Audit Senior/Semi-Senior in Birmingham

Location: Birmingham, West Midlands, United Kingdom

Purpose of the Role

To plan, lead and deliver high-quality audit assignments for clients of the Corporate Services team, while supporting managers and partners in providing an efficient, compliant and commercially focused service, supervising junior team members and contributing to the development of the practice with an appropriate level of autonomy.

Responsibilities

• Support partners and managers in the Corporate Services team in delivering a high-quality audit service to clients, together with related compliance and advisory matters.
• Plan, complete and supervise audit assignments at client sites or remotely, ensuring work is delivered to the required professional and firm standards.
• Identify audit risks, technical matters and key completion points, escalating issues to the Partner or Manager on a timely basis.
• Prepare audit files, working papers, statutory accounts and completion documentation to the required standards.
• Assist with higher-level technical audit, accounts and related compliance work for corporate clients.
• Liaise with clients to obtain relevant information for audit and accounts assignments, acting proactively and demonstrating attention to detail and effective questioning.
• Monitor the quality and progress of assignments in line with agreed budgets and deadlines, meeting targets and exceeding them where possible.
• Record chargeable time accurately and work efficiently to support appropriate recovery levels.
• Support trainees through on-the-job coaching, supervision and review of their assignments.
• Identify points for the Partner or Manager to raise with clients, including opportunities for additional services and added-value advice.
• Finalise paperwork for dispatch to clients and HMRC in a timely manner, ensuring required deadlines and quality standards are met.
• Manage and deliver ad hoc projects and assignments as required.
• Attend relevant training courses and continuing professional development activities appropriate to the role.

Key Skills

• Strong audit planning, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong IT skills, including confidence in audit, accounts and Microsoft Office software.
• Strong communication and active listening skills.
• Ability to supervise assignments, review work and deliver audit files and related compliance work accurately, efficiently and to a high standard.

Key Knowledge

• In-depth knowledge of UK auditing standards, audit methodology and file completion requirements.
• Good working knowledge of financial reporting requirements and accounts preparation.
• Working knowledge of relevant business taxes, particularly corporation tax and VAT.
• Knowledge of audit and accounting systems, including Inflo, MWP, Xero and other relevant software, and an understanding of their practical uses and benefits.

Qualifications Required

• Essential: ACA or ACCA qualified.
• Desirable: Degree or equivalent relevant experience.

Experience Required

• Essential: Recent audit and accounts experience within a practice environment, including experience of leading assignments and supervising junior staff.
• Desirable: Experience of using audit and cloud accounting software such as Inflo, MWP, Xero and related systems.

Personal Qualities

• Professional and credible manner.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Able to build rapport and trust with clients and colleagues.
• Able to handle confidential information appropriately and professionally.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Resilient, positive and able to work effectively under pressure.
• Self-motivated, proactive and results-focussed.
• Well organised with strong time management skills.
• Solutions-focussed.
• Analytical, with the ability to think clearly and respond quickly to issues.

Job Requirements

• Able to work from an Ellacotts office location and travel within reasonable commuting distance.
• Willingness to work additional hours when required to meet client and business needs.