Audit Manager - Chatham

£50,000 - £65,000 plus
Ref: 2022 Date Posted: Tuesday 03 Mar 2026

Absolutely — here’s a tightened, punchier version that keeps the substance but reads cleaner and more commercially. Well under 7,000 characters.


Audit Manager
South East | Hybrid Working

An established and highly regarded independent accountancy and advisory firm is looking to appoint an experienced Audit Manager to join its growing Audit team.

This is an excellent opportunity for a qualified professional ready to take ownership of a varied portfolio, lead a high-performing team, and contribute to client growth and service excellence.


The Role

As Audit Manager, you will manage a portfolio of audit clients, ensuring high-quality delivery, adherence to budgets and deadlines, and strong fee recovery. You’ll act as a key client contact while leading and developing your team.

Key responsibilities:

  • Managing and developing a portfolio of audit clients

  • Planning and allocating audit assignments to ensure efficient workflow

  • Setting audit scope and budgets, briefing teams and monitoring progress

  • Reviewing completed audit files prior to RI sign-off

  • Ensuring compliance with professional standards and internal quality procedures

  • Leading audit close-down and review meetings with clients

  • Managing billing, fee agreements and resolving budget variances

  • Identifying opportunities to improve audit efficiency and client service

  • Supporting cross-selling of wider firm services

  • Ensuring AML, KYC and engagement compliance


Leadership & Team Development

You will play a central role in developing the audit team, including:

  • Setting clear objectives at the outset of each assignment

  • Monitoring KPIs and providing regular, constructive feedback

  • Coaching and mentoring Assistant Managers and junior team members

  • Supporting recruitment and succession planning

  • Running workflow meetings to ensure deadlines and service levels are met


Business Development

This role offers genuine scope to support firm growth through:

  • Building and maintaining your professional network

  • Generating referrals from your client base

  • Supporting pitches, networking events and sector initiatives

  • Contributing to webinars, articles and thought leadership


About You

  • ACA or ACCA qualified

  • Strong statutory audit experience within public practice

  • Sound knowledge of ISAs and UK GAAP (IFRS desirable)

  • Experience managing a client portfolio and leading teams

  • Academies sector experience desirable

  • Strong accounts preparation skills

  • Commercially aware, organised and detail-focused

  • Excellent communication and client relationship skills


What’s on Offer

  • Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package

  • Hybrid working (3 days office / 2 days home)

  • 25+ days holiday plus bank holidays, with option to buy more

  • Pension, life assurance, income protection and health cash plan

  • Private medical insurance and wellbeing support

  • Clear progression pathways and ongoing professional development

  • Supportive, collaborative culture with strong community and ESG focus


This is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious Audit Manager seeking a leadership role within a progressive, people-focused firm that values both technical excellence and long-term client relationships.

For a confidential discussion, please get in touch.