Audit Manager

Location: Liverpool

Salary: £55,000 – £70,000+ DOE

Are you an experienced Audit Manager seeking high-profile portfolio leadership, direct partner-level influence, and a clear path toward Senior Manager and Director? Our client is a leading regional accountancy and business advisory practice operating within a prominent top-tier UK professional services group. Combining the agile, collaborative culture of a regional firm with the backing and resources of a national network, they are seeking an ambitious Audit Manager to lead dynamic engagement teams across Liverpool and the wider North West. Offering structured hybrid working, active mentoring responsibilities, and direct exposure to ambitious corporate clients, this role provides an exceptional platform to accelerate your senior leadership career.

The Opportunity

Working closely alongside Directors and Partners, you will take full operational responsibility for managing a varied audit portfolio spanning owner-managed businesses, mid-market corporate groups, and large regional entities. Acting as the primary technical point of contact, you will manage engagement economics, supervise risk planning and on-site fieldwork, and sign off completion files under FRS 102 and IFRS. Designed for an ACA or ACCA qualified practitioner with strong practice depth, this position balances portfolio management and technical review with team leadership, staff mentoring, and strategic business development.

Key Responsibilities & Requirements

• Qualifications & Experience: ACA or ACCA qualified (or equivalent) with minimum 4–6 years’ UK practice audit experience, including at least 2 years operating at Audit Manager or Assistant Manager level.

• Technical Mastery: Deep technical proficiency in UK GAAP (FRS 102), IFRS, and UK auditing standards, with proven experience managing group audits and consolidated financial statements.

• Portfolio & Engagement Leadership: End-to-end management of multiple simultaneous audit engagements, including fee scoping, budget tracking, resource allocation, and profitability management.

• Team Supervision & Coaching: Direct line management, coaching, and mentoring of Audit Seniors and junior trainees, driving quality control and professional development across the department.

• Software & Systems: Hands-on experience with modern audit software (CCH Audit Automation, CCH Accounts Production, or Inflo) and advanced MS Excel skills.

Package & Working Structure

• Competitive Remuneration: £55,000 – £70,000 base salary per annum (commensurate with managerial depth, technical expertise, and portfolio experience).

• Agile Working Model: Modern hybrid working model and flexible core hours supporting long-term work-life balance.

• Health & Protection: Private healthcare options, Life Assurance cover, Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), and comprehensive wellbeing support.

• Professional Subscriptions & Development: Full payment of annual ACA/ACCA professional body fees, alongside structured leadership and technical training programmes.

• Leave & Progression: Generous annual leave entitlement, enhanced pension scheme, and a transparent progression pathway toward Senior Manager, Director, and future practice leadership.

How to Apply

To explore this opportunity in complete confidence or request a full position profile, please contact David Hawthorne-Finch directly:

• Email: d.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions is acting as an employment agency for this vacancy. All applications and enquiries are treated with the strictest confidence, and candidate details are never shared with prospective employers without prior express consent.

Accounts Senior

Location: Leeds Area

Salary: £38,000 – £48,000+ DOE

(Hybrid Working & Fast-Track Manager Pathway)

Are you an experienced practice accountant seeking high-autonomy portfolio management, direct partner access, and a clear path toward senior leadership within a progressive regional practice? Our client is a highly regarded, rapidly expanding financial services and accountancy group operating across Yorkshire. Known for their forward-thinking culture, digital innovation, and comprehensive advisory approach, they combine the technical breadth of a top-tier firm with the close-knit, supportive environment of a leading independent practice. Due to continued organic growth, they are seeking an ambitious Accounts Senior (3+ years UK practice experience) to manage client relationships, lead technical review work, and mentor junior colleagues across the Leeds area.

The Opportunity

In this pivotal role, you will take lead operational responsibility for managing a varied portfolio of corporate and SME clients across Yorkshire. Reporting directly to Managers and Partners, you will oversee the preparation and final review of statutory accounts, complex management information, and tax computations, serving as a primary point of contact for business owners and finance directors. Designed for an ACA/ACCA qualified professional or an experienced practice accountant, this position offers high autonomy, structured hybrid working, and a defined progression framework to help you advance directly into a Managerial role.

Key Responsibilities & Requirements

• Qualifications & Experience: ACA or ACCA qualified (or finalist/QBE) with at least 3 years’ recent UK accountancy practice experience managing client assignments.

