Audit Senior Associate

Hays Senior Finance; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading accountancy firm in Bristol is looking for a Qualified Senior to join their audit team. In this challenging role, you will engage with a diverse range of clients, oversee audit planning, and mentor junior staff while delivering high-quality audit services. The firm values strong technical knowledge, client focus, and the ability to excel under pressure.

Benefits

35-hour workweek with hybrid working

Contributory pension

25 days holiday

Life Assurance

Profit-Sharing Plan eligibility

Paid overtime or time off in lieu

Qualifications

• Experience in audit, including planning and completion.
• Strong technical knowledge of current accounting and auditing standards.
• Proficient in managing multiple projects and performing under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver complete audit files, assess risks, and design testing programs.
• Review junior team members' work and support their development in audits.
• Maintain client communication on audit matters and manage budget control.

Skills

Communication

Client-focused

Organizational skills

Commercial awareness

Technical knowledge of accounting standards

Education

ACA or ACCA qualified

Tools

Excel

Word

CCH accounts and audit automation

Job description

The Bristol office is seeking an experienced, professional, and enthusiastic Qualified Senior to join our audit team. Applicants must be ACA or ACCA qualified and demonstrate a commercially minded and organized approach to client work.

The role

This challenging and engaging role offers exposure to a diverse range of clients, often working under tight deadlines. Responsibilities include planning and delivering complete audit files, which involve:

1. Audit planning
2. Assessing audit risks and materiality
3. Designing and implementing testing work programs
4. Completing audit fieldwork with professional skepticism
5. Documenting audit findings and judgmental notes
6. Recording unadjusted misstatements and discussing management letter points with clients
7. Finalizing files and summarizing key audit findings for partners
8. Reviewing junior team members' work and supporting their development
9. Maintaining regular communication with managers
10. Managing budget control and informing managers of progress
11. Acting as the main contact for client communication on audit matters to ensure excellent service
12. Coordinating with other teams, such as corporate tax, to provide integrated services

The Team

The Accounts and Audit team in Bristol comprises over 40 staff, from Directors to assistants and juniors. The team reports to all partners and handles audits, outsourcing, management accounts, VAT returns, statutory accounts, and client queries.

The Office

We offer services in accounting, audit and assurance, business advisory, corporate finance, tax, and VAT. We serve UK and international clients, working closely across our national offices for seamless service. Our Bristol office has 6 partners and over 100 staff members.

You

• ACA/ACCA qualified
• Experience in audit, including planning and completion
• Excellent communication skills
• Client-focused with commercial awareness
• Proficient in Excel, Word, and ideally CCH accounts and audit automation
• Strong technical knowledge of current accounting and auditing standards
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects
• Ability to perform under pressure
• Proactive and team-oriented
• Preferred: Driving license and willingness to travel; experience with consolidated accounts and IFRS

Reward and Benefits

• 35-hour workweek with hybrid working (minimum 2 days in-office; core hours 10-4)
• Benefits including contributory pension, 25 days holiday, Life Assurance, flexible benefits, and family policies
• Profit-Sharing Plan eligibility, paid in December
• Paid overtime or time off in lieu

About us

Saffery LLP, founded in 1855, is a leading UK accountancy firm, ranked 15th nationwide. We provide accountancy, audit, advisory, tax, and VAT services to individuals and businesses across sectors, with a global network through Nexia. We value our people and are committed to diversity and inclusion, fostering a culture where everyone belongs.