Audit Manager - Liverpool

Ambition Europe Limited; Liverpool; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

25 days annual leave

Employee Assistance Programme

Outstanding Performance Award Bonus

Structured succession planning

Job summary

Ambition Europe Limited in Liverpool seeks an Audit Manager to lead client engagements, develop a talented team, and shape the quality and direction of the audit function.

You'll work with clients across a broad range of businesses, delivering insights that go beyond the numbers. The role offers hybrid working, clear progression, and a firm investing in its people for ambitious ACA/ACCA-qualified professionals.

Qualifications

• ACA or ACCA qualified with practice experience.
• Solid knowledge of Auditing Standards and UK Financial Reporting Standards.
• Technically competent with a risk-conscious, proactive mindset.
• Able to prepare and review financial projections with commentary.
• Proven ability to lead and mentor teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end planning, control, and review of client audit assignments, allocating resources to ensure work is delivered efficiently and to a high standard.
• Conduct pre-audit meetings with clients to understand key business developments and identify areas requiring focused attention.
• Prepare time budgets for each assignment, with appropriate consideration given to fee levels and overall job profitability.
• Oversee the preparation of detailed audit and accounts planning memoranda by senior team members, ensuring assignments are approached in the most effective way.
• Manage the allocation of trainees across a range of engagements to provide varied development experience and maximise their learning.
• Carry out six-monthly appraisals and sign off training records for allocated staff, supporting their growth and long-term effectiveness.
• Complete post-assignment staff reviews, providing structured and constructive feedback to drive improved future performance.
• Handle day-to-day team management matters, including leave, training, workload quality, motivation, and the monitoring of chargeable and non-chargeable time.

Job description

If you're a qualified audit professional looking for a role that combines genuine technical depth with real leadership responsibility, this is worth a closer look.Our client is a well-established, people-first accountancy practice with a strong presence across the UK and access to a prestigious international network. Based in Liverpool, they're looking for an Audit Manager to lead client engagements, develop a talented team, and help shape the quality and direction of the audit function.This isn't a role where you'll be kept in a silo. You'll work closely with clients across a broad range of businesses, building meaningful relationships and delivering insights that go well beyond the numbers. With a hybrid working model, a clear route for progression, and a firm that genuinely invests in its people, it's a strong move for an ambitious ACA or ACCA-qualified professional ready to step up.

What You'll Be Doing

• Lead the end-to-end planning, control, and review of client audit assignments, allocating resources to ensure work is delivered efficiently and to a high standard
• Conduct pre-audit meetings with clients to understand key business developments and identify areas requiring focused attention
• Prepare time budgets for each assignment, with appropriate consideration given to fee levels and overall job profitability
• Oversee the preparation of detailed audit and accounts planning memoranda by senior team members, ensuring assignments are approached in the most effective way
• Manage the allocation of trainees across a range of engagements to provide varied development experience and maximise their learning
• Carry out six-monthly appraisals and sign off training records for allocated staff, supporting their growth and long-term effectiveness
• Complete post-assignment staff reviews, providing structured and constructive feedback to drive improved future performance
• Handle day-to-day team management matters, including leave, training, workload quality, motivation, and the monitoring of chargeable and non-chargeable time

What We're Looking For

• Fully qualified ACA or ACCA, with solid experience gained within an accountancy practice environment
• Current working knowledge of Auditing Standards and UK Financial Reporting Standards
• Technically competent and compliance-minded, with a considered approach to risk
• Able to prepare and critically review financial projections, including commentary on draft figures against historic accounts
• Proactive in identifying improvements and efficiencies that benefit both clients and the wider firm
• Comfortable taking ownership of internal projects, from initiation through to delivery, and communicating outcomes clearly to stakeholders
• A natural relationship builder, confident working across internal teams and directly with clients

Nice to Have

• Prior experience managing or mentoring junior audit staff
• Exposure to a varied client portfolio across different business sectors and sizes

Why Join

• Hybrid working: core hours 10am to 2pm, with two home-working days per week
• 25 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to buy or sell up to five additional days
• Competitive salary, negotiable depending on your experience and expertise
• Employee recognition: Outstanding Performance Award Bonus and additional recognition initiatives throughout the year
• Structured succession planning programme with a supportive management framework designed to help you develop and progress
• Employee Assistance Programme: free, confidential, 24-hour support including unlimited counselling sessions and virtual GP access for you and your family