Accounts & Audit Senior in Manchester

Accounts & Audit Senior in Manchester

Manchester Full-Time No working from home possible
AMS Group

AMS Group is a leading UK Top 60 accountancy firm with a differentiated advisory-led proposition, headquartered in Manchester. We have been a trusted name in professional services for over 40 years. Our commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction has positioned us as a premier provider in the market.

Evolving from a family run accountancy practice in a Blackburn (established 1982), to a nationwide advisory business with over 350 employees, across 14 offices, our trading divisions comprise Audit, Accounts, Tax & Advisory with multiple service lines within each division. We leverage our relationship-driven client approach to generate significant cross-sell opportunities. Complementary to our organic growth is an impressive M&A strategy, with eight acquisitions completed since 2021 and further strategic acquisitions planned in 2025

We know great people make a great business. Our award-winning culture drives our success. In 2024, we were named the 7th Best Accountancy Firm to Work for in the UK and featured in the Top 100 Companies to Work For. We’re proud to be recognised as Best Employer in Tax (Tolley’s Taxation Awards 2025) and Employer of the Year (GM Chamber of Commerce Awards 2024), reflecting our commitment to people, culture, and a workplace where talent thrives

Role Purpose

As an Audit & Accounts Senior, you will play a key role in delivering high‑quality audit and accounts assignments across a varied client portfolio. Working closely with the Audit Manager and senior leadership team, supporting them to prepare statutory accounts, support junior colleagues, and maintain strong client relationships. This is a hands‑on, delivery‑focused role requiring strong technical skills, excellent communication, and the ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment.

Key Responsibilities

Audit Delivery

  • Audit fieldwork for a range of clients, ensuring work is completed to a high standard and in line with ISAs.
  • Prepare and complete audit testing across key financial statement areas.
  • Draft clear, well‑structured audit working papers for manager and RI review.
  • Reviewing junior / trainees work
  • Monitoring budgets
  • Assist with audit planning, including risk assessment and scoping.
  • Identify audit issues early and communicate them promptly to the manager.
  • Support the completion process, including final analytical review and clearing review points.

Accounts Preparation

  • Prepare year‑end statutory accounts for limited companies, partnerships, and sole traders in accordance with FRS 102 and FRS 105.
  • Produce working paper files that are accurate, complete, and ready for review.
  • Accounts preparation alongside overseeing junior staff preparing accounts too.
  • Assist clients with bookkeeping queries and accounting system improvements.

Client Relationship Management

  • Act as a day‑to‑day contact for clients during audit and accounts assignments.
  • Build strong, professional relationships through clear communication and reliable delivery.
  • Provide practical guidance to clients on accounting and audit matters.
  • Identify opportunities to add value or cross‑sell other firm services.

Team Support & Collaboration

  • Supervise and mentor junior team members and trainees, providing coaching
  • Review work completed by trainees, offering constructive feedback to support development.
  • Work collaboratively with peers and managers to ensure smooth delivery of assignments.
  • Contribute to a positive team culture built on trust, respect, and shared responsibility.

Quality, Compliance & Professional Standards

  • Ensure all work complies with ISAs, FRS standards, AML requirements, and firm policies.
  • Maintain high levelsof professional conduct, judgement, and confidentiality.
  • Keep technical knowledge up to date through CPD and internal training.
  • Support the manager with departmental initiatives, including training sessions and process improvements.

Key Relationships

Who the role interacts with regularly, both internally and externally.

  • Internal: Audit Manager, Juniors, Trainees.
  • External: Clients

Skills, Knowledge & Experience

  • Experience working in a professional practice environment in an audit and accounts role.
  • Strong background in leading audit fieldwork and preparing statutory accounts.
  • Experience supervising junior staff is desirable.

Technical skills (e.g. systems, methodologies)

  • Strong working knowledge of FRS 102, FRS 105, and core auditing standards.
  • Confident using audit software and cloud accounting platforms (e.g., Xero, QuickBooks).
  • Ability to interpret financial information and identify key risks.

Qualifications

  • ACA/ACCA finalist or qualified.

Performance Measures (Success Criteria)

Success in this role will be measured by:

  • High‑quality audit and accounts delivery.
  • Strong client feedback and relationship management.
  • Effective supervision and development of junior team members.
  • Consistent adherence to technical and compliance standards.
  • Contribution to team culture, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Benefits

  • 23 Days Holiday
  • Birthday off
  • Annual bonus scheme
  • Health cash plan after probation
  • Company sick pay
  • Enhanced parental pay policies
  • Perkbox subscription
  • 1 x paid membership / subscription
  • Cycle to work scheme
  • Employee Assistance Programme
  • Company pension scheme

AMS Group is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

AMS Group

Contact Details:

AMS Group Recruitment Team