Audit Senior Manager / Associate Director
Location: Bury St Edmunds
Full-time, Permanent
Salary: Competitive, depending on experience
We are seeking an experienced Audit Senior Manager or Associate Director to lead a substantial audit portfolio and play a key leadership role within our firm. This is a senior position for someone who combines strong technical audit expertise with commercial awareness, team leadership and the confidence to advise owner-managed businesses at a high level.
You will work with a broad range of mainly family-owned and owner-managed businesses, acting as a trusted adviser while overseeing audit quality, team performance and client service delivery.
The Role
You will be responsible for a significant portfolio of audit clients and will operate at a senior level within the firm, working above client managers and supporting Directors and Partners in the delivery and growth of audit services.
Alongside technical oversight, you will have responsibility for team structure, workflow, file quality and ensuring clients receive proactive, well-rounded advice across their affairs.
Key Responsibilities
Audit Portfolio Management:
Managing a portfolio of audit clients across a range of sectors
Acting as the main point of contact for clients, building strong, long-term relationships
Leading audit planning, risk assessment and completion
Supervising audit assignments to ensure deadlines, budgets and quality standards are met
Reviewing audit files and reporting key matters to Directors/Partners
Attending client meetings to present and discuss audit outcomes
Client Advisory and Commercial Input:
Advising clients on wider business matters alongside audit and compliance
Supporting with corporation tax and personal tax matters affecting directors and owners, liaising with tax specialists where needed
Providing a proactive and interactive level of service, identifying opportunities to add value
Preparing or contributing to tender documents and proposals for new clients
Working with clients typically in the £5m–£30m turnover range, with exposure to larger businesses
Team Leadership and Development:
Organising the allocation of staff to ensure the right people are on the right assignments
Overseeing the workflow and efficiency of the audit team
Leading, mentoring and developing managers, seniors, assistants and trainees
Ensuring team members receive appropriate training, experience and support
Reviewing work, providing feedback and maintaining high technical standards
Quality, Compliance and Standards:
Taking responsibility for the quality of audit files and the completeness of advice provided to clients
Ensuring compliance with UK auditing standards and firm procedures
Supporting audit quality control processes and regulatory requirements
Contributing to improvements in audit methodology and internal processes
Firm Contribution:
Working closely with Directors and Partners on client and operational matters
Contributing to the development and growth of the audit service line
Supporting a collaborative culture between audit, accounts and tax teams
Key Skills and Qualifications:
ACA or ACCA qualified with significant post-qualification audit experience
Strong background in UK audit within practice
Experience managing an audit portfolio and leading teams
High technical and practical ability, with confidence in decision-making
Comfortable advising owner-managed businesses and their directors
Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple assignments
Commercial awareness and a proactive approach to client service
Experience contributing to tenders or new business development (desirable)
RI status or working towards it (desirable for Director level)
What We Offer:
A senior role with real responsibility and influence
A varied and interesting audit client base
Opportunity to shape and develop the audit function
A collaborative and supportive working environment
Direct exposure to Directors and strategic decision-making
Benefits
The salary package will be competitive, depending upon the level of qualification and experience. You will have an opportunity to progress and develop where applicable.
Flexible working hours
Hybrid working with fully hosted systems
Progression opportunities
Private healthcare
Employee Assistant Programme
Cycle to work scheme
Electric car salary sacrifice scheme
Holiday purchase
Varied and successful clients, client contact and interaction
Modern offices and working practices
Social events
Medical cash plan
Enhanced pension scheme
Group life assurance
Charity events and paid volunteering day