Audit Senior / Assistant Manager in Southampton

Southampton | Top 20 Chartered Accountancy Firm

The Opportunity

An excellent opportunity has arisen for a newly qualified Audit Senior or Assistant Manager to join a highly respected Top 20 UK accountancy and advisory firm in Southampton. This role offers exposure to a diverse portfolio of owner-managed businesses, entrepreneurial companies, international groups, charities, and not-for-profit organisations across Scotland and the wider UK.

The successful candidate will play a key role in delivering high-quality audit and assurance services while supporting the development of junior team members and building strong client relationships. This position provides a clear pathway for progression within a growing and ambitious firm.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead audit assignments from planning through to completion for a varied client portfolio.
• Prepare and review audit working papers in accordance with UK auditing standards.
• Manage on-site audit teams and coordinate assignments to ensure deadlines are achieved.
• Review statutory accounts prepared under UK GAAP and FRS 102.
• Identify and communicate audit findings, risks and recommendations to senior management and clients.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships, acting as a trusted point of contact throughout engagements.
• Mentor, coach and develop trainees and junior members of the audit team.
• Assist managers and partners with budgeting, resourcing and overall engagement management.
• Ensure compliance with firm policies, professional standards and regulatory requirements.
• Support wider business development initiatives through networking and identifying opportunities within existing client relationships.

Candidate Profile

Essential

• ACA / CA / ACCA qualified (or recently qualified).
• Proven external audit experience gained within a UK accountancy practice environment.
• Strong knowledge of UK GAAP, FRS 102 and International Standards on Auditing (UK).
• Experience managing audit assignments and supervising junior team members.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Commercial awareness and a client-focused approach.

Desirable

• Experience working with owner-managed businesses and mid-market corporate clients.
• Exposure to charities, academies, manufacturing, technology, financial services or professional services sectors.
• Experience reviewing the work of trainees and audit juniors.
• Ability to identify advisory opportunities and contribute to business growth initiatives.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and annual performance review.
• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements.
• Generous holiday allowance with the option to purchase additional leave.
• Pension scheme and comprehensive benefits package.
• Professional development and leadership training programmes.
• Clear progression pathway to Manager and beyond.
• Exposure to a broad and interesting client portfolio.
• Supportive and collaborative culture focused on continuous learning and career development.

Why Join?

This is an outstanding opportunity for a recently qualified auditor looking to take the next step in their career with a nationally recognised firm. You will gain exposure to complex assignments, work directly with experienced managers and partners, and be given genuine responsibility from day one, all within a collaborative environment that supports long-term career progression.

Whether you are currently working as an Audit Senior seeking your first Assistant Manager role, or a newly promoted Assistant Manager looking for a fresh challenge, this position offers an excellent platform to accelerate your career within a leading UK practice.

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