Job Description Hiring: Senior Auditor Salary: £38,000 - £50,000 Location: Crewe, Cheshire | Flexible Working Available Lead Audit Engagements with an Expanding Practice Are you a fully qualified auditor with 5 years' practice experience ready to take ownership of audit assignments and lead a team? Our client, a well-established chartered certified accountancy firm in Crewe with over 20 years of excellence, is seeking a Senior Auditor to join their expanding audit department. This is an outstanding opportunity to manage your own portfolio of audit clients, lead audit engagements from planning to completion, and develop junior team members. With clear progression to management and partner level, excellent remuneration, and a supportive culture, this role offers the perfect platform for ambitious auditors looking to advance their careers. About the Role As a Senior Auditor, you'll take full responsibility for planning, executing, and completing audit assignments across a diverse client portfolio. You'll work independently on audits and support managers on more complex cases. You'll also play a key role in supervising and developing semi-senior and junior audit staff, whilst building strong client relationships and contributing to the growth of the audit department. This is a full-time position with flexible working arrangements available, offering excellent work-life balance in a professional practice environment that values technical excellence, quality, and staff development. Key Responsibilities Audit Management & Delivery Plan, manage, and complete audit assignments for sole traders, partnerships, limited companies, charities, and other entities Take full responsibility for smaller audit engagements from start to finish Assist audit managers with larger, more complex audit assignments Perform comprehensive risk assessments and develop appropriate audit strategies Design and execute audit programmes tailored to client size, complexity, and risk profile Conduct substantive testing, analytical procedures, and detailed verification work Review and evaluate systems of internal control and assess operating effectiveness Identify control weaknesses and develop practical recommendations for improvement Ensure all audit work complies with ISAs (UK), ethical standards, and firm quality procedures Manage audit timelines, budgets, and resources effectively Financial Statement Review & Technical Accounting Review financial statements for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with applicable accounting frameworks Apply detailed knowledge of FRS 102, FRS 105, UK GAAP, and other relevant standards Review complex accounting treatments, estimates, and judgements for appropriateness Ensure compliance with Companies Act requirements and disclosure obligations Identify and resolve technical accounting and disclosure issues Prepare audit adjustments, reclassifications, and disclosure amendments Review consolidation work and group accounts where applicable Provide technical accounting advice to clients and junior staff Audit Reporting & Completion Prepare audit reports, management letters, and reports to those charged with governance Draft audit opinions and ensure appropriate audit conclusions Complete audit files in accordance with ISAs (UK) and firm policies Prepare comprehensive audit completion documentation and sign-off memoranda Resolve review points and queries raised by managers and partners Ensure audit files are well-organised, comprehensive, and support audit conclusions Liaise with audit managers and partners on significant audit matters and judgements Team Leadership & Supervision Supervise, mentor, and develop semi-senior auditors, audit assistants, and trainees Delegate audit work appropriately and monitor progress throughout engagements Review working papers prepared by junior staff for accuracy, completeness, and compliance Provide constructive feedback, coaching, and on-the-job training Conduct performance appraisals and contribute to staff development plans Lead audit teams on-site and create a positive, professional working environment Support recruitment and training initiatives within the audit department Client Relationship Management Build and maintain strong, trusted relationships with client management and finance teams Act as primary point of contact for audit clients throughout engagements Conduct planning meetings, interim visits, and final audit meetings Communicate audit findings, recommendations, and technical matters clearly to clients Identify opportunities to add value and improve client processes and controls Provide excellent client service that enhances the firm's reputation Support business development activities and identify cross-selling opportunities Assist with audit proposals, tender responses, and new client pitches Technical Excellence & Quality Control Maintain up-to-date knowledge of auditing standards, accounting standards, and legislation Ensure compliance with ISAs (UK), ethical standards, and quality control procedures Contribute to the firm's audit methodology, templates, and technical resources Participate in internal quality reviews and implement improvements Support external quality assurance reviews (QAD, ICAEW monitoring) Attend technical training, CPD events, and professional development activities Provide technical support and guidance to colleagues on complex audit matters Practice Development Contribute to the growth and development