Job Description
Role Overview
We are seeking an experienced operations leader with a strong background in professional services to oversee and optimize the firm's operational performance. The General Manager / Director of Operations will be responsible for managing the operational infrastructure of the firm, ensuring efficient delivery of accounting, tax, administrative, corporate secretarial services, IT, HR while maintaining the highest professional and regulatory standards. This role requires deep familiarity with professional services workflows, resourceplanning, client engagement processes, and regulatory compliance within accounting and corporate services environments.
The successful candidate will partner and works closely with the Managing Partner and various department leaders to drive operational excellence, scalability, and profitability.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Management
- Oversea daily operations across accounting, tax, corporate secretarial service, administrative, IT support, HR and internal finance lines.
- Ensure efficient workflow management, service delivery standards, and quality control.
- Implement and monitor operational systems that improve turnaround time, productivity, and service consistency.
- Coordinate work allocation and capacity planning across departments.
Professional Services Delivery Oversight
- Ensure engagements are delivered in accordance with professional standards and regulatory requirements.
- Monitor project timelines, deliverables, and client service quality.
- Support partners and managers in managing complex engagements or operational bottlenecks.
Financial & Performance Management
- Setup, refine or monitor operational KPIs including utilization rates, realization, revenue per employee, and project margins.
- Support budgeting, cost management, and financial planning for operational departments.
- Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and profitability.
Process Improvement & Systems
- Evaluate and improve internal workflows, documentation standards, and service delivery processes.
- Implement operational best practices, automation tools, and practice management systems.
- Lead initiatives to improve operational scalability as the firm grows.
Team Leadership
- Manage and develop operational and administrative teams.
- Work with department heads to ensure effective staffing, performance management, and professional development.
- Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Compliance & Risk Management
- Ensure adherence to regulatory requirements governing accounting, tax, and corporate secretarial services.
- Support implementation of internal compliance, risk management, and quality assurance frameworks.
- Work with partners to manage operational risks associated with client engagements.
Required Experience
Candidates should demonstrate strong operational experience within a professional services environment, preferably including accounting, tax, corporate secretarial, consulting, or legal services.
Minimum Requirements
- Min.15 years of relevant professional services experience
- At least 5-8 years in a senior operational, practice management, or firm leadership role
- Experience managing multi-disciplinary professional teams
- Demonstrated ability to improve operational efficiency and service delivery processes
Preferred Experience
- Prior experience in an accounting, tax, corporate services, consulting, or legal firm
- Experience implementing practice management systems or operational technology, AI, IT, accounting or corporate secretarial software.
- Exposure to regional or multi-jurisdictional professional services operations
Technical Knowledge
Candidates should possess strong understanding of:
- Accounting and financial reporting workflows
- Tax compliance and advisory processes
- Corporate secretarial and regulatory filing requirements
- Professional services engagement management
- Practice management systems and workflow tools
- Financial and operational performance metrics in professional services firms
Key Skills
Operational Leadership
Ability to design, manage, and optimize complex operational workflows within a professional services environment.
Financial Acumen
Strong understanding of firm economics including utilization, realization, pricing, and cost management.
Process Improvement
Proven ability to streamline operations and implement scalable systems and processes.
Stakeholder Management
Ability to work effectively with partners, professionals, regulators, and clients.
People Leadership
Experience building and leading high-performing teams while maintaining strong professional culture.
Education & Professional Qualifications
Preferred qualifications include:
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related discipline
- CPA, CA, ACCA, or equivalent professional qualification (preferred)
- Additional certifications in operations, management, or project management are advantageous
Ideal Profile
The ideal candidate will combine:
- Professional services industry expertise
- Strong operational leadership
- Commercial and financial discipline
- Ability to scale systems and processes as the firm grows
