Liverpool
Job Title: Audit Manager 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. Their commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction has positioned them as a premier provider in the market. They will never offer a one size fits all approach. They know, in today's economic environment, businesses require bespoke support and 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 they have built their business. The Audit Manager Role Reporting to the Audit Senior Manager and Responsible Individual (RI), the Audit Manager is responsible for the effective leadership, delivery, and management of a portfolio of audit clients. The role requires not only strong technical competence, but also leadership maturity, professional judgement, collaboration, and the ability to provide stability and clarity to teams and clients during periods of change or pressure. The Audit Manager is expected to operate with a high degree of independence, professionalism, and accountability, acting as a role model for the firm's values, behaviours, and leadership standards. Key Responsibilities Portfolio and Technical Delivery • Manage a portfolio of audit clients with fees of at least £400K per annum, ensuring all assignments are delivered on time, within budget, and to the required technical and quality standards., • Ensure audit files are prepared in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (ISAs) and are of an appropriate standard for Senior Manager and RI review., • Take full responsibility for the operational management of audit engagements, including planning, execution, review, and completion., • Act as the primary point of contact for audit clients within the office, building and maintaining strong professional relationships., • Manage client stakeholders effectively, ensuring clients are kept informed of progress, issues, and deliverables throughout the audit process., • Act as a visible and reliable leader within the audit team, providing stability, clarity, and professionalism at all times., • Maintain appropriate professional conduct and judgement, particularly during periods of challenge, feedback, or organisational change., • Respond constructively to feedback, demonstrating resilience, self-awareness, and a commitment to continuous improvement., • Support and align with firm leadership decisions, raising concerns through appropriate channels., • Lead audit teams in a collaborative manner, ensuring colleagues at all levels are appropriately involved, informed, and empowered., • Delegate work effectively, providing clarity of responsibility and ownership, and avoiding unnecessary centralisation of control., • Work constructively with peers at manager level, sharing responsibility and supporting collective team performance., • Develop, retain, and motivate junior members of staff, acting as a role model for expected behaviours and standards., • Maintain a consistent and reliable presence to support team delivery, client service, and staff development., • Ensure that any team absence is planned, communicated appropriately, and managed in a way that does not compromise team or client outcomes., • Proactively update the Audit Senior Manager and RI on the status of the audit portfolio, emerging risks, and key issues., • Exercise sound judgement regarding escalation, ensuring issues are raised promptly and through agreed channels., • Ensure appropriate onboarding and offboarding of clients within the portfolio, in line with ISQM 1, AML, and firm policies., • Review work completed by junior team members and resolve issues prior to Senior Manager or RI review., • Support the Senior Manager and partners in business development activities, including tender preparation and client pitches., • Attend interviews as required to assist in the recruitment and attraction of talent to the audit department. This role is primarily office-based due to its leadership and people management responsibilities. The successful candidate is expected to be present in the office for the majority of the working week (typically 3–4 days), subject to business needs. The Successful Applicant Essential Criteria • ACA / ACCA qualified (or equivalent) with a minimum of 2 years post-qualification experience and at least 7 years' experience in audit., • Proven experience of working in a professional practice environment at Audit Manager level., • Demonstrable experience of managing an audit portfolio and maintaining strong client relationships., • Demonstrates leadership maturity, professionalism, and emotional resilience., • Able to operate independently with minimal intervention from senior leadership., • Works collaboratively with peers and supports collective team success., • Responds constructively to feedback and adapts behaviour accordingly., • Maintains professional judgement and conduct under pressure., • Strong organisation, planning, and time management skills., • Clear and effective communication skills at all levels., • Proactive approach to problem-solving and decision-making. Progression and remuneration are dependent not only on technical competence and client delivery, but also on the demonstration of leadership behaviours, professional judgement, collaboration, and the ability to operate effectively and independently at this level. JBRP1_UKTJ