External Audit Senior / Manager Preston

The Skills Coalition; Preston; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The Skills Coalition in Preston is seeking an External Audit Senior / Assistant Manager / Manager to join a growing UK practice. The role centers on planning, leading, and delivering external audits for SME to mid-market clients.

Applicants should have strong UK practice experience, ACA/ACCA qualifications, and a solid external audit background. The position offers clear progression and exposure to varied clients within a professional firm.

Qualifications

• Current UK accountancy practice experience is essential.
• Strong external audit background (internal audit not relevant).
• ACA or ACCA qualified, finalist, or part-qualified with solid audit experience.
• Experience working with SME to mid-market clients.
• Comfortable leading audits and supervising junior team members.
• Good working knowledge of UK GAAP and exposure to IFRS is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Plan, run, and finalise external audit assignments from start to completion.
• Lead onsite audit teams and supervise junior staff during fieldwork.
• Assess controls, test audit areas, clear review points, and deliver high-quality files.
• Act as the day-to-day contact for clients during audits.
• Work with Managers, Senior Managers, and Partners on audit delivery.
• Undertake some accounts or compliance work where required, however external audit remains the core focus.
• Typical audit split ranges from 70–100% external audit.

Skills

Auditing experience

Team leadership

Client liaison

Education

ACA or ACCA finalist or qualified

Tools

UK GAAP

IFRS exposure

Job description

Preston, United Kingdom | Posted on 05/02/2026

External Audit Senior / Assistant Manager / Manager

Location:Preston

UK Accountancy Practice

We’re working with established and growing accountancy practices across Preston who are adding headcount in their external audit teams due to continued client demand.

This opportunity is suited to audit-trained accountants currently working in UK practice who want strong audit exposure, varied clients, and clear progression within a professional firm.

The Role

Depending on level, you will:

Plan, run, and finalise external audit assignments from start to completion

Lead onsite audit teams and supervise junior staff during fieldwork

Assess controls, test audit areas, clear review points, and deliver high-quality files

Act as the day-to-day contact for clients during audits

Work closely with Managers, Senior Managers, and Partners on audit delivery

Undertake some accounts or compliance work where required, however external audit remains the core focus

Typical audit split ranges from 70–100% external audit, depending on role and firm.

What We’re Looking For

Current UK accountancy practice experience is essential

Strong external audit background (internal audit is not relevant)

ACA or ACCA qualified, finalist, or part-qualified with solid audit experience

Experience working with SME to mid-market clients

Comfortable leading audits and supervising junior team members

Good working knowledge of UK GAAP and exposure to IFRS is beneficial

Levels Covered

Audit Senior

Audit Manager

(Salary and responsibility aligned to experience and qualification.)

Right to Work

Full right to work in the UK is required

Sponsorship is not available

Requirements

What We’re Looking For

Current UK accountancy practice experience is essential

Strong external audit background (internal audit is not relevant)

ACA or ACCA qualified, finalist, or part-qualified with solid audit experience

Experience working with SME to mid-market clients

Comfortable leading audits and supervising junior team members

Good working knowledge of UK GAAP and exposure to IFRS is beneficial