• Technical Mastery: Expertise in drafting and reviewing statutory accounts (under FRS 102 and FRS 105), corporation tax computations (CT600), personal tax returns, and management information.

• Portfolio & Client Leadership: Serving as the main client liaison for sole traders, partnerships, LLPs, and limited companies, providing proactive commercial advice and resolving technical accounting queries.

• Team Mentoring & Review: Supervising, coaching, and reviewing the file work of trainees and junior accountants to maintain strict quality control and deadline compliance.

• Digital Accounting Proficiency: Advanced proficiency with modern cloud platforms (Xero, Sage, QuickBooks) and integrated practice software (IRIS, CCH, or Digita) alongside strong MS Excel skills.

Package & Working Structure

• Competitive Remuneration: £38,000 – £48,000 base compensation per annum (commensurate with qualification status, technical depth, and practice experience).

• Agile Working Model: Structured hybrid working arrangements and flexible working hours to support a healthy work-life blend.

• Professional Subscriptions & CPD: Full payment of annual ACA/ACCA membership fees and fully funded continuous professional development (CPD) training.

• Leave & Pension: Generous annual leave entitlement plus statutory bank holidays and an auto-enrolment workplace pension scheme.

• Culture & Career Progression: A supportive, non-hierarchical work environment featuring regular team socials, health and wellbeing initiatives, and transparent pathways for career advancement into management.

How to Apply

To explore this opportunity in complete confidence or request a full position profile, please contact David Hawthorne-Finch directly:

• Email: d.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions is acting as an employment agency for this vacancy. All applications and enquiries are treated with the strictest confidence, and candidate details are never shared with prospective employers without prior express consent.

Accountancy Assistant Manager/Manager

Location: Leeds Area

Salary: c.£42,000 – £55,000+ DOE

(Hybrid Working & Fast-Track Progression)

Are you an ambitious ACA or ACCA qualified accountant seeking high-visibility client portfolio management, direct partner collaboration, and a clear, merit-based path toward Manager? Our client is a premier, highly respected independent accountancy practice based in the Leeds area. Celebrated for combining big-firm technical standards with a supportive, non-hierarchical culture, they are seeking an experienced Accountancy Assistant Manager (4–6 years UK practice experience) to join their expanding general practice team. Offering structured hybrid working, active mentoring responsibilities, and early exposure to complex advisory engagements, this role provides an exceptional platform to accelerate your leadership career.

The Opportunity

Working closely alongside department Managers and Partners, you will take operational ownership of a diverse client portfolio spanning fast-growing SMEs, owner-managed businesses, and corporate groups across Yorkshire. Acting as the primary technical point of contact, you will review statutory financial statements, oversee corporate and personal tax compliance, and deliver bespoke management accounting and advisory solutions. Designed for a commercially minded senior accountant or supervisor, this role balances technical review and workflow management with team leadership, staff mentoring, and business development.

Key Responsibilities & Requirements

• Qualifications & Experience: ACA or ACCA qualified with 4–6 years’ recent UK accountancy practice experience, demonstrating proven capability at Senior or Assistant Manager level.

• Portfolio & Client Leadership: Independent management of a varied SME and corporate client portfolio, acting as a trusted advisor and handling day-to-day commercial queries.

• Technical Mastery & Review: End-to-end review of statutory accounts (under FRS 102 / FRS 105), management accounts, and tax returns (CT600 and personal tax) prepared by junior team members prior to partner sign-off.

• Team Leadership & Mentoring: Direct supervision, workflow allocation, and mentoring of trainees and junior accountants, driving quality control and deadline compliance across the department.

• Software Mastery: Proficiency across cloud accounting and practice management software (Xero, Sage, QuickBooks, IRIS, or CCH) alongside intermediate-to-advanced MS Excel skills.

Package & Working Structure

• Competitive Remuneration: £42,000 – £55,000 base salary per annum (commensurate with post-qualification experience, practice depth, and leadership capability) plus annual salary reviews.

• Agile & Flexible Working: Modern hybrid working model and flexible core working patterns supporting long-term work-life balance.

• Professional Subscriptions & Training: Full payment of annual ACA/ACCA professional body membership fees and funded technical CPD training.

• Generous Leave & Pension: Comprehensive annual leave entitlement plus statutory bank holidays and an auto-enrolment workplace pension scheme.

