Audit Senior in Manchester

Location: Manchester

Salary: Competitive

Company Overview:

Our client is a leading UK Top 60 accountancy firm with a differentiated advisory-led proposition, headquartered in Manchester. They have been a trusted name in professional services for over 40 years, and their commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction has positioned them as a premier provider in the market.

Our client does not offer a one-size-fits-all approach. They recognise that, in today’s economic environment, businesses require bespoke support, and they provide end-to-end services from start-up to exit strategies. Their mantra is: “Good advisers help your business. Great ones transform it.” This is the foundation upon which the business has been built.

The Audit Senior Role

Reporting directly to the Audit Manager, this role involves overseeing the day-to-day delivery of audit assignments, ensuring each engagement is completed to a high standard and in line with agreed timelines. The position includes managing key aspects of the audit process, maintaining regular communication with clients both on-site and in the office, and ensuring deadlines and quality expectations are consistently met.

Key Responsibilities:

• Apply a strong working knowledge of International Standards on Auditing (ISA) and relevant accounting frameworks such as FRS 102 and IFRS, escalating complex technical matters to senior team members when necessary.
• Serve as the primary client contact during audit fieldwork, fostering professional relationships and ensuring timely resolution of queries, while keeping the Assistant Manager or Audit Manager updated on progress and issues.
• Take full responsibility for preparing audit files in accordance with ISA, ensuring completeness, accuracy, and readiness for managerial review, with clear documentation of working papers and unresolved matters.
• Review and provide feedback on the work of junior team members, addressing basic review points and supporting their growth throughout the audit process.
• Assist in drafting completion documents and financial statements under supervision, ensuring timely submission for review.
• Participate in audit close-down meetings and contribute to discussions on audit findings, client feedback, and process improvements.
• Support the Assistant Manager and Audit Manager in mentoring and developing junior staff, including trainees, through coaching, training support, and college progress catchups.
• Maintain responsibility for personal Continuing Professional Development (CPD), completing a minimum of 40 hours annually in line with CCAB guidelines to stay current with industry standards and practices.
• Collaborate with the Assistant Manager to manage assignments effectively, ensuring delivery within agreed deadlines and budgets.
• Assist with client onboarding and offboarding procedures, ensuring compliance with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations.
• Demonstrate the ability to manage multiple engagements simultaneously, meeting tight deadlines while maintaining high standards of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Understand the firm’s service offerings and proactively identify opportunities to cross-sell additional services to existing clients.
• Maintain a balanced presence between office-based work and client site visits, ensuring consistent support to the wider audit team and effective client engagement.

Skills & Experience Required:

• ACA or ACCA qualified, or part-qualified with substantial progress toward qualification, supported by a minimum of 3 years’ audit experience.
• Recent background in a professional practice environment, with exposure to a variety of audit engagements.
• Proven ability to build and sustain strong client relationships through effective communication and service delivery.
• A proactive mindset with a solutions-focused approach to client needs and technical challenges.
• Capable of working autonomously while also contributing effectively within a collaborative team setting.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills, with a track record of meeting tight deadlines across multiple assignments.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with confidence in engaging with clients and colleagues at all levels.
• Exceptional attention to detail and a commitment to producing high-quality, accurate work.
• Adaptable and open to change, with a willingness to take on new responsibilities and challenges.