism
Doing work they are proud to put their name to
Building long‑term client relationships
Being part of a firm with real momentum and intent
If you want to grow with a business that is ambitious, values‑driven, and serious about excellence, Armstrong Watson offers opportunity and expectation in equal measure.
What you will find here:
A firm with clear direction and momentum
Clients who value advice and relationships
Colleagues who care about doing things properly
A culture built on Passion, Trust, Humanity and Honesty
Genuine opportunity to shape your career as the firm grows
This is our moment, and our vision is clear, to build something genuinely remarkable.
The Role
As a result of continued growth and in line with our "Crazy Goal" which is for "Armstrong Watson to be known as the best Accounting and Financial Advisory firm to deal with, delivering the best client experience in the UK", we are now recruiting for a Regional Financial Planning Manager to join our team in Cumbria.
The successful candidate can be based in either Carlisle, Dumfries or West Cumbria, but this position requires them to be present at each of these offices on a regular basis to ensure positive collaboration across all teams.
The main elements of this role will include:
Working with clients to understand their objectives and provide comprehensive robust solutions to help meet these objectives
Ensuring high-quality ongoing advice is provided to all clients
Ensuring individual revenue targets are achieved
Leading and managing a team of Financial Planning Consultants in terms of both performance management and Training & Competence (T&C) to deliver agreed advisory and commercial objectives
Building and maintaining relationships with Partners, Directors and Managers with an emphasis for ongoing business development
Leading the recruitment process when required for new team members
Ensuring compliance and requirements and standards are met
Identifying opportunities to refer clients to AW for wider services where appropriate
Actively contributing to the strategy and day to day running of Armstrong Watson Financial Planning Limited
Please note that we will be accepting candidates from agency suppliers in connection with this vacancy.
The Candidate
In order to fulfil the responsibilities of the position, we would like candidates to be / have:
A Full UK Driving Licence
A Level 4 Diploma in Financial Planning (minimum requirement)
A Level 6 Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning (desirable)
Detailed knowledge and understanding of Business Standards - Conduct of Business (COBS)
Detailed knowledge and understanding of High Level Standards - Code of Conduct (COCON)
Minimum industry experience of 3 years in an advisory role
Good knowledge and understanding of FCA Money Laundering Section of the System & Controls Sourcebook (SYSC)
Basic knowledge of other Accountancy services, including Audit, Tax, Insolvency, Corporate Finance, VAT and Accounting
Excellent communication skills, in both verbal and written forms
Able to prioritise workloads under strict deadlines and work well under pressure
General IT skills
Good attention to detail to ensure that reports are compiled to the highest possible quality
The Benefits
In return for your hard work helping us shape our future growth and development; we will provide a competitive salary and a positive benefits package which includes:
Salary Sacrifice Employer Contribution Pension Scheme including Life Cover (4x salary) and Income Protection
Competitive Annual Leave entitlement & Annual Leave Purchase Scheme allowing you to buy up to 5 additional days annual leave each year
Smart Working Policy, giving you the ability to balance home and remote working
Health Shield Cash Plan (cash back on a range of Health benefits and discounts on holidays, fashion and entertainment)
Employee Assistance Programme (24/7 confidential support for wellbeing and health)
Paid flu jabs and eye tests
Introductory Commission Scheme (financial reward if you refer a new client)
Employee Referral Scheme (financial reward if you refer new AW colleagues) enabling you to claim up to £2,500 for each referral
Investment towards Continuous Professional Development (CPD), which includes access to comprehensive training courses and materials
Paid professional membership fees
In addition to all the benefits you would expect from an award winning employer, you will be given the utmost encouragement and support to develop your career further.
When you're with us... we're with you.