• Progression & Culture: Transparent, merit-based career development framework with direct pathways toward Manager level, set within a supportive, inclusive, and socially active Leeds practice.

How to Apply

To explore this opportunity in complete confidence or request a full position profile, please contact David Hawthorne-Finch directly:

• Email: d.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions is acting as an employment agency for this vacancy. All applications and enquiries are treated with the strictest confidence, and candidate details are never shared with prospective employers without prior express written consent.

Corporate Tax Senior

Location: Leeds Area

Salary: £42,000 – £52,000+DOE 

(CTA Study Support & Direct Tax Advisory Exposure)

Are you a skilled Corporate Tax professional looking to move away from national-firm bureaucracy and secure a high-visibility role with genuine advisory involvement? Our client is a premier, highly respected independent firm of Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors operating across the Leeds area. With a proud 30-year legacy, they offer a rare combination: the personal, collaborative culture of an independent practice paired with the technical depth and high-caliber corporate client base typically found in top-tier accounting firms. Due to sustained growth across their regional client portfolio, they are seeking an ambitious Corporate Tax Senior (3+ years UK practice tax experience) to take ownership of complex compliance and deliver bespoke tax planning solutions.

The Opportunity

Working directly alongside experienced Tax Managers and Partners, you will manage a varied portfolio of corporate tax compliance while taking a leading role on dynamic advisory engagements. Serving fast-growing SMEs, owner-managed businesses, multi-site groups, and UK subsidiaries, you will review complex tax computations, lead client advisory meetings, and identify tax-planning opportunities spanning corporate restructures, R&D tax relief, and capital allowances. Designed for an ambitious CTA/ATT qualified or exam-stage professional, this non-hierarchical environment offers complete freedom from rigid corporate red tape, full financial study support if completing CTA, and a clear, merit-based career path toward Manager level.

Key Responsibilities & Requirements

• Experience & Qualifications: Minimum 3+ years’ corporate tax experience within a recognised UK accountancy practice. CTA or ATT qualified (or ACA/ACCA qualified looking to specialise further in corporate tax).

• Compliance & Technical Review: Reviewing and signing off complex corporate tax computations and CT600 returns, ensuring technical accuracy, risk mitigation, and strict statutory deadline compliance.

• Advisory & Specialist Planning: Assisting partners in researching, drafting, and delivering high-level advisory reports, including group tax planning, corporate reorganisations, M&A tax due diligence, R&D tax claims, and loss relief planning.

• Portfolio Management & Client Liaison: Acting as the primary day-to-day technical contact for business owners and finance directors, developing deep client relationships and identifying cross-departmental opportunities.

• Team Supervision & Coaching: Mentoring, reviewing, and developing the technical capabilities of junior tax trainees and semi-seniors within the team.

• Software Mastery: Strong command of UK corporate tax legislation and advanced proficiency in practice software (such as IRIS, Alphatax, or CCH) alongside MS Excel.

Package & Working Structure

• Competitive Remuneration: £42,000 – £52,000 base compensation per annum (commensurate with qualification status, CTA progression, and technical practice depth) plus discretionary annual performance bonuses.

• Professional Qualification Backing: Full study support, exam leave, and course funding for CTA completion (if applicable), alongside coverage of annual professional membership fees.

• Agile & Flexible Working: Flexible core hours and modern working arrangements based out of contemporary Leeds offices with excellent transport accessibility.

• Generous Holiday & Benefits: Competitive annual leave entitlement increasing with length of service, comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), and group benefits.

• Culture & Career Progression: A flat, non-hierarchical structure with direct partner mentoring, clear, transparent progression benchmarks, and regular firm-wide social and team-building events.

How to Apply

To explore this opportunity in complete confidence or request a full position profile, please contact David Hawthorne-Finch directly:

• Email: d.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions is acting as an employment agency for this vacancy. All applications and enquiries are treated with the strictest confidence, and candidate details are never shared without prior express consent.

