At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead audits, supervise junior staff, and deliver high-quality audit files.
- Company: Join a people-focused firm of Chartered Accountants in St Albans.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and ongoing professional development.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with clear progression opportunities and work-life balance.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a modern, tech-driven audit environment with real client relationships.
- Qualifications: ACA or ACCA qualified with strong UK practice audit experience.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 € per year.
About Gilberts
Gilberts is a growing, people-focused firm of Chartered Accountants based in St Albans, with approximately 35 staff and four partners. With over 100 years of combined experience across audit, accounting and tax, we combine trusted expertise with forward-thinking, technology-enabled solutions. We work predominantly with SMEs, family businesses and private clients, including owner-managed businesses and growing groups, building long-term relationships and acting as true partners in their success. Our client portfolio ranges from early-stage start-ups to established businesses with turnover in excess of £100m, operating across a wide range of sectors. Audit forms a core part of our service offering, representing approximately 70% of the workload for this role, alongside accounts, tax and advisory services.
Our audit approach goes beyond compliance. By embracing advanced data analytics and AI-enabled processes, we focus on higher-risk areas, deliver meaningful insights, and help our clients grow with confidence. We place strong emphasis on audit quality and technical robustness. Our audits are designed to meet the highest professional standards while providing clear, commercially relevant insight to clients. We are proud of our family-feel culture, collaborative environment, and commitment to work-life balance. We believe high standards and sustainable working practices go hand in hand.
The Opportunity
We are looking for a newly qualified or part qualified ACA or ACCA to join us as an Audit Senior / Supervisor. This is a key role within our Audit & Accounts team. Over the first 24 months in this position, you will:
- Lead audit assignments from planning through to completion
- Supervise and develop junior team members
- Take responsibility for delivering high-quality, technically robust audit files
- Act as a trusted day-to-day contact for clients
- Play an active role in maintaining and enhancing audit quality across the firm
This role is expected to operate at Senior / Supervisor level for approximately 24 months. Following this period, progression discussions will be aligned to performance and individual preference. We recognise that not everyone’s career aspirations are the same. For those who wish to progress into management and leadership roles, there is a clear pathway and support to do so. Equally, we value individuals who wish to develop as highly capable technical audit specialists, delivering consistently high-quality work within a senior capacity.
The Role
Audit Leadership & Delivery
- Lead statutory and voluntary audits across a varied SME portfolio, including owner-managed businesses and growing groups
- Prepare and manage audit plans, risk assessments and materiality calculations
- Identify audit risks and design appropriate procedures
- Supervise on-site and remote fieldwork
- Review working papers to ensure technical accuracy and compliance with ISAs (UK)
- Deliver complete, well-documented files ready for Manager review
- Ensure assignments are delivered on time and within agreed budgets
Technical & Quality Responsibility
- Maintain high technical standards in line with UK GAAP (FRS 102), ISAs (UK) and Companies Act requirements
- Ensure files clearly link risks, procedures and conclusions
- Exercise professional scepticism and sound judgement
- Escalate technical or judgemental matters appropriately
- Contribute to continuous audit quality improvement and internal file reviews
Client Relationships
- Act as the main point of contact during audit fieldwork
- Communicate clearly and proactively with clients
- Identify areas where we can add value beyond compliance
- Support the development of long‑term, trusted client relationships
Team Development
- Supervise, coach and mentor trainees and part‑qualified staff
- Review work and provide constructive feedback
- Support internal training sessions
- Contribute to building a collaborative, high‑performing audit team
Innovation & AI Development (Optional Involvement)
At Gilberts, we are actively investing in AI‑enabled audit and advisory processes as part of our commitment to being a modern, forward‑thinking firm. There is an opportunity for the successful candidate to be involved in our internal AI Working Group, which focuses on:
- Developing efficient, high‑quality AI‑assisted audit tools
- Enhancing audit planning, risk identification and review processes through automation
- Designing practical AI solutions to improve file quality, consistency and efficiency
- Creating task‑specific AI agents using tools such as Microsoft Copilot Studio
- Exploring wider practice applications of AI across audit, accounts, tax and advisory
This initiative is focused on enhancing professional judgement, strengthening audit quality and improving consistency — not replacing core audit expertise. Involvement is entirely optional and suited to individuals with an interest in technology and innovation. It offers exposure to strategic, firm‑wide initiatives and the opportunity to help shape how audit is delivered in a modern, data‑driven environment.
