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- Tasks: Lead audit quality initiatives and drive improvements across the firm.
- Company: Dynamic firm focused on audit excellence and professional growth.
- Benefits: Influential role with strategic impact and flexible work arrangements.
- Why this job: Shape audit delivery and enhance professional standards in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: 5+ years of audit experience and strong technical knowledge.
- Other info: Opportunity to influence firm-wide practices and build lasting relationships.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Reports to: Head of Change and Ops/ Audit Quality Committee
About the role
Audit quality shapes our reputation, enables our growth, and underpins the trust our clients place in us. We are looking for an exceptional Audit Quality Manager to own this agenda and drive it forward. This is a high-impact, high-visibility role where you will be the firm’s central authority on audit quality. You will shape how we deliver audits, influence our culture of professional excellence, and ensure we are positioned to meet both current standards and future challenges. Unlike larger firms where you would be one of many in a department, here you will be the lead specialist working directly with partners and senior leadership. You will have genuine ability to make change happen, not simply report on it. Your expertise will directly influence firm-wide standards, methodologies and culture.
What you will own
- System of Quality Management Leadership
- Design, operate and continuously improve the firm’s System of Quality Management (ISQM 1)
- Prepare annual SOQM evaluations and ICAEW Audit Compliance reporting for partner approval
- Keep the Audit Quality Management Manual current and effective
- Ensure practical compliance with auditing, quality and ethical standards
- Plan and deliver audit quality monitoring including Engagement Quality Reviews, cold file reviews and thematic reviews
- Identify emerging risks, trends and regulatory developments through horizon scanning
- Conduct root cause analysis on quality issues and translate findings into actionable improvements
- Produce quarterly SOQM reporting and KPI analysis for partners and committees
- Driving Continuous Improvement
- Lead evidence-based proposals to enhance audit quality and methodology
- Present clear recommendations to the Audit Quality & Compliance Committee
- Deliver approved actions including process updates, practical guidance and team training
- Collaborate with technical working groups to implement priority initiatives
- Technical Advisory
- Act as the go-to technical adviser for audit teams on complex or high-risk matters
- Translate technical updates and regulatory changes into clear, practical guidance
- Support teams with professional judgement, promoting a culture of quality and constructive challenge
- Prepare client-ready communications on technical developments when needed
- Training & Capability Building
- Coordinate audit quality training priorities with Learning & Development
- Shape a forward-looking programme of technical updates and development
- Share best practice and learnings from internal and external reviews
- Build audit capability and consistency across teams
- Governance & Leadership
- Chair the Audit Quality & Compliance Committee
- Lead or sponsor technical working groups delivering specific quality initiatives
- Build credible relationships with partners and senior stakeholders
- Champion audit quality across the firm
About you
- Significant post-qualification experience delivering statutory audits (5+ years)
- Strong technical grounding in UK auditing standards and UK GAAP (including FRS 102)
- Proven ability to research technical matters and apply them pragmatically
- Excellent communication skills - you can translate complexity into clarity for teams and clients
- Confidence influencing senior stakeholders and presenting recommendations to partners
- Strong prioritisation and multitasking abilities to manage varied workstreams independently
- Professional judgement and constructive challenge - you are comfortable questioning approaches respectfully
Highly desirable
- Experience with ISQM 1 and Systems of Quality Management
- Knowledge of the Charities SORP and charity audit experience
- Familiarity with varied accounting or audit software packages
- Experience with compliance reporting to regulated bodies (e.g. ICAEW)
- Ability to prepare and deliver engaging training content
Personal attributes we value
- Credible and collaborative - you build trust and work effectively across levels
- High integrity and ethical judgement - non-negotiable in this role
- Self-motivated and autonomous - you take ownership and drive things forward
- Curious and improvement-focused - you actively seek better ways of working
- Solutions-oriented with constructive challenge - you identify issues and propose fixes
What makes this role different
This isn’t a large department role where you would be implementing someone else’s strategy. You will be the audit quality lead, working as a trusted support to firm leadership with genuine influence over how we deliver audits. You will be responsible for identifying improvements and making them happen. Your recommendations will be heard at the highest level, and you will see the direct impact of your work on firm-wide practice. The role is primarily non-chargeable, allowing you to focus on quality and improvement. There may be approximately 2 days per month of chargeable work (such as EQRs or complex technical support) on a flexible, seasonal basis, keeping you connected to live audit work while maintaining your strategic focus. You will work collaboratively but independently, connecting across Audit, Learning & Development and other service lines, but with the space to think strategically.
Why this role matters
In larger firms, audit quality roles can feel removed from practice. Here, you will directly shape how audits are delivered, strengthen our culture of professional excellence, and build systems that genuinely work for our teams and clients. You will influence not just compliance, but the quality of professional judgement across the firm. You will help talented auditors become even better at what they do, and you will play a central role in ensuring we remain trusted, future-ready, and positioned for sustainable growth.
If you are an experienced auditor with strong technical skills who wants to step into a strategic, influential role where your expertise truly matters, we would love to hear from you.
Next steps
To apply or discuss the role further, please get in touch with Rose Watson. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and welcome applications from all backgrounds.
Audit Quality Manager employer: Sayer Vincent
Contact Detail:
Sayer Vincent Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Audit Quality Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the audit field and let them know you're on the lookout for new opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and recent developments in auditing standards. Be ready to discuss how you can drive quality improvements and influence change – that’s what they want to hear!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! When you’re in interviews, highlight your experience in leading teams or projects. They’re looking for someone who can champion audit quality and make a real impact.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Audit Quality Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in audit quality and compliance. We want to see how your skills align with the specific requirements of the Audit Quality Manager role.
Showcase Your Expertise: Don’t hold back on showcasing your technical knowledge and experience with UK auditing standards. We’re looking for someone who can translate complex information into clear guidance, so give us examples of how you’ve done this in the past.
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We value integrity and collaboration, so share your experiences that demonstrate these traits. We want to know who you are beyond your qualifications!
Apply Through Our Website: For a smooth application process, make sure to apply directly through our website. This way, we can easily track your application and get back to you quicker. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sayer Vincent
✨Know Your Standards
Make sure you’re well-versed in UK auditing standards and UK GAAP, especially FRS 102. Brush up on ISQM 1 and be ready to discuss how you can apply these standards practically in your role.
✨Showcase Your Impact
Prepare examples of how you've driven quality improvements in past roles. Be specific about the changes you implemented and the positive outcomes that followed. This will demonstrate your ability to influence and lead.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice translating complex technical matters into clear, actionable insights. You’ll need to show that you can communicate effectively with both audit teams and senior stakeholders, so think about how you can simplify your explanations.
✨Be a Problem Solver
Come prepared with ideas for enhancing audit quality and methodologies. Think about potential challenges the firm might face and how you would address them. This shows your proactive mindset and solutions-oriented approach.
