Accounts & Audit Manager OR Assistant Manager

EA First Compass House; Bury St Edmunds; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary dependent on experience

Supportive working environment

Exposure to varied client base

Job summary

EA First Compass House is seeking an experienced Accounts & Audit Manager or Assistant Manager to manage a diverse portfolio of SME clients in Bury St Edmunds, England. The successful candidate will lead audit assignments and mentor junior staff while ensuring compliance with accounting and audit regulations. This role offers a collaborative working environment and opportunities for professional growth, aligning with the firm's commitment to employee development. Hybrid working options are also available, dependent on experience.

Qualifications

• Experience in supervising or mentoring junior staff is essential.
• Demonstrable background in accounts and audit within practice is required.
• Excellent communication and client management skills are necessary.

Responsibilities

• Managing a portfolio of clients and acting as a key point of contact.
• Leading audit assignments from planning through to completion.
• Preparing and reviewing statutory accounts under FRS102.

Skills

Client management skills

Supervision and mentoring

Strong accounts and audit background

Communication skills

Commercial awareness

Job description

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Accounts & Audit Manager or Assistant Manager to join a highly respected and growing independent accountancy practice in Suffolk. This role offers the chance to manage a varied portfolio of SME clients, lead and develop junior team members, and play a key role in the continued expansion of the firm.

Our client is a well-established and forward-thinking independent accountancy practice with an excellent reputation across East Anglia. Known for delivering high-quality, relationship‑led services to SME businesses.

The business prides itself on its collaborative culture, professional development pathways, and commitment to supporting employees in achieving their career ambitions.

As an Accounts & Audit Manager / Assistant Manager, you will be responsible for managing a diverse portfolio of SME clients across a range of sectors, delivering both audit and accounts services to a high standard.

Key responsibilities

• Managing a portfolio of clients and acting as a key point of contact
• Leading audit assignments from planning through to completion
• Preparing and reviewing statutory accounts under FRS102
• Supervising, mentoring, and developing junior staff members
• Building and maintaining strong client relationships
• Identifying opportunities to add value and support client growth
• Assisting partners and senior management with business development and practice growth initiatives
• Ensuring compliance with accounting and audit regulations and deadlines

The firm is open to considering candidates with a stronger audit focus, particularly those with experience working with SME clients under FRS102.

Key requirements

• Experience supervising or mentoring junior staff
• Strong accounts and audit background within practice
• Good working knowledge of FRS102
• Excellent communication and client management skills
• Ability to manage workloads and deadlines effectively
• Commercial awareness and a proactive approach

Additional candidates considered

• Outstanding Senior Accountants/Auditors ready to step into an Assistant Manager role
• Pure audit professionals with strong SME audit exposure

Benefits

• Competitive salary dependent on experience
• Supportive and collaborative working environment
• Exposure to a varied and interesting client base

Hybrid/flexible working options may be available depending on experience and business needs.