Senior External Auditor: Lead Audits & Client Delivery

The Skills Coalition; Bristol; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Skills Coalition in Bristol is seeking an External Audit Senior/Assistant Manager/Manager for UK accountancy practice roles. You will work on external audit engagements and progress within a professional firm.

You should have ACA/ACCA, UK practice experience, lead audits, handle SME to mid-market clients, and be comfortable supervising juniors; 70–100% audit focus with clear progression.

Qualifications

• 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.

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 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.

Skills

External audit

UK practice experience

Client contact

Team leadership

Education

ACA or ACCA

Job description

The Skills Coalition in Bristol is seeking an External Audit Senior/Assistant Manager/Manager for UK accountancy practice roles. You will work on external audit engagements and progress within a professional firm.

You should have ACA/ACCA, UK practice experience, lead audits, handle SME to mid-market clients, and be comfortable supervising juniors; 70–100% audit focus with clear progression.