National Head Of Audit Quality

TPF Recruitment, the leading provider of accountancy practice professionals in the South of England, is supporting a prestigious mid-tier chartered accountancy practice looking for a National Head of Audit to join their team. The position can be based in any of our client's offices in London or the Home Counties, and they are considering individuals at Senior Manager, Director level and above. They are offering a competitive salary in line with the market, along with a competitive benefits package.

The position is internally focused and does not involve client work. Instead, your key stakeholders will be the groups Audit Partners. Working closely with the Audit Compliance Principal, you will take responsibility for all areas of audit compliance across the organisation, with the freedom to embed best practice and drive improvements in audit quality across a broad mix of clients and sectors. You will also play a major role in the groups acquisition activity, including audit due diligence work, post-completion file reviews, and ensuring new audit teams are smoothly integrated into the wider business. As audit technology continues to evolve at pace, the successful candidate will need the experience and confidence to lead the groups audit technology strategy.

Although this is a non-client facing position, it still calls on deep technical expertise and RI level experience. It offers an excellent opportunity to step into a role where you can influence and shape the audit strategy at a senior level within a fast-growing organisation.

Key responsibilities include:

• Creating and updating audit guidance and templates in line with new standards, emerging issues and internal or external review findings.
• Communicating effectively on all matters relating to audit compliance across the firm.
• Carrying out hot and cold audit and assurance file reviews.
• Managing the annual cold file review process, liaising with Audit Partners and Managers and presenting at the annual Audit RI debrief.
• Undertaking root cause analysis and implementing actions to address findings.
• Overseeing the monitoring and assessment of the firms System of Quality Management under ISQM.
• Acting as the main point of contact with the ICAEW for audit compliance and regulatory visits, handling these from start to finish and embedding recommendations.
• Reviewing audit training requirements, CPD needs and compliance.
• Completing audit due diligence work for potential acquisitions and carrying out post-completion file reviews.
• Reporting findings and recommendations to the Audit Compliance Principal and Audit Committee.
• Running Audit RI workshops.
• Preparing monthly technical updates and contributing to the firms internal Audit Hub.

Requirements:

• Significant experience working at Audit RI or at Audit Director or Senior Manager level within an ICAEW or ACCA registered audit practice.
• Strong technical accounting knowledge across FRS 102 and IFRS.
• A solid understanding of audit ethics and the standards that must be maintained.
• Current knowledge of Auditing Standards and Audit Methodology.
• Experience using audit software, ideally CCH Audit Automation, along with a broad understanding of audit technology.
• A positive approach with an open mindset towards new strategies and ways of working.
• Personable, confident and an excellent communicator.
• Able to build strong relationships with Audit Partners and colleagues across the group.

Benefits:

• Highly Competitive Director level salary.
• Company pension scheme.
• Group life assurance at four times salary.
• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to buy additional days.
• Payment of professional membership subscriptions.
• Hybrid working between home and the office.
• Access to CPD webinar library and relevant professional development courses.
• Regular training and support for both professional and personal development.
• Quarterly social events.
• Employee benefits portal offering cashback and vouchers.
• Employee assistance programme.
• Employee referral bonus scheme.

Contact Andy Irvine to apply.