Accounts and Audit Manager

Manchester | Hybrid | Competitive Salary + Clear Senior Leadership Progression

I'm currently working with an established North West accountancy practice that is looking to appoint an Accounts and Audit Manager who wants to take their career in a slightly different direction.

This role could be particularly well suited to an ACA or ACCA qualified accountant who enjoys audit, but doesn't necessarily want their career to remain heavily audit-focused.

The firm is looking for someone who wants to take ownership of a portfolio of clients, become more involved in accounts and client advisory work, and build relationships that go beyond the year-end audit.

Why this role is interesting

You'll still have responsibility for running audits from planning through to completion and sign-off, but the wider role is much more client-focused.

You'll be the day-to-day contact for a portfolio of owner-managed businesses, groups and not-for-profit organisations, dealing with everything from statutory accounts and management accounts through to VAT, corporation tax and general advisory queries.

There is also exposure to more specialist work, including M&A, complex tax and forensic assignments, giving you the opportunity to broaden your experience rather than becoming pigeonholed into audit.

Most importantly, there is a clear route to Senior Manager and ultimately the Senior Leadership Team . The practice has a strong track record of promoting internally, so this is a role with genuine long-term progression attached to it.

The role

You'll be responsible for:

• Managing audits from planning and risk assessment through to completion
• Managing your own portfolio and becoming a trusted day-to-day client contact
• Preparing and reviewing statutory accounts under FRS 102 and FRS 105
• Working on group accounts and consolidations where required
• Preparing and reviewing corporation tax computations and returns
• Supporting clients with management accounts, VAT and wider advisory queries
• Liaising with HMRC, solicitors, banks and other professional advisers
• Reviewing junior team members' work and supporting their development
• Helping with workflow planning, deadlines and improving internal processes
• Working closely with the Audit Director while developing greater autonomy across your portfolio

What they're looking for

You'll need to be ACA or ACCA qualified , with solid UK practice experience covering both audit and accounts.

The key thing is personality and career direction. They're looking for someone who enjoys dealing with clients, wants greater commercial exposure and is interested in developing beyond a traditional audit role.

You'll ideally have:

• Strong audit and accounts experience within practice
• Experience managing your own client portfolio
• Previous experience reviewing or supervising junior staff
• Good knowledge of statutory accounts and corporation tax
• Confidence using cloud accounting software, particularly Xero
• Strong communication skills and a genuine interest in client relationships
• CCH experience would be useful, but isn't essential
• A full UK driving licence

The package

• Competitive salary, dependent on experience and qualification
• Hybrid working
• Clear progression to Senior Manager
• Genuine opportunity to join the Senior Leadership Team
• Exposure to M&A, complex tax and forensic assignments
• Modern Salford offices with excellent tram and rail connections
• A supportive environment where internal progression is actively encouraged

If you're an experienced audit professional who enjoys the technical side but would rather spend more of your career working with clients, advising businesses and developing your accounts experience, this is worth a conversation.

It's a particularly good opportunity for someone who wants to step away from a purely audit-led career without stepping backwards , while having a clearly defined route into senior leadership.

Interested? Get in touch for a confidential conversation.