Assistant Audit Manager

Pierce Group is a leading PE-backed, operationally independent firm of business advisors supporting owner managed businesses. Based in Blackburn, Bolton and Bury in addition to a Manchester serviced office, the firm’s core client base of owner managed businesses resides in East Lancashire but extends throughout the UK and Internationally. Being operationally independent best places us to understand, advise and support owner managers on a myriad of business issues, in the fields of compliance, business specific and tax consultancy, corporate finance and its forensic practice. We work in partnership with many other professional services across the Northwest, bringing a trusted full suite of support to clients.

As an Audit Assistant Manager, you will play a key role in delivering high-quality Audit services to a diverse portfolio of clients. Working closely with Audit managers and RI’s, you will support the planning, execution, and completion of Audit engagements, ensuring compliance with regulatory and professional standards. You will take responsibility for supervising and developing junior team members, reviewing their work, and acting as a key point for clients throughout the audit process. This role requires strong technical expertise, excellent communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively, while contributing to the continuous improvement of Audit processes and maintaining strong client relationships.

Duties

• Lead audit fieldwork on-site or remotely for a portfolio of clients
• Review financial statements, accounting records, and supporting documentation
• Ensure audits are conducted in accordance with relevant accounting standards
• Identify key audit risks and ensure appropriate testing is carried out
• Handle more complex audit areas
• Supervise, guide, and review the work of audit seniors and juniors
• Provide on-the-job training and mentorship to junior staff
• Monitor team performance and ensure deadlines are met
• Provide feedback and assist in performance reviews
• Review audit working papers to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance
• Ensure audit files meet internal quality standards and regulatory requirements
• Address review points from Managers and Directors
• Ensure documentation supports audit conclusions
• Act as a primary point of contact for clients during audit engagements
• Communicate audit findings and issues clearly and professionally
• Manage client expectations and deadlines
• Assist in drafting audit reports, management letters, and financial statements
• Ensure audit assignments are completed within agreed timelines and budgets
• Escalate significant audit issues to the Audit Manager or RI
• Support implementation of new tools, systems or technologies

Management

• Managing workload accordingly, prioritising when necessary
• Delivery of targets in alignment with KPIs, including WIP and performance targets
• Assisting delivering strategic objectives through operational plan
• Contribution towards internal resource management, including capacity
• Assisting in identification of skill and capacity needs for the business
• Recruitment in accordance with skill and capacity needs
• Identification of systems improvements and proactive recommendations of improvements
• Assistance in management, mentoring, training and support of junior team members
• Review and feedback on job assessment forms
• Change management
• Carry out probation reviews and PDPs
• Overseeing absence management
• Ensuring controls and measures are in place to monitor performance
• Supporting Associate and Director levels in achieving KPI targets as required

Soft Skills

• Ability to motivate and support staff
• Good presentation skills
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Ability to work independently on own initiative, and as part of a team
• Ability to establish good relationships with clients
• Good organisational skills and time management
• High level of integrity and honesty
• Good attention to detail
• Negotiation, pricing and conflict resolution
• Ability to project and resource manage

Business Development

• Assisting delivery of firms business development targets
• Attendance at reasonable request to networking opportunities
• Identification of either direct or wider Pierce Group opportunities with client portfolio
• Building and maintaining a network of referrers
• Building and maintaining a network of individuals to resolve client issues
• Supporting marketing initiatives and campaigns

Why Join Pierce?

Pierce is a fantastic place to work and continues to grow. With growth comes tremendous opportunities. We are excited to see what the future holds developing our business and our people. As a leading operationally independent practice we have unparalleled opportunities to push the right candidates through the business.

• A well-established firm – over 95 years
• A growing and forward-thinking firm

Key Benefits (more detailed in interview)

• Pension with salary sacrifice option – helping you save for your future.
• 33 days holiday, inclusive of Bank Holidays – time out to focus on what's important to you.
• Hybrid working – we all work in different ways and we give you flexibility to manage where and when you work.
• Employee referral bonus - we're always looking for talented individuals to join our team.
• Varied learning & development opportunities - continuous development for your professional qualifications and career aspirations.
• Simplyhealth – helping you take care of your health and wellbeing.
• YOLO Wellbeing - unique, sensory experience leaving staff feeling relaxed, refreshed and more focused.
• Electric car scheme and onsite electric charging – enabling staff to own a new electric car for less and charge for free at work.
• Cycle2Work scheme – enabling staff to purchase a new bike for less.
• Free independent mortgage advice – supporting you at any point on the property ladder, find the best deal for you.
• Regular social events – time away from work to have fun with team socials and firmwide events.
• Client referral scheme – we offer generous financial rewards for helping Pierce to grow our new client portfolio.