Assistant Audit Manager

VanRath; Belfast City District; Hybrid; GBP 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

VANRATH in Belfast is seeking an experienced Assistant Audit Manager for a respected accountancy practice. You will lead audits, supervise a small team and manage assignments from planning to completion.

The role offers progression, exposure to a diverse client portfolio including public sector, and a collaborative environment with three office days per week.

Qualifications

• ACA, ACCA or equivalent qualification, with post-qualified experience.
• Strong audit experience within an accountancy practice.
• Ability to own audit assignments and manage through to completion.
• Experience preparing or reviewing accounts would be beneficial.
• Public Sector audit experience would be advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of audit assignments from planning through to completion.
• Take responsibility for audits and work towards completing a set of accounts.
• Prepare and review financial statements in line with accounting standards.
• Apply knowledge of FRS 102 across accounts and audits.
• Supervise and coach a small team, ensuring quality and deadlines.
• Monitor budgets, time spent, and identify efficiency improvements.
• Communicate with clients and build strong working relationships.

Skills

Audit management

Budget management

Client communication

Team supervision

FRS 102 knowledge

Education

ACA/ACCA or equivalent

Tools

CaseWare

IRIS

Job description

VANRATH is delighted to be working with a highly regarded accountancy practice to recruit an experienced Assistant Audit Manager to join their growing team.

This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious audit professional who is ready to take the next step in their career, with genuine scope for progression and increased responsibility. The role would suit someone who enjoys a varied client portfolio, can manage competing deadlines and is confident taking ownership of assignments from planning through to completion.

The Role

As Assistant Audit Manager, you will play a key role in delivering a high-quality audit and accounts service to a diverse portfolio of clients.
You will work closely with managers and partners while taking responsibility for your own assignments, managing a small team and ensuring work is delivered within agreed budgets and deadlines.
Public Sector experience would be particularly beneficial, although candidates with strong general audit experience will also be considered.

What You Will Do

• Manage a portfolio of audit assignments from planning through to completion.
• Take responsibility for audits and work towards completing a set of accounts where required.
• Prepare and review financial statements in accordance with relevant accounting standards.
• Apply your knowledge of FRS 102 across accounts preparation and audit assignments.
• Work with clients across a range of sectors, with Public Sector experience particularly advantageous.
• Manage multiple assignments and competing deadlines effectively.
• Supervise and support a small team, providing coaching and guidance where appropriate.
• Monitor budgets, recoverability and time spent against assignments.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and service delivery.
• Communicate directly with clients and build strong working relationships.
• Review work prepared by junior members of the team and ensure a consistently high standard.
• Work closely with managers and partners to ensure assignments are delivered efficiently and commercially.

What's in It for You?

• Genuine and clearly defined opportunity for career progression.
• A varied portfolio with exposure to interesting and complex audit assignments.
• Opportunity to develop your management and client-facing skills.
• Three days per week in the office, supporting collaboration while maintaining flexibility.
• Early finish on a Friday - because nobody ever complained about getting away a wee bit earlier!
• Supportive and professional working environment.
• Opportunity to work closely with senior leadership and gain valuable client exposure.
• Continued investment in your professional development and career.

Requirements

• ACA, ACCA or equivalent qualification, with relevant post-qualified experience.
• Strong audit experience gained within an accountancy practice.
• Ability to take ownership of audit assignments and manage work through to completion.
• Experience preparing or reviewing a set of accounts would be highly beneficial.
• Public Sector audit experience would be advantageous.
• Good working knowledge of FRS 102.
• Experience using CaseWare or IRIS would be beneficial.
• Previous experience supervising or managing a small team.
• Strong understanding of audit budgets, time management and commercial considerations.
• Ability to manage concurrent assignments and competing deadlines.
• Confident communication skills and a client‑focused approach.
• A genuine ambition to progress and take on increased responsibility.

Why VANRATH will help you secure your next role:

Established in 2000, VANRATH has become a market leader in Northern Ireland. This success is a direct result of our dedication to confidentiality, professionalism, and the wealth of knowledge held by our Senior Consultants. VANRATH has a proven record of pairing the best local talent with leading businesses.