img
Permanent

Audit Partner

Hays Senior Finance
Manchester
money-bag £140000 - £180000/annum £14,000+ DOE
Posted: 18 August 2026 (Today)
Closing date: 17 September 2026
Ref: 225507831

Your new company
This is a rare opportunity to join a highly respected and ambitious accountancy practice at a significant stage in its growth journey.
Recent investment into the firm''s North West operations has created a clear and exciting growth strategy, with Manchester identified as a key location for future expansion. As part of these plans, the business is seeking an experienced Audit Director or Partner with Responsible Individual (RI) status to take a leading role in developing and growing the audit offering across the region.
The firm has built an outstanding reputation through long-standing client relationships, technical excellence and a genuinely people-focused culture. Whilst benefiting from the backing, investment and infrastructure of a larger group, local leadership remains central to strategic decision-making, allowing senior leaders the autonomy to shape the future direction of the business.
This appointment represents a genuine strategic hire and an opportunity to become one of the key figures responsible for driving growth, developing the team and strengthening the firm''s presence across the North West over the next 3-5 years.
Your new role
As Audit Director / Partner, you will work alongside the senior leadership team to shape and deliver the firm''s ambitious growth plans whilst taking responsibility for the leadership and development of the audit service line.
This is far more than a technical compliance role. You will be a key ambassador for the business, helping to drive market presence, strengthen client relationships, recruit and develop talent, and contribute to the long-term strategic success of the firm.
Key responsibilities will include:

  • Leading and growing the firm''s audit portfolio across a broad range of owner-managed businesses, SMEs and corporate clients.
  • Acting as a Responsible Individual, signing audit reports and maintaining the highest levels of audit quality and compliance.
  • Working closely with senior leadership to define and execute the audit growth strategy.
  • Building the firm''s audit profile across Manchester and the wider North West market.
  • Developing new business opportunities and identifying avenues for organic growth.
  • Supporting existing clients with strategic business advice and becoming a trusted commercial adviser.
  • Recruiting, mentoring and developing audit professionals in line with the firm''s long-term growth plans.
  • Leading audit quality initiatives, technical excellence and best practice across the audit function.
  • Playing a significant role in succession planning and future leadership development within the business.

The successful individual will have a genuine opportunity to influence the future direction of the audit practice whilst helping to build a market-leading audit team.

What you''ll need to succeed

  • Existing Responsible Individual (RI) status is essential.
  • Operating currently at Audit Director, Salaried Partner, Equity Partner or Associate Partner level.
  • Proven experience managing substantial audit portfolios and leading complex audit engagements.
  • Strong understanding of audit regulation, quality management and compliance requirements.
  • Demonstrable success in developing client relationships and generating new business opportunities.
  • Experience building, mentoring and developing high-performing audit teams.
  • A commercial and entrepreneurial mindset with a desire to contribute beyond technical audit delivery.
  • Ambition to play a key role in shaping the future growth of a successful practice.

What you''ll get in return

  • A genuine opportunity to shape and lead the growth of a significant regional audit practice.
  • A strategic leadership role with direct influence over the future direction of the business.
  • The autonomy to develop and execute growth plans for the audit service line.
  • Significant exposure to senior leadership and involvement in key business decisions.
  • The opportunity to recruit, build and develop your own high-performing team.
  • Access to investment, infrastructure and resources designed to support long-term growth.
  • Clear progression opportunities and a platform to further develop your leadership career.
  • A highly competitive remuneration package and comprehensive benefits.

What you need to do now
If you''re interested in this role, click ''apply now'' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
If this job isn''t quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.

Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C''s, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at (url removed)

Perform a fresh search...

  • Create your ideal job search criteria by
    completing our quick and simple form and
    receive daily job alerts tailored to you!

Jobs. Straight to your inbox!