At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead audits, manage client relationships, and mentor junior team members.
- Company: Award-winning accountancy firm with a strong focus on people development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, generous holiday, and comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Hybrid working model and supportive environment for career growth.
- Why this job: Step into a leadership role with real responsibility and clear career progression.
- Qualifications: ACA or ACCA qualified with 3-5 years of audit experience.
The predicted salary is between 38000 - 48000 £ per year.
Salary: £38,000 – £48,000 + Strong Career Progression
Location: Blackburn (Hybrid Working)
Are you an ambitious audit professional ready to step into a leadership role with real responsibility and progression? This is a fantastic opportunity to join our client’s growing audit and advisory team, where you will take ownership of client relationships, develop your leadership skills, and benefit from a clear pathway to Manager and beyond. If you are currently operating at Senior or Supervisor level and ready for that next step, this role offers the ideal platform within a supportive, forward-thinking environment.
The Role:
Due to continued growth, our client is seeking an Accounts & Audit Assistant Manager to join their Blackburn office. This is a varied and rewarding role, with approximately 75% audit and 25% accounts and advisory work, providing exposure across a diverse client portfolio.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the management of a portfolio of corporate and owner-managed business clients
- Lead audits from planning through to completion, ensuring high-quality delivery
- Oversee the preparation and review of year-end financial statements under FRS 102 and FRS 102-1A
- Contribute to advisory projects and value-added client work
Audit & Technical Oversight
- Review audit files and accounts to ensure accuracy and regulatory compliance
- Apply and uphold UK auditing standards (ISA UK)
- Provide technical support on complex accounting and audit queries
Team Leadership & Development
- Supervise and mentor junior and senior team members
- Support the identification of training and development needs
- Contribute to improving process efficiency and service quality
Commercial & Operational Responsibilities
- Assist with engagement budgeting, billing and cost recovery
- Monitor project timelines to ensure efficient delivery
- Build a strong internal network to provide a joined-up client service
Career Progression
- Clear pathway to Manager and Senior Manager roles
- Increasing exposure to portfolio ownership and leadership responsibilities
About You
The ideal candidate will demonstrate:
- ACA or ACCA qualified (or finalist)
- 3–5 years’ UK accountancy practice experience, with strong audit exposure
- Experience at Senior or Supervisor level with oversight of assignments or teams
- Strong knowledge of UK GAAP (FRS 102) and auditing standards (ISA UK)
- Experience reviewing accounts and audit files
- Developing commercial awareness including budgeting and client management
- Excellent communication, organisational and interpersonal skills
- A proactive, motivated and career-focused mindset
Working Arrangements
- Based in Blackburn office
- Travel to client sites across Lancashire and North Manchester
- Hybrid working model with flexibility and autonomy
- Flexitime approach to support work-life balance
Learning, Development & Career Progression
Our client is committed to supporting your long-term career growth, offering:
- Structured technical and leadership development programmes
- 6-monthly performance reviews with optional monthly 1-2-1s
- Access to a mentor and internal career coaching
- Training in client advisory, networking and presentation skills
- Opportunities to contribute to departmental and firm-wide initiatives
Comprehensive Benefits Package
You will receive a competitive and flexible benefits package, including:
- £38,000 – £48,000 salary (depending on experience)
- 25 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 soft skills training support
- Paid sick leave
- Employee wellbeing support, including financial, legal and health advice
- On-site parking
- Access to a wide range of additional lifestyle and financial benefits
Why Join This Opportunity?
Our client is a well-respected, award-winning accountancy firm with a strong presence across the North West. With a reputation for people development, flexibility and long-term career progression, this is a business that provides the support, trust and opportunity needed to build a successful career in practice.
If you are ready to step into an Assistant Manager role with genuine responsibility and progression, we would welcome a confidential discussion.
Contact: David Hawthorne-Finch
Email: d.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com
Apply today for immediate consideration. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.
Accounts and Audit Assistant Manager in Blackburn employer: Hawthorne-finch Talent Solutions
Join a well-respected, award-winning accountancy firm in Blackburn that prioritises employee development and offers a supportive, forward-thinking work culture. With a clear pathway for career progression, flexible hybrid working arrangements, and a comprehensive benefits package, this is an excellent opportunity for ambitious audit professionals looking to take the next step in their careers while enjoying a healthy work-life balance.
Contact Details:
Hawthorne-finch Talent Solutions Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Accounts and Audit Assistant Manager in Blackburn
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the lookout for new opportunities. You never know who might have the perfect lead for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with your own. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills with a friend or mentor. Get comfortable discussing your experience and how it relates to the role of Accounts and Audit Assistant Manager. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll feel when it’s time to shine.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Accounts and Audit Assistant Manager in Blackburn
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Accounts & Audit Assistant Manager role. Highlight your audit exposure and any leadership experience to show us you're ready for this step up.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about this role and how your background makes you the perfect fit. Don’t forget to mention your career aspirations and how they align with our growth.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Since this role involves a lot of technical oversight, make sure to highlight your knowledge of UK GAAP and auditing standards. We want to see that you can apply these in real-world scenarios, so give us examples!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hawthorne-finch Talent Solutions
✨Know Your Numbers
Brush up on your knowledge of UK GAAP and FRS 102. Be prepared to discuss how you've applied these standards in your previous roles, especially in audits and financial statements. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but can also implement it practically.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
Since this role involves supervising and mentoring, think of specific examples where you've led a team or project. Highlight your approach to developing junior staff and improving processes. This will demonstrate your readiness for a leadership position.
✨Client Relationship Focus
Prepare to talk about your experience managing client relationships. Think of instances where you’ve added value to clients or resolved complex issues. This will illustrate your ability to take ownership of a client portfolio effectively.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready. Inquire about the firm’s approach to career progression or how they support team development. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the company culture.
