Audit & Client Manager

Salford | Hybrid Working | £50,000-£55,000 + benefits
If you are an ACA or ACCA qualified accountant looking for a role that combines hands-on audit leadership, client ownership and genuine advisory exposure, this could be a strong next step.
A rapidly growing accountancy practice is looking to appoint an Audit & Client Manager to take responsibility for a varied portfolio of owner-managed businesses, groups and not-for-profit organisations. The role offers considerably more than a pure compliance position, with opportunities to get involved in tax, M&A, forensic work and wider commercial advice.
Based in Salford, the role offers hybrid working and a clear progression route towards Senior Manager, with a strong track record of developing people internally.

The Role

As Audit & Client Manager, you will manage your own portfolio and take ownership of audit assignments from initial planning and risk assessment through to completion and sign-off. You will work closely with senior leadership and become a trusted day-to-day adviser to your clients.
The position would suit someone who enjoys variety and wants to develop beyond traditional audit and accounts work. Alongside statutory compliance, you will have regular exposure to management accounts, VAT, corporation tax and wider advisory projects.

What you'll be doing

• Lead a portfolio of audit assignments from planning and risk assessment through fieldwork, completion and reporting.
• Build strong relationships with clients and act as their primary point of contact on accounting, tax and advisory matters.
• Prepare and review statutory accounts under FRS 102 and FRS 105, including group accounts and consolidations.
• Prepare and review corporation tax computations and returns.
• Provide support and advice across VAT, management accounts and general commercial queries.
• Review work completed by trainees and junior team members, providing constructive feedback and technical guidance.
• Liaise with HMRC, banks, solicitors and other professional advisers where required.
• Assist with workflow management, deadlines and improvements to internal processes.
• Become involved in wider advisory assignments, potentially including M&A, complex tax and forensic work.

What we're looking for

You'll ideally be ACA or ACCA qualified, with solid UK practice experience covering both audit and accounts. You'll be comfortable managing assignments independently, reviewing work and communicating directly with clients.
We're particularly interested in accountants who can demonstrate:

• Strong audit experience, including responsibility for assignments through to completion.
• Previous experience managing a portfolio of clients.
• Good technical knowledge of statutory accounts and corporation tax.
• Experience supervising, reviewing or developing junior colleagues.
• Confidence using cloud accounting technology, particularly Xero.
• A commercially minded approach and an interest in developing your advisory skill set.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to build trusted client relationships.
• A full UK driving licence.

Experience with CCH would be useful, although it is not essential.

What's on offer?

• £50,000-£55,000 salary, depending on qualification and experience.
• Hybrid working, providing flexibility around office and home-based working.
• A clearly defined pathway towards Senior Manager.
• Genuine internal progression within a growing accountancy practice.
• Exposure to a broad and interesting client portfolio rather than a narrow audit remit.
• Opportunities to develop your advisory experience across M&A, complex tax and forensic assignments.
• Modern offices with excellent tram and rail connectivity.
• The opportunity to work closely with senior leadership and have a visible impact on the development of the client portfolio.