Audit Manager in Horsham

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Audit Manager looking to take the next step in their career within a forward thinking and growing accountancy practice. You will play a pivotal role in managing a diverse portfolio of audit clients while leading and developing high performing audit teams. Working closely with Partners and senior leaders, you will take ownership of audit engagements from planning through to completion, ensuring work is delivered to the highest technical standards, on time and within budget. The role would suit an ambitious Audit Manager who enjoys building strong client relationships, developing people and contributing to the continued growth and success of a progressive practice.

Key Responsibilities

• Audit & Client Management
• Manage a varied portfolio of audit clients, acting as a trusted advisor and key point of contact.
• Plan, oversee and deliver audit assignments from initial planning through to completion and RI review.
• Manage audit budgets, timelines and resources to ensure engagements are delivered efficiently and to a consistently high standard.
• Ensure audit engagements comply with professional standards, regulatory requirements and internal methodologies.
• Resolve complex technical audit matters and provide guidance to the wider team.
• Lead audit planning, review and completion meetings with clients.
• Proactively identify opportunities to improve audit quality, efficiency and the overall client experience.
• Ensure timely billing, effective fee recovery and proactive management of scope changes.
• Maintain high standards of AML, KYC and engagement documentation across the client portfolio.
• Client Relationships
• Develop long term relationships with clients, becoming a trusted business advisor.
• Provide proactive advice and commercial insight that adds value beyond the audit.
• Build strong relationships with Partners and colleagues across the wider business.
• Identify opportunities to introduce clients to additional services across the practice.
• Develop expertise within relevant technical or specialist sectors.
• Work with external organisations and regulatory bodies, including HMRC and ICAEW, where required.
• Leadership & People Development
• Lead, motivate and develop audit team members through coaching, mentoring and regular feedback.
• Set clear objectives and expectations for each audit assignment.
• Support the professional development and career progression of team members.
• Monitor individual and team performance against objectives and service line KPIs.
• Support the recruitment, onboarding and development of new audit colleagues.
• Foster a collaborative, supportive and high performing team culture.
• Lead regular workflow planning to prioritise work, manage capacity and ensure key deadlines are achieved.
• Business Development & Growth
• Build and strengthen your professional network to generate new business opportunities.
• Identify opportunities to grow existing client relationships and support cross selling across the wider practice.
• Represent the firm at networking events, business development activities and industry events.
• Contribute to thought leadership through articles, sector insights and sharing technical expertise.
• Work closely with Partners and senior colleagues to support the continued growth of the Audit Service Line.
• Play an active role in shaping the future success of the audit team and delivering an exceptional experience for clients.

Requirements Skills & Experience

• ACA or ACCA qualified.
• Previous experience working at Audit Manager level within an accountancy practice.
• Strong portfolio management experience.
• Proven experience managing audit assignments from planning through to completion.
• Strong technical knowledge and understanding of audit and accounting standards.
• Excellent client relationship management and communication skills.
• Experience leading, coaching and developing audit teams.
• Strong commercial awareness with an understanding of budgets, fees and business development.
• Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple engagements and competing deadlines.
• A proactive and collaborative approach, with the ambition to contribute to the wider success of the practice.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements.
• Generous annual leave entitlement plus bank holidays.
• Contributory pension scheme and life assurance.
• Private medical and critical illness insurance.
• Health cash plan and income protection.
• Employee assistance and wellbeing support.
• Access to a wide range of employee discounts and rewards.
• Clear, structured career progression opportunities.
• Ongoing technical, professional and leadership development.
• Access to internal and external training courses.
• Family friendly and inclusive working environment.
• Opportunities to support charitable causes and volunteering initiatives.
• Cycle to work and other flexible travel benefits.