Accounts & Audit Manager
Salary: £45,000 – £60,000
Location: Blackburn (Hybrid Working)
Are you an experienced audit professional ready to step into a leadership role where you can influence client relationships, shape team development, and drive business performance? This is a standout opportunity to join our client’s growing audit and advisory team in a key managerial capacity, offering genuine progression to senior leadership within a forward-thinking North West firm.
If you are seeking a role that combines technical challenge, people leadership, and commercial responsibility, this position offers the platform to take your career to the next level.
The Role: Accounts & Audit Manager
Following sustained growth, our client is looking to appoint an ambitious Accounts & Audit Manager to their Blackburn office.
You will oversee a portfolio of corporate clients, with approximately 75% audit and 25% accounts and advisory work, acting as a trusted adviser and key client contact.
Key Responsibilities
Portfolio & Client Management
- Manage a portfolio of corporate and owner-managed business clients
- Act as a trusted adviser, building and maintaining long-term relationships
- Deliver a high-quality, joined-up service across audit, accounts, and advisory
Audit & Technical Leadership
- Oversee and review statutory audits from planning through to completion
- Review financial statements prepared under FRS 102 and FRS 102-1A
- Ensure compliance with UK auditing standards (ISA UK)
- Provide technical guidance to both clients and internal teams
Team Leadership & Development
- Manage, coach, and develop audit and accounts staff at all levels
- Identify training needs and deliver internal training sessions
- Support the development and progression of junior team members
Operational & Commercial Responsibility
- Manage engagement budgets, billing, and recovery
- Ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget
- Contribute to the efficient running of the department
- Identify opportunities to improve processes, quality, and profitability
Career Progression
- Clear pathway to Senior Manager and Director level
- Opportunity to play a key role in strategic growth and leadership
About You
To be successful in this role, you will demonstrate:
- ACA or ACCA qualified with 3–6+ years’ PQE in UK practice
- Significant experience managing audit and/or mixed portfolios
- Strong technical knowledge of UK GAAP and auditing standards
- Experience reviewing statutory accounts and audit files
- Proven ability to lead teams and manage client relationships
- Commercial awareness including budgeting and billing
- Excellent communication, leadership, and organisational skills
- A proactive, solutions-focused and career-driven mindset
Working Arrangements
- Office-based in Blackburn
- Client site visits across Lancashire and North Manchester
- Hybrid working model with flexibility and autonomy
- Flexitime approach supporting work-life balance
Learning, Development & Progression
Our client is committed to investing in your long-term success, offering:
- Structured leadership and technical development programmes
- 6-monthly performance reviews with optional monthly 1-2-1s
- Access to a mentor and internal leadership support
- Development in advisory, networking, and business development skills
- Opportunities to contribute to firm-wide initiatives and strategy
- Potential for international exposure through global network connections
Comprehensive Benefits Package
You will receive a highly competitive package including:
- £45,000 – £60,000 salary (dependent on experience)
- 30 days’ holiday + bank holidays
- Office closure over winter period
- Flexible Easter leave policy
- 8% employer pension contribution
- Death in service (4x salary) & income protection
- Hybrid working & weekly flexitime
- Enhanced family-friendly policies
- Private medical insurance options (via salary sacrifice)
- Electric car scheme & cycle to work scheme
- Firm-wide bonus scheme
- Full technical and leadership training support
- Paid sick leave
- Employee wellbeing support, including health, financial and legal advice
- On-site parking
- Access to a wide range of additional lifestyle and financial benefits
Why Join This Opportunity?
Our client is a highly respected, award-winning accountancy practice with a strong presence across the North West. Known for their people-first culture, flexible working environment, and commitment to sustainability and development, they offer a unique opportunity to build a long-term, rewarding leadership career within practice.
Audit and Accounts Manager employer: Hawthorne-finch Talent Solutions
Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that values autonomy and high standards of client care. Located in Leeds, the firm provides its employees with competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and a health cash plan, alongside ample opportunities for professional growth and development. Joining this team means being part of a supportive environment where your contributions are recognised and encouraged.
Contact Details:
Hawthorne-finch Talent Solutions Recruitment Team