Audit Manager

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.
Manage budgets and fee targets on individual assignments, identifying and addressing issues proactively.
Client Relationship Management

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.
Proactively identify opportunities to add value to clients and to cross-sell other firm services where appropriate.
Leadership, Behaviour and Professional Conduct

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.
Actively promote a culture of trust and respect.
Team Leadership and Collaboration

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.
Hold regular development and feedback meetings with direct reports to support progression and performance.
Accountability and Presence

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.
Take ownership of team and client issues rather than disengaging during periods of pressure or challenge.
Communication and Escalation

Proactively update the Audit Senior Manager and RI on the status of the audit portfolio, emerging risks, and key issues.
Exerc…