Accounts & Audit Manager

Salary: £45,000 – £60,000

Location: Blackburn (Hybrid Working)

Are you an experienced audit professional ready to step into a leadership role where you can influence client relationships, shape team development, and drive business performance? This is a standout opportunity to join our client’s growing audit and advisory team in a key managerial capacity, offering genuine progression to senior leadership within a forward-thinking North West firm.

If you are seeking a role that combines technical challenge, people leadership, and commercial responsibility, this position offers the platform to take your career to the next level.

The Role: Accounts & Audit Manager

Following sustained growth, our client is looking to appoint an ambitious Accounts & Audit Manager to their Blackburn office.

You will oversee a portfolio of corporate clients, with approximately 75% audit and 25% accounts and advisory work, acting as a trusted adviser and key client contact.

Key Responsibilities

Portfolio & Client Management

• Manage a portfolio of corporate and owner-managed business clients
• Act as a trusted adviser, building and maintaining long-term relationships
• Deliver a high-quality, joined-up service across audit, accounts, and advisory

Audit & Technical Leadership

• Oversee and review statutory audits from planning through to completion
• Review financial statements prepared under FRS 102 and FRS 102-1A
• Ensure compliance with UK auditing standards (ISA UK)
• Provide technical guidance to both clients and internal teams

Team Leadership & Development

• Manage, coach, and develop audit and accounts staff at all levels
• Identify training needs and deliver internal training sessions
• Support the development and progression of junior team members

Operational & Commercial Responsibility

• Manage engagement budgets, billing, and recovery
• Ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget
• Contribute to the efficient running of the department
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, quality, and profitability

Career Progression

• Clear pathway to Senior Manager and Director level
• Opportunity to play a key role in strategic growth and leadership

About You

To be successful in this role, you will demonstrate:

• ACA or ACCA qualified with 3–6+ years’ PQE in UK practice
• Significant experience managing audit and/or mixed portfolios
• Strong technical knowledge of UK GAAP and auditing standards
• Experience reviewing statutory accounts and audit files
• Proven ability to lead teams and manage client relationships
• Commercial awareness including budgeting and billing
• Excellent communication, leadership, and organisational skills
• A proactive, solutions-focused and career-driven mindset

Working Arrangements

• Office-based in Blackburn
• Client site visits across Lancashire and North Manchester
• Hybrid working model with flexibility and autonomy
• Flexitime approach supporting work-life balance

Learning, Development & Progression

Our client is committed to investing in your long-term success, offering:

• Structured leadership and technical development programmes
• 6-monthly performance reviews with optional monthly 1-2-1s
• Access to a mentor and internal leadership support
• Development in advisory, networking, and business development skills
• Opportunities to contribute to firm-wide initiatives and strategy
• Potential for international exposure through global network connections

Comprehensive Benefits Package

You will receive a highly competitive package including:

• £45,000 – £60,000 salary (dependent on experience)
• 30 days’ holiday + bank holidays
• Office closure over winter period
• Flexible Easter leave policy
• 8% employer pension contribution
• Death in service (4x salary) & income protection
• Hybrid working & weekly flexitime
• Enhanced family-friendly policies
• Private medical insurance options (via salary sacrifice)
• Electric car scheme & cycle to work scheme
• Firm-wide bonus scheme
• Full technical and leadership training support
• Paid sick leave
• Employee wellbeing support, including health, financial and legal advice
• On-site parking
• Access to a wide range of additional lifestyle and financial benefits

Why Join This Opportunity?

Our client is a highly respected, award-winning accountancy practice with a strong presence across the North West. Known for their people-first culture, flexible working environment, and commitment to sustainability and development, they offer a unique opportunity to build a long-term, rewarding leadership career within practice.

Apply Now

If you are ready to take the next step into a managerial role with real influence and progression potential, we would welcome a confidential discussion.

Contact:
David Hawthorne-Finch
Email: d.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com

Apply today for immediate consideration.

All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.