About You
We are looking for someone who:
- Is ACA or ACCA qualified (or newly qualified)
- Has strong UK practice audit experience
- Is confident leading audits from planning through to completion
- Has experience supervising junior team members
- Demonstrates strong technical knowledge of FRS 102 and ISAs (UK)
- Exercises sound professional judgement and attention to detail
- Communicates clearly and professionally with clients
- Takes ownership and responsibility for quality
- Is organised and able to manage multiple deadlines
- Has an interest in understanding clients’ businesses and delivering value beyond compliance
- Is curious, solutions‑focused and open to continuous improvement
What We Offer
- Competitive salary (commensurate with experience)
- Structured development aligned to individual career goals
- Clear progression opportunities for those who wish to pursue them
- Hybrid working (up to one day a week working from home)
- Supportive and approachable partners
- Ongoing CPD and technical development
- Exposure to a varied and interesting client base
- A collaborative, people‑focused culture
- A modern, tech‑driven audit environment
- Strong work‑life balance
Why Join Gilberts?
Gilberts offers the responsibility and exposure of a growing firm, without the anonymity of a large hierarchy. With around 35 staff and four partners, you will work closely with senior leadership and have real visibility over your work. We take audit quality and technical standards seriously, and we expect our Seniors & Supervisors to do the same. At the same time, we believe high standards are best achieved through good planning, strong systems and intelligent use of technology — not long‑hours culture. Our environment is collaborative and straightforward. Partners are accessible, teamwork is valued and people are trusted to take ownership. We are committed to maintaining a professional setting where strong performance and sustainable working practices go hand in hand. If you are looking to develop your technical capability within a supportive, modern and forward‑thinking firm, we would welcome your application.
Audit Senior/Audit Supervisor (Newly Qualified or Part Qualified with 2+ years of audit experience) in St Albans employer: Gilberts Chartered Accounts & Business Advisers
Gilberts is an exceptional employer that prioritises a people-focused culture, offering a collaborative environment where employees can thrive. With a commitment to work-life balance and structured development opportunities, staff are encouraged to grow their careers while maintaining high standards in audit quality. Located in St Albans, the firm provides a unique chance to work closely with senior leadership and engage in innovative practices, including AI-driven audit solutions, making it an attractive place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
Contact Detail:
Gilberts Chartered Accounts & Business Advisers Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Audit Senior/Audit Supervisor (Newly Qualified or Part Qualified with 2+ years of audit experience) in St Albans
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, or even hit up LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for interviews by doing mock sessions with friends or mentors. Focus on common questions and how to showcase your audit experience effectively. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! When you get the chance, share examples of your past work and how you've added value in previous roles. This will help potential employers see what you can bring to their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We love seeing applications directly from candidates who are excited about joining us at Gilberts. It shows initiative and enthusiasm, which we really appreciate.
We think you need these skills to ace Audit Senior/Audit Supervisor (Newly Qualified or Part Qualified with 2+ years of audit experience) in St Albans
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Audit Senior/Supervisor role. Highlight your audit experience, especially any leadership roles or projects you've managed, to show us you're ready for this key position.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about audit and how your background makes you a great fit for Gilberts. Don't forget to mention your interest in technology and innovation if that's your thing!
Showcase Your Technical Skills:We want to see your technical prowess! Be sure to include specific examples of how you've applied your knowledge of UK GAAP, ISAs, and audit processes in your previous roles. This will help us understand your expertise and how you can contribute to our team.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows us you're keen to join our team at Gilberts!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gilberts Chartered Accounts & Business Advisers
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of UK GAAP, FRS 102, and ISAs (UK). Be ready to discuss how you've applied these standards in your previous roles. This will show that you're not just familiar with the theory but can also implement it practically.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves supervising junior team members, be prepared to share examples of how you've led teams or projects in the past. Highlight any mentoring experiences and how you’ve contributed to team development, as this will resonate well with their focus on collaboration.
✨Demonstrate Client-Centric Thinking
Gilberts values long-term client relationships, so think about how you can add value beyond compliance. Prepare examples of how you've identified client needs and provided insights that helped them grow. This will show that you understand the importance of being a trusted advisor.
✨Embrace Innovation
With Gilberts investing in AI-enabled processes, express your interest in technology and innovation during the interview. If you have experience with data analytics or any tech tools, mention them! This will demonstrate that you're aligned with their forward-thinking approach.
