Accounts and Audit Senior - Top 40 Practice with Clear Progression to Manager
Salary: £33,000 - £42,000+ DOE
Location: Manchester City Centre
Your Next Career Move Starts Here
Are you an ambitious accounts and audit professional seeking a role that offers genuine career progression, technical development, and the chance to work with a diverse, high-quality client portfolio?
Our client, a prestigious Top 40 accountancy practice and part of a national group serving over 100,000 clients, is expanding their Manchester team and looking for a talented Accounts and Audit Senior to join them.
This isn't just another practice role—it's an opportunity to work in a modern, collaborative environment where your expertise is valued, your development is prioritised, and your pathway to Manager level is clearly defined. With hybrid working, comprehensive study support, and exposure to clients across multiple sectors, this role offers the perfect balance of challenge, flexibility, and career growth.
About Our Client
Our client is a leading Top 40 accountancy practice with a strong national presence and a reputation for excellence in audit, accounts, tax, and business advisory services. Their Manchester office is based in the heart of the city centre with excellent transport links, offering a modern, professional working environment and a collaborative team culture that genuinely supports career development.
Why This Practice Stands Out:
- Part of a prestigious national group with 100,000+ clients
- Diverse client portfolio spanning multiple sectors and industries
- Award-winning commitment to professional development and training
- Hybrid working arrangements for excellent work-life balance
- Clear progression pathways with structured career development plans
- Access to national resources, expertise, and networking opportunities
- Supportive, forward-thinking culture that values innovation and collaboration
The Role: What You'll Be Doing
As an Accounts and Audit Senior, you'll take ownership of a varied portfolio of audit and accounts assignments, working with clients ranging from ambitious SMEs to established corporations. You'll play a key role in delivering high-quality technical work whilst developing your leadership skills through supervising and mentoring junior team members.
Your Key Responsibilities:
- Managing end-to-end audit and accounts assignments for a diverse client portfolio including limited companies, partnerships, and sole traders
- Planning and executing audit fieldwork in full compliance with ISAs (UK) and internal quality standards
- Preparing statutory accounts to a high technical standard, ensuring accuracy and compliance
- Supervising and mentoring junior team members, providing guidance, feedback, and technical support
- Building and maintaining strong client relationships, acting as a trusted advisor and key point of contact
- Identifying value-add opportunities and supporting business development initiatives
- Collaborating with specialist teams across tax, advisory, and corporate finance to deliver integrated client solutions
- Managing multiple assignments simultaneously, ensuring deadlines are met and quality standards maintained
- Contributing to practice development through involvement in training, recruitment, and process improvement initiatives
What We're Looking For:
Essential Requirements
Qualifications & Experience:
- ACA, ACCA, or equivalent professional qualification (part-qualified with final level completion expected within 12 months, or newly qualified/recently qualified considered)
- Minimum 2-3 years' post-qualification or senior-level experience within a UK accountancy practice environment
- Proven experience in audit and accounts preparation across a range of client types and industries
- Strong technical knowledge of UK GAAP, FRS 102, and ISAs (UK)
Technical Skills:
- Proficiency with accounting software (CCH, Caseware, or similar audit and accounts production tools)
- Advanced Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel for financial analysis and reporting
- Strong understanding of statutory compliance and regulatory requirements
- Experience with audit planning, risk assessment, and fieldwork execution
Personal Attributes:
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport with clients and colleagues at all levels
- Strong organisational and time management abilities with proven capability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
- Leadership potential with experience or willingness to supervise and develop junior team members
- Client-focused approach with commercial awareness and business acumen
- Proactive, self-motivated attitude with a genuine desire to progress and develop professionally
- Team player who thrives in a collaborative environment
What's On Offer:
Comprehensive Benefits Package
Salary & Remuneration:
- Competitive salary: £33,000 - £42,000 (dependent on experience and qualification status)
- Annual salary reviews with performance-based progression
- Discretionary bonus scheme linked to individual and practice performance
Work-Life Balance:
- Hybrid working arrangements (typically 2-3 days in office, flexibility available)
- 25 days' annual leave plus bank holidays (increasing with service)
- Additional holiday purchase scheme available
- Flexible working hours to support work-life balance
- Early finish Fridays during summer months
Professional Development:
- Comprehensive study support including full exam fees, study materials, and paid study leave for part-qualified candidates
- Structured CPD programme with access to technical training and industry updates
- Clear progression pathway to Manager level with defined competency framework
- Mentoring and coaching from experienced senior managers and partners
- Access to national training academy and specialist technical resources
- Support for further qualifications (e.g., CTA, specialist diplomas)
Additional Benefits:
- Modern city centre office (excellent transport links including Metrolink, rail, and bus)
- Pension scheme with employer contributions
- Health and wellbeing support including employee assistance programme
- Social events and team activities throughout the year
- Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
- Professional subscriptions paid
- Access to national resources including technical helplines, specialist teams, and knowledge-sharing platforms
Location & Working Arrangements
Our client's Manchester office is situated in the heart of the city centre, offering:
- Excellent transport links: 5-minute walk from Manchester Piccadilly, direct Metrolink access, and multiple bus routes
- Modern, professional workspace with collaborative working areas and meeting facilities
- Hybrid working flexibility: Typically 2-3 days per week in the office, with flexibility to accommodate personal circumstances
- City centre amenities: Surrounded by cafés, restaurants, shops, and cultural venues
Career Progression: Your Future With This Practice
This role offers a clearly defined progression pathway to Manager level, typically achievable within 18-24 months for high-performing individuals. Our client is committed to developing talent from within and has a proven track record of promoting Seniors to management positions.
Your Career Journey:
- Year 1: Consolidate technical skills, build client relationships, and develop supervisory capabilities
- Year 2: Take on increased portfolio responsibility, lead larger audits, and demonstrate management potential
- Manager Level: Assume full portfolio management, business development responsibilities, and team leadership
Beyond Manager level, opportunities exist to progress to Senior Manager, Associate Director, and Partner positions within the wider group.
How to Apply: Take the Next Step
If you're an ambitious accounts and audit professional ready to take the next step in your career with a Top 40 practice that genuinely invests in your development, we'd love to hear from you.
For a confidential discussion about this opportunity and to learn more about how this role could accelerate your career, please contact:
All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.
We will always obtain your express written consent before sharing any details with a prospective employer.
For a confidential chat with Diane, please call
Diane Shaw
📩 d.shaw@h-fts.com
📲 07506740664
☎️ 03339962882
Please include your CV and a brief cover note outlining your relevant experience and salary expectations.
Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions is committed to providing a transparent, ethical recruitment service. All candidate information is treated in the strictest confidence, and we will always seek your explicit consent before submitting your details to any client. We specialise in recruitment for accountancy and legal practices across the UK, offering a personalised, professional service built on integrity and genuine partnerships.