At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead audit and accounts teams, manage client portfolios, and drive business performance.
- Company: Award-winning accountancy practice with a people-first culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, generous holiday, and comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Join a forward-thinking firm committed to your long-term success and development.
- Why this job: Step into a leadership role with real influence and career progression opportunities.
- Qualifications: ACA or ACCA qualified with 3-6+ years’ experience in UK practice.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 60000 £ per year.
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.
If you are ready to take the next step into a managerial role with real influence and progression potential, 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.
Audit and Accounts Manager in Blackburn employer: Hawthorne-finch Talent Solutions
Join a highly respected, award-winning accountancy practice in Blackburn that prioritises a people-first culture and offers a flexible working environment. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will benefit from structured leadership programmes, mentorship, and a clear pathway to senior management roles, all while enjoying a comprehensive benefits package that includes generous holiday allowances and hybrid working options. This is an exceptional opportunity for those seeking meaningful career progression in a supportive and innovative setting.
Contact Details:
Hawthorne-finch Talent Solutions Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Audit and Accounts Manager in Blackburn
✨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
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Know their values, recent projects, and what makes them tick. This will help you tailor your answers and show them you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills with a friend or mentor. Mock interviews can help you get comfortable with common questions and refine your responses. Plus, it’s a great way to get feedback on your body language and tone.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and keep you top of mind. It shows your enthusiasm and professionalism, which can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Audit and Accounts Manager in Blackburn
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Audit and Accounts Manager role. Highlight your qualifications, especially your ACA or ACCA status, and any relevant experience managing audit portfolios.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this position. Share specific examples of how you've influenced client relationships or led teams in the past, and show your enthusiasm for the role.
Showcase Your Technical Knowledge:Since this role requires strong technical knowledge of UK GAAP and auditing standards, make sure to mention any relevant certifications or experiences that demonstrate your expertise in these areas.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. This way, we can ensure your application gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hawthorne-finch Talent Solutions
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Audit and Accounts Manager, you’ll need to demonstrate a solid grasp of financial statements and UK GAAP. Brush up on your technical knowledge and be ready to discuss specific examples from your experience that showcase your expertise in managing audit portfolios.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role requires strong team leadership. Prepare to share instances where you've successfully managed and developed teams. Think about how you’ve identified training needs or improved team performance, as these will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Build Client Relationships
Since client management is key, come prepared with examples of how you've built and maintained long-term relationships with clients. Highlight your approach to being a trusted adviser and how you’ve delivered high-quality services across audit and advisory work.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Awareness
Understanding budgeting and billing is crucial for this position. Be ready to discuss how you've managed engagement budgets in the past and any strategies you've implemented to improve profitability and efficiency within your team.
