Audit Manager in Cambridge

Looking for a role where your expertise can make a genuine difference? At PEM, you'll be joining one of Cambridge’s most established specialist charity and not-for-profit audit teams, supporting more than 250 organisations that improve lives, strengthen communities and drive positive change across the UK.

As an Audit Manager, you'll lead meaningful audit engagements, build trusted relationships with charity leaders and trustees, develop talented teams and help shape the future of a growing specialist sector practice. This is an opportunity to combine technical excellence, people leadership and purposeful work within a firm that has been putting people first for over 150 years.

Founded in Cambridge in 1875, PEM has grown to become one of the region's leading firms of accountants, tax and business advisers. While much has changed over the years, our commitment to people, relationships and exceptional client service remains at the heart of everything we do. Today, we're proud to support a diverse range of organisations, from owner-managed businesses and technology companies to some of the most respected charities and not-for-profit organisations in the UK.

When you join PEM, you'll find:

• A collaborative and supportive culture where expertise is shared openly
• A specialist team with a strong reputation in the charity and not-for-profit sector
• Meaningful opportunities for progression and leadership development
• Flexible and hybrid working that supports life outside of work
• Direct access to Partners and senior decision-makers
• A firm that genuinely invests in long-term careers

Across the firm, our people choose to support local causes through the PEM Charitable Trust. This is a firm-wide initiative, not a duty of this role. Our colleagues nominate and award grants of up to £2,000 to local charities - donating over £95,000 to date and celebrating our 150th grant in 2025. From charity challenges to volunteer days, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved if you wish - championing causes close to your heart and seeing the real-world impact of our collective work.

As Audit Manager within our Charities & Not-for-Profit team, you'll manage a portfolio of organisations with turnovers typically ranging from £1 million to £20 million. You'll act as a trusted adviser to clients while leading high-quality audit engagements, developing team members and contributing to the continued growth of our specialist practice.

In this role, you'll:

• Manage a portfolio of charity and not-for-profit clients
• Build strong relationships with finance leaders, executives and trustees
• Lead audits from planning through to completion and Partner review
• Review financial statements and ensure the highest quality standards are met
• Provide practical, value-added advice to clients navigating sector-specific challenges
• Coach, mentor and develop members of the audit team
• Support business development activities, tenders and client growth opportunities
• Contribute to the ongoing success and expansion of PEM's charity and not-for-profit practice

This isn't just another Audit Manager role. You'll join a dedicated specialist team advising more than 250 charities and not-for-profit organisations, giving you exposure to a wide variety of clients, challenges and opportunities. Our clients range from large national household names, to Cambridge Colleges, to smaller local organisations at the heart of our local community. Every client in our portfolio exists to create positive change. Whether supporting vulnerable people, advancing education, driving research, improving health outcomes or strengthening communities, our clients are making a difference every day. By helping these organisations remain financially strong, compliant and well governed, you'll play an important role in enabling that impact.

We're interested in the person as much as the qualification. You'll be an experienced audit professional who enjoys building relationships, developing people and helping not-for-profit organisations succeed.

Requirements:

• ACA, ACCA or equivalent professional qualification
• Significant audit experience within a professional services environment
• Strong experience working with charities and not-for-profit organisations
• Sound knowledge of UK GAAP and the Charities SORP
• Experience managing client portfolios and leading teams
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• A proactive, collaborative approach to client service
• Excellent technical knowledge of accounting and auditing standards
• Commercial awareness and strong project management skills
• Confidence engaging with senior stakeholders and trustees
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities

At PEM, progression isn't something we simply talk about, it's something we actively invest in. You’ll benefit from:

• A clear pathway for career progression
• Ongoing technical and leadership development
• Support from experienced specialists and Partners
• Opportunities to build your profile within the charity and not-for-profit sector

Alongside a competitive salary and bonus scheme, you’ll receive:

• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
• Contributory pension scheme
• Eligible to participate in the firm’s bonus scheme
• Private Medical Insurance through AXA for employee and dependants (terms apply)
• 4x salary death in service benefit (terms apply)
• Annual Leave entitlement: 27 days per year plus bank holidays.
• Holiday purchase scheme: You can purchase or sell up to five days holiday each year
• Birthday bonus: PEM gifts you one day paid leave to be taken on or near to your birthday as possible.
• Electric vehicle, cycle-to-work and technology salary sacrifice schemes
• PEM Perks, including monthly shopping and entertainment vouchers
• Two paid volunteer days each year