Job Description
Audit Manager
Location: Lancaster
Salary: £55,000+ dependent on experience, plus performance-based bonus
Hours: 36.25 hours per week, Monday to Friday (part-time also considered)
Experience: ACA/ACCA qualified, with proven experience at Audit Manager or Assistant Manager level
The Opportunity
A well-established Chartered Accountancy practice with almost 50 years of history is entering an exciting phase of strategic expansion. With a robust and growing audit portfolio, they are now looking for an ambitious Audit Manager to step into a key leadership position and help shape the next stage of the firm’s growth.
This is a high-visibility role. You will work directly alongside the partners, taking ownership of a high-quality client portfolio and playing a central part in developing audit methodologies and team capability. The firm has a specialist and varied audit portfolio, including group consolidations, client money audits, academy schools, solicitors’ accounts rules, and grant claims, across a broad range of sectors.
As with the wider team, there is flexibility to tailor the role to your strengths: this can be a pure audit position, or a mixed portfolio incorporating statutory accounts and tax preparation.
This is a practice with a clear and genuine culture: to be the kind of firm that both clients and colleagues love being part of. That means proactive service, real investment in people, fair reward, and a team environment that retains good people.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Leading the planning and execution of complex audit assignments, including group consolidations and owner-managed businesses
- Taking full ownership of audits from initial planning and risk assessment through to completion
- Acting as the primary on-site contact for clients, resolving queries independently where possible
- Producing high-quality, review-ready audit files to reduce director-level involvement
- Managing resource allocation and team capacity to ensure smooth delivery across the audit portfolio
- Acting as a key technical point of contact, working alongside the Responsible Individual to ensure compliance with UK GAAP
- Supporting the development and day-to-day management of the wider audit team
What We’re Looking For
- ACA/ACCA qualified
- Proven experience at Audit Manager or Assistant Manager level
- Strong background auditing owner-managed businesses
- Comfortable with the hands-on nature of a small or medium-sized practice
- Growth-minded, with a genuine interest in shaping how a department is structured and run
- Confident working directly with clients and partners at a senior level
- Able to travel to client premises, including occasional overnight stays where required
- Full UK driving licence
What’s On Offer
- Salary £55,000 – £65,000 dependent on experience
- Performance-based bonus scheme
- Direct visibility with, and regular access to, the partners
- Private health insurance
- Hybrid working available
- One professional membership covered per year
- Ongoing CPD and training support
- Parking provided nearby
- Fully paid additional Christmas leave — time off between Christmas and New Year, on top of your standard holiday entitlement
Why This Role?
This is a genuine leadership opportunity, not a lateral move. The audit function is actively growing, and this hire is central to how the firm structures and scales that department. You will have real influence over how work is delivered, how the team develops, and where the department goes next — with the backing of experienced, qualified partners who are invested in making it work. For the right person, this is a platform with meaningful upside.
Apply in Confidence
To apply or to have a confidential conversation first, please contact:
David Hawthorne-Finch
Email: d.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com