Corporate Tax Semi-Senior 

Location: Leeds Area

Salary: £28,000 – £36,000+DOE

(Full ATT/CTA Study Support & Direct Advisory Exposure)

Are you an ambitious tax professional looking to move away from national-firm bureaucracy and gain genuine hands-on exposure to both compliance and advisory work? Our client is a premier, highly respected independent firm of Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors operating across the Leeds area. With a proud 30-year legacy, they offer a rare combination: the agile, personal culture of an independent practice paired with the technical depth and high-caliber corporate client base typically found in top-tier firms. Due to sustained growth across their regional client portfolio, they are seeking a Corporate Tax Semi-Senior (1–3 years UK practice tax experience) to join their specialist tax team.

The Opportunity

Working closely with experienced Tax Managers and Partners, you will take operational responsibility for managing a varied portfolio of corporate tax compliance while gaining early, structured exposure to exciting advisory projects. Serving owner-managed businesses, fast-growing SMEs, and large corporate groups across Yorkshire, you will draft tax computations, assist with tax planning, and build direct, ongoing client relationships. Designed for an ATT-qualified professional or active ATT/CTA student, this non-hierarchical environment offers complete freedom from corporate red tape, full financial study backing, and a clear, merit-based career path toward Senior level.

Key Responsibilities & Requirements

• Experience & Qualifications: Minimum 1–3 years’ corporate tax experience within a recognised UK accountancy practice. ATT qualified or actively studying towards ATT/CTA (or ACA/ACCA looking to specialise in tax).

• Compliance & Advisory: End-to-end preparation and submission of corporate tax computations and CT600 returns, while assisting partners with research for tax planning, restructuring, and R&D relief projects.

• Client Portfolio: Managing day-to-day tax queries for a diverse portfolio of owner-managed businesses, UK subsidiaries, and family corporate groups.

• Technical & Software Mastery: Strong understanding of UK corporate tax legislation; hands-on proficiency with practice tax software (such as IRIS, Alphatax, or CCH) and MS Excel.

• Interpersonal Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the confidence to interact directly with client finance directors and business owners.

Package & Working Structure

• Competitive Remuneration: £28,000 – £36,000 per annum (commensurate with qualification status, exam progress, and practice experience) plus annual salary reviews.

• Full Study & Professional Backing: Comprehensive financial support, exam leave, and paid courses for completing ATT and CTA qualifications, plus payment of annual professional body subscriptions.

• Agile & Flexible Working: Flexible working arrangements based out of modern Leeds offices, featuring hybrid options and excellent regional transport accessibility.

• Leave & Wellbeing: Generous annual leave entitlement increasing with service, discretionary performance bonuses, and a full Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).

• Culture & Perks: A genuinely flat, supportive working culture where individual contributions are recognised, featuring regular team socials, CSR events, and direct partner mentoring.

How to Apply

To explore this opportunity in complete confidence or request a full position profile, please contact David Hawthorne-Finch directly:

• Email: d.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions is acting as an employment agency for this vacancy. All applications and enquiries are treated with the strictest confidence, and candidate details are never shared without prior express consent.

• Prepare statutory accounts for sole traders, partnerships and limited companies
• Produce working papers and ensure files are accurate, compliant, and well-presented
• Assist with corporation tax computations and returns (depending on the role split)
• Support with VAT returns and bookkeeping where required
• Liaise with clients to request records, resolve queries, and keep work moving to deadline
• Support and informally mentor junior colleagues, reviewing basic work where appropriate
• Work closely with managers to manage workflow across a varied portfolio

• Previous experience in a UK accountancy practice in an accounts role
• AAT qualified or studying, or ACA/ACCA part-qualified (helpful, not essential)
• Strong attention to detail and a steady, organised approach
• Confident using accounting software and Excel
• Good communication skills and a professional client manner

• Competitive salary (dependent on experience)
• Study support (where applicable)
• Clear progression and development
• Supportive team environment
• Flexible/hybrid working options (role dependent)

Audit Semi-Senior / Senior

Location: Leeds Area 

Salary: £36,000 – £48,000+ DOE

Are you an ambitious audit professional seeking high-value engagement, direct partner contact, and a collaborative "one-team" culture free from rigid national-firm bureaucracy? Our client is a premier, highly respected independent firm of Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors based in the Leeds area. Due to sustained growth across their enviable regional client portfolio, they are seeking an Audit Semi-Senior or Senior (2+ years external audit experience) to lead onsite assignments and accelerate their career progression.