of the audit department Assist with training and development of junior staff Participate in practice management meetings and strategic planning Support marketing and business development initiatives Represent the firm professionally in the local business community What We're Looking For Essential Qualifications & Experience Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or equivalent) with audit specialism Minimum 5 years' audit experience within an accountancy practice environment, with at least 2 years at semi-senior level or above Comprehensive knowledge of ISAs (UK), ethical standards, and audit methodology Strong technical knowledge of UK accounting standards (FRS 102, FRS 105, UK GAAP) Proven experience managing audit assignments independently from planning to completion Experience auditing limited companies, charities, academies, and other entity types Demonstrated ability to review financial statements and resolve complex accounting issues Strong experience supervising, mentoring, and reviewing junior staff work Excellent working knowledge of audit software (CCH, CaseWare, or similar) Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications Desirable Skills & Experience Experience with handling planning to completion audits Understanding of group audits, consolidations, and component auditor work Knowledge of IFRS and international accounting standards Experience with audit tenders and proposals Exposure to quality control reviews and regulatory inspections Understanding of Companies Act, charity law, and sector-specific legislation Experience liaising with banks, solicitors, HMRC, and other professional advisors Business development and networking experience Key Skills & Attributes Exceptional technical audit and accounting skills with meticulous attention to detail Strong analytical and critical thinking abilities – able to identify risks, issues, and complex problems Excellent organisational and time management skills – able to manage multiple assignments and deadlines Outstanding communication skills both written and verbal, with ability to explain technical matters clearly Leadership qualities – able to inspire, motivate, and develop team members Client relationship management skills – professional, personable, and trusted advisor Commercial awareness – understanding of business and ability to provide practical advice Proactive and self-motivated – able to work independently with minimal supervision Problem-solving skills – able to resolve complex technical and practical issues Professional judgement – able to make sound decisions on audit matters Commitment to quality and excellence in all aspects of work Team player with collaborative approach and positive attitude Excellent Benefits Package Our client offers an attractive salary and comprehensive benefits package designed to reward your expertise and support your continued career development: Competitive salary: £38,000 - £50,000 per annum (dependent on experience, qualifications, and portfolio responsibility) Flexible working: Hybrid/Flexiable working arrangements available with work-from-home options Career progression: Clear pathway to Audit Manager, Senior Manager, and Partner level with structured development plans Professional development: Regular technical training, audit updates, sector-specific training, and leadership development Mentorship: Direct exposure to partners and senior management with coaching and career guidance Supportive culture: Collaborative, professional environment where technical excellence is valued Performance bonus: Discretionary bonus scheme based on individual performance, chargeable hours, and firm profitability Profit share potential: Opportunity to participate in profit share arrangements as you progress Social events: Regular team activities, celebrations, networking events, and charity fundraising Pension scheme: Competitive workplace pension contribution Annual leave: Generous holiday entitlement plus bank holidays (with additional days for long service) Free parking: On-site parking available About Our Client Our client is a chartered certified accountancy practice based in the crewe, with over 20 years of experience serving businesses and individuals across the UK. They provide a comprehensive range of services including accountancy, audit and assurance, taxation, payroll, bookkeeping, and business advisory to a diverse and loyal client base. Following a period of significant growth and expansion, the firm is now recruiting across all departments to support their growing client portfolio and ambitious plans for the future. The audit department has experienced particularly strong growth, with an increasing number of audit clients across various sectors requiring high-quality, professional audit and assurance services. The firm has secured several significant new audit clients and is investing in its audit team to maintain its reputation for technical excellence and exceptional client service. This is an exciting time to join a practice that is investing in its people, systems, and infrastructure. How to Apply If you're ready to take the next step in your audit career and manage your own portfolio with a supportive, established practice that offers genuine progression to management and partner level, we'd love to hear from you. To apply or discuss this opportunity in confidence, please contact: Contact Jake on j.harris@h-fts.com or contact directly on 0333 996 2882