Job title: Audit and Accounts Manager
Job type: Permanent
Industry: Accountancy & Finance
Sub-Functional Expertise: Accounting Manager Audit - Manager
Salary type: Annual
Salary: GBP £60,000.00
Location: Blackburn, UK
Job published: 2026-10-27
Job ID: 71895
Contact name: David Hawthorne-Finch
Phone number: +443339962882
Contact email: d.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com

Job Description

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.