Senior Audit Manager (RI)

LHH; Greater London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading audit firm in the UK is seeking an Audit Specialist to lead high-quality audits and mentor emerging talent. The successful candidate will have substantial audit experience, holistic knowledge of UK GAAP and IFRS, and strong leadership skills to manage teams and client relationships. This role also involves overseeing complex audits, contributing to business development, and complying with professional standards. An ACA/ACCA qualification is essential, with a pathway to Registered Individual (RI) status highly regarded.

Qualifications

• Substantial post-qualification audit experience.
• Proven leadership skills managing audit teams.
• Strong technical expertise in UK GAAP, IFRS, FRS 102.

Responsibilities

• Lead high-quality audits and drive technical excellence.
• Mentor and develop audit seniors and trainees.
• Manage client relationships for a varied portfolio.

Skills

UK GAAP

IFRS

FRS 102

Leadership skills

Client relationship management

Commercial awareness

Education

ACA / ACCA qualified

Job description

Role Overview

This Audit specialist with RI (registered individual) status will lead high‑quality audits, drive technical excellence, mentor developing talent, and play a key role in the evolution of the firm’s audit function.

This individual will authorise signatory on audit reports, with a pathway to Partner is desired.

Audit Leadership

• Plan, execute, and review audit engagements, ensuring technical excellence, efficient delivery, and high-quality output.
• Oversee larger and more complex audits, providing senior-level judgement and challenge.

Technical Oversight

• Apply deep knowledge of UK GAAP, IFRS, FRS102, and relevant audit regulations.
• Provide technical guidance to the audit team and perform final file reviews.
• Maintain awareness of regulatory changes and support the firm in continuous technical improvement.

Team Management

• Mentor, coach, and develop audit seniors and trainees, supporting both technical and career progression.
• Manage workflow, team performance, and resource allocation across audit assignments.

Client Relationship Management

• Act as a primary point of contact for key clients across a varied portfolio.
• Build strong, long‑term relationships and identify opportunities to deliver added value.
• Participate in and lead pre‑ and post‑audit meetings.
• Ensure all work complies with professional standards and internal quality controls.
• Monitor engagement profitability, scope management, and risk mitigation.
• Support the firm’s overall quality agenda and regulatory readiness.

Business Development

• Identify new business opportunities within the existing client base.
• Contribute to tender processes and support cross‑service collaboration.
• Play an active role in the continued growth of the audit department.
• Champion the adoption of new audit technologies, methodologies, and approaches.
• Drive enhancements to audit efficiency, workflow, and consistency.

Additional Responsibilities

• Support senior leadership with managing a broad and diverse client portfolio.
• Ensure deadlines and statutory submission timelines are consistently met.
• Oversee financial performance and billing across your portfolio.

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

• ACA / ACCA qualified (or equivalent) with substantial post‑qualification audit experience.
• Strong technical expertise in UK GAAP, IFRS, FRS 102.
• Proven leadership skills with experience managing audit teams and sizeable portfolios.
• Excellent client relationship management and communication abilities.
• Commercial awareness and strategic thinking suited to senior-level decision‑making.
• Experience in both accounts preparation and corporate tax alongside audit.
• Existing RI status is welcome but not essential, however, the firm will look for clear potential and readiness to achieve RI approval.
• Experience with complex or group audits, SME and mid‑market clients, or specialist sectors.
• Prior involvement in business development or departmental leadership.