The Opportunity

In this pivotal role, you will take lead operational responsibility for executing onsite audit fieldwork across an enviable client base dominated by ambitious UK owner-managed businesses and family groups. Reporting directly to Audit Managers and Partners, you will oversee audit teams on location, liaise directly with client finance directors, and prepare audited financial statements under FRS 102. Designed for a qualified accountant or exam-stage finalist, this position offers high autonomy, genuine work-life flexibility, and a structured, transparent pathway toward Manager level within a growing independent practice.

Key Responsibilities & Requirements

• Qualifications & Experience: ACA or ACCA qualified (or exam finalist) with minimum 2 years’ external audit experience within UK accountancy practice.

• Onsite Leadership: Minimum 12 months’ experience leading audit assignments onsite, managing junior audit staff, and reviewing audit files prior to partner sign-off.

• Technical Mastery: Strong expertise in auditing UK owner-managed businesses and family corporate groups reporting under FRS 102, alongside robust statutory accounts preparation skills.

• Client & Team Engagement: Exceptional interpersonal skills to build lasting relationships with key decision-makers and mentor junior trainees within a collaborative team environment.

• Software & Mobility: Advanced MS Excel skills required; working knowledge of IRIS, ProAudit, or Sage is highly advantageous. A full UK driving licence and access to a car are essential for client site visits.

Package & Working Structure

• Competitive Remuneration: £36,000 – £48,000 base salary per annum (commensurate with qualification level, exam status, and audit leadership experience) plus discretionary performance bonuses.

• Flexible Working & Autonomy: Flexible working patterns and core hour options in a modern, single-site office with free on-site amenities.

• Holiday Allowance: Generous annual leave allowance that increases incrementally with length of service.

• Health & Wellbeing: Comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) providing mental health support, plus Private Medical Insurance (PMI) upon progression to management level.

• Culture & Progression: A flat, non-hierarchical workplace culture with direct partner mentoring, clear promotion criteria, active firm socials, and complete autonomy from head-office restrictions.

How to Apply

To explore this opportunity in complete confidence or request a full position profile, please contact David Hawthorne-Finch directly:

• Email: d.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions is acting as an employment agency for this vacancy. All applications and enquiries are treated with the strictest confidence, and candidate details are never shared without prior express consent.

About the Opportunity

The Role: Practice Accountant (Accounts & Audit Senior)

• Preparing statutory year-end accounts for a range of limited companies, partnerships and sole traders
• Leading or supporting on audit assignments from planning through to completion
• Preparing corporation tax computations and returns and assisting with personal tax where required
• Managing your own client portfolio, acting as a key point of contact and building long-term relationships
• Reviewing work prepared by juniors and providing guidance and support
• Assisting with management accounts, VAT returns and ad hoc advisory work as needed
• Working closely with managers and partners to ensure deadlines are met and service levels remain high

Key Requirements

• 3+ years’ recent UK accountancy practice experience (essential)
• Experience across accounts preparation, audit and tax within a practice environment
• Part-qualified or qualified in ACCA / ACA (or equivalent), or qualified by experience with strong practice background
• Confident using cloud-based accounting software (e.g. Xero, QuickBooks) and Excel
• Strong understanding of UK accounting standards and audit processes
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to build rapport with clients
• A proactive, organised approach with the ability to manage multiple deadlines

Technical Skills & Experience

• Statutory accounts preparation for SMEs and owner-managed businesses
• Audit fieldwork and assisting with planning and completion
• Corporation tax computations and returns; exposure to personal tax is advantageous
• VAT returns and basic advisory work
• Using Xero, QuickBooks or similar cloud platforms (experience with other practice software also welcome)
• Reviewing and mentoring junior team members

Location & Working Arrangements

• Based at our client’s North West office (commutable from surrounding towns and areas)
• Hybrid working available after a successful onboarding period
• Full-time, permanent position

Career Progression & Development

• Defined pathway towards Assistant Manager / Manager level
• Opportunity to take on increased portfolio responsibility and client ownership
• Support with professional studies (where applicable) and ongoing CPD
• Exposure to a broad mix of accounts, audit and tax work, with scope to specialise over time

Benefits & Package

• Hybrid working after probation
• Paid professional subscriptions (where applicable)
• Study support for ACCA / ACA (if required)
• 25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays (or similar, in line with experience and level)
• Pension scheme
• Friendly, supportive team environment with direct access to senior staff and partners
• Genuine work–life balance and realistic expectations around hours

How to Apply