At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead audits, review financial statements, and mentor juniors while managing timelines and budgets.
- Company: A modern accountancy practice focused on investing in its people and fostering development.
- Benefits: Clear progression paths, supportive team environment, and exposure to interesting technical work.
- Other info: No sponsorship available; must have the right to work in the UK.
- Why this job: Gain real responsibility and develop your judgement in a collaborative culture.
- Qualifications: ACA/ACCA qualified or newly qualified with external audit experience.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Your new company is a modern, growing accountancy practice that is genuinely investing in its people. You will be joining a friendly, down-to-earth audit team where development is taken seriously, work is well-managed, and progression isn't just talk. Clients are varied, the work is interesting, and you will get exposure that actually helps you move your career forward - not just churn through jobs. This is a great step up for a newly or recently qualified ACA/ACCA auditor ready to take a bit more ownership.
You will be involved in audits from planning right through to completion, with real responsibility but plenty of support around you. Day to day, you will be:
- Leading audits on a range of clients (with support where needed)
- Reviewing financial statements and identifying key risk areas
- Managing timelines, budgets and keeping things on track
- Supporting and mentoring juniors (without being expected to manage a team overnight)
- Building strong, confident relationships with clients
- Getting involved in more technical and interesting areas as you progress
It's a role where you can actually develop your judgement, not just follow last year's file.
What you will need to succeed:
- Experience in external audit within an accountancy practice
- ACA / ACCA qualified or newly qualified (or very close)
- Strong grounding in UK GAAP and audit standards
- Confidence speaking to clients and taking ownership of your work
- Ability to manage multiple jobs without burning out
- Exposure to any of the below is a bonus (but not essential):
- Group audits / consolidations
- IFRS or overseas entities
- More complex assignments (acquisitions, reorganisations, etc.)
You must already have the right to work in the UK (no sponsorship available).
What you will get in return:
- Clear, realistic progression (no 'wait 3 years and see')
- A supportive team that doesn't throw you in at the deep end
- Proper exposure to interesting and technical work
- Ongoing development as you move beyond newly qualified level
- A genuinely collaborative culture - not cut-throat
If you are an Audit Senior looking for supportive practice with strong technical work and real career opportunity, get in touch and I will share the full details confidentially.
Accounts Senior / Audit Senior (Permanent) in Southampton employer: Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited
Join a modern and growing accountancy practice that prioritises the development of its people in a friendly and supportive environment. With a focus on meaningful work and real career progression, you'll have the opportunity to lead audits, mentor juniors, and engage in interesting technical assignments while building strong client relationships. This is an excellent opportunity for newly or recently qualified ACA/ACCA auditors looking to take ownership of their work and advance their careers.
Contact Details:
Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Accounts Senior / Audit Senior (Permanent) in Southampton
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
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Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Accounts Senior / Audit Senior (Permanent) in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
