Managing Partner/ Executive Director

SUMMARY:
This role is suited to an entrepreneurially minded CA (SA) who is motivated by building and scaling a professional services business, rather than operating within a purely technical capacity.
 
About the Opportunity
Our client is a well-established and growing group of accounting, auditing and advisory firms, with a presence in Durban, Johannesburg and Cape Town.
 
This is a high-impact Executive leadership role, reporting to the Group CEO, within a firm that has a strong client base and a solid operational foundation.
 
As the founder transitions into a broader group role, the firm is seeking a commercially astute, growth-oriented Managing Partner / Executive Director to take full responsibility for the business leading operations, strengthening client relationships, building high-performing teams, and driving the next phase of growth.
 
With centralised support, modern infrastructure, and established systems already in place, this role is designed to enable the incoming leader to focus on strategic growth, execution, and commercial performance.

POSITION INFO:
Strategic Mandate:

• Lead the firm’s growth from an established base to a significantly scaled business over the next 5 years, through a combination of organic growth and strategic acquisitions.
• Execute the group’s strategic vision while maintaining high standards of compliance, quality, and client service.
• Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing, accountable team.
• Strengthen and expand client relationships to support sustainable revenue growth.
• Uphold technical and regulatory excellence as the firm’s Registered Auditor (RA).

• Assume full accountability for the performance, delivery, and leadership of the firm.
• Translate strategic objectives into measurable operational outcomes.
• Lead client-facing functions, ensuring consistent delivery of high-quality, value-driven service.

• Take ownership of key client relationships and overall client portfolio performance.
• Drive client retention, growth, and cross-service engagement.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities, including acquisition opportunities aligned to the firm’s growth strategy.

• Maintain the highest standards of professional, ethical, and technical delivery.
• Serve as (or become) the firm’s Registered Auditor (IRBA).
• Oversee compliance, audit quality, and review processes.

• Lead and develop teams across audit, accounting, tax, and support functions.
• Drive performance, accountability, and succession within the firm.
• Foster a culture aligned to excellence, collaboration, and growth.

• Chartered Accountant (CA (SA)) – essential.
• Eligible for or currently registered as a Registered Auditor (IRBA).

• 10+ years post-articles experience within audit, accounting, or professional services.
• 5+ years in a Senior Leadership or Executive capacity.
• Demonstrated track record of driving growth, leading teams, and managing key client portfolios.
• Strong technical capability combined with commercial and strategic acumen.

• Credible and confident leader with strong professional presence.
• Commercially minded with the ability to translate strategy into results.
• Strong client orientation and relationship management capability.
• High levels of integrity, emotional intelligence, and resilience.
• Motivated by growth, performance, and long-term value creation.

• Competitive executive-level salary and benefits.
• Performance-linked incentives aligned to growth and profitability.
• Equity participation / share-based incentives linked to long-term performance.
• Opportunity to play a key role in scaling a multi-office professional services firm.