Senior Manager - Audit & Assurance; ISQM

Senior Manager - Audit & Assurance (ISQM
1)

5 days ago
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Alternatively, Grant Thornton

At Grant Thornton we do things differently – looking to the future, driving ambitious growth and pioneering positive change in our industry. Providing audit, tax and advisory services, we empower clients through strategic insight, curiosity, and genuine partnership. We also empower our people with real opportunity, an inclusive culture and work‑life balance.

With over 5,000 people in the UK and a presence in 150 global markets, we’re on an ambitious journey from great to exceptional – and we need the best people to help us achieve our potential.

This Senior Manager‑level role is central to the design, implementation, and ongoing operation of the firm's System of Quality Management (SoQM) in accordance with ISQM 1. Reporting to an Audit Director, you will provide strategic leadership in embedding a culture of quality across the audit practice, ensuring robust, scalable, and regulatory‑aligned policies and procedures. This high‑impact role supports the firm’s commitment to audit quality, risk management and continuous improvement.

• Support, evolve and progress the ongoing operation of the firm’s System of Quality Management in line with ISQM 1 requirements, working with other senior managers in the SoQM team
• Embed a culture of high audit quality across the firm
• Collaborate with senior leadership to design and maintain quality objectives, risk assessments and responses across all SoQM components
• Monitor the effectiveness of the SoQM, including root‑cause analysis, remediation activities and continuous improvement initiatives
• Develop and maintain documentation to evidence the design, implementation and operation of the SoQM
• Provide technical guidance and training to audit teams on quality management principles and ISQM 1 compliance
• Liaise with and communicate regularly with key internal and external stakeholders, including regulators, to ensure transparency and alignment with professional standards
• Collaborate with teams across the firm to deliver coordinated responses to the ISQM 1 and audit quality initiatives
• Support the Audit Director in preparing for internal and external quality reviews and inspections
• Contribute to the development of firm‑wide policies, methodologies and tools that support audit quality
• Prepare reports for senior leadership summarising key findings and remediations from the testing, monitoring and evaluation programme
• Promote continuous improvement in the SoQM, supporting the firm’s wider digital strategy while keeping a focus on audit quality

Minimum criteria
: professional qualification (ACA, ACCA or equivalent). We also value:

• Extensive post‑qualification experience in audit and assurance, ideally within a Big 4 or Tier 1 firm
• Proven experience in quality management, risk assessment or regulatory compliance within an audit context
• Strong understanding of ISQM 1, UK auditing standards and the broader regulatory environment
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross‑functional initiatives and influence senior stakeholders
• Experience designing or operating a System of Quality Management
• Strong technical knowledge of UK GAAP, IFRS and ethical standards
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex concepts clearly
• Analytical mindset with a focus on continuous improvement and innovation

Our culture thrives on the contributions of all people. We value difference, respect and inclusivity, giving everyone the flexibility to bring their whole selves to work and pursue their passions. We offer flexible working options to maintain a healthy work–life balance and encourage meaningful contributions beyond the day job, such as secondments, charity fundraising or social impact initiatives.

We’re aiming to make a broader impact – from secondments to charity work and investing in emerging entrepreneurs. Our values drive us to be purposeful, curious and kind, with a firm belief that doing the right thing should be the norm. We look for people who are ready to spark fresh ideas and go beyond expectations.