Audit and Accounts Manager

Due to continued growth, Lambert Chapman LLP has an exciting opportunity for an Audit and Accounts Manager to join our friendly and professional team based in Braintree.

As a senior member of our team, you will be responsible for the accurate and timely preparation of accountancy and audit work, supporting both Partners and team members, and contributing to the ongoing development of junior staff.

📍 Braintree | Full-Time
📅 Apply now – interviews ongoing

(The Practice reserves the right to close the application process early if the vacancy is filled or a sufficient number of applications have been received).

Key Responsibilities for an Audit and Accounts Manager:

• Manage a portfolio of clients, delivering an excellent, pro-active service and building long-term relationships
• Stay up to date with accounting software developments, advising clients on improvements and implementation
• Provide regular feedback to Partners on client business performance and recommend areas for improvement
• Contribute to process improvement within the firm and identify opportunities for business development and cross-selling opportunities
• To supervise and review accountancy assignments, including management accounts, and deal with complex accounting issues as required. Ensuring that the file is complete and prepared in accordance with the Practice standards and ready for review by the Partner.
• Planning of the audit assignment to include full consideration of the risks assigned to the client, ethical requirements, and current audit and accounting standards. To tailor the audit programme, taking into account discussions with the client and considering other points. To develop a detailed audit plan and communicate this during the planning meeting with the whole team, including the RI.
• Review audit assignments, ensuring that the evidence collated and conclusions raised are appropriate. Identify and resolve any audit issues and communicate these with the client and RI. Ensure that the audit report has been correctly prepared and the management letters and letters of representation reflect the findings and requirements from the audit.
• Preparation of cash flow and profit and loss projections using the client’s historical and predicted figures. Enquiring into assumptions being made to ensure that these are correct and justified, and adjusting the figures accordingly. Take into account various departmental and product requirements as well as the impact of both internal and external conditions.
• Where clients prepare forecasts, comparing this data to actual results and obtaining explanations of the variances. Where possible, provide solutions for improvement and help clients to identify their key performance indicators and how to develop a mechanism by which these can be monitored.
• Provide a quality service to our clients by ensuring the Partner portfolio is managed correctly in terms of detailed staff planning and budgeting of all assignments. Ensure that both internal and statutory deadlines are adhered to and communicate all issues to the Partner at the earliest point.
• To deal with the more complex corporation tax computations, including assisting with tax planning in advance of the year-end through discussion with the client and the Partner. Liaising with the tax department as necessary on complicated/unusual adjustments.
• To be able to prepare personal tax planning computations for Directors, taking into account current legislation regarding dividends and salaries.
• To recognise tax planning opportunities and tax issues within the client base, to include benefits in kind as well as corporation and personal tax.
• To delegate work to the appropriate support members of the team in an effective manner, ensuring that they have been given the necessary skills and support to do the work.
• To train and develop other team members, identify the strengths and weaknesses of the team and plan work accordingly. To support the HR Partner with the interviewing and probationary process for new members of the team.
• Commercially aware in terms of undertaking tasks and preparing accounts and audits in a cost-effective manner without compromising quality.
• Be supportive of the processes adopted by the Practice and ensure that all staff (not isolated to the team) are adopting these and encouraging those that are not. Suggesting improvements to processes to other Senior Managers and Partners that can be made within the Practice to improve efficiencies.
• To identify the team’s workload capacity and whether resources are sufficient/excessive for the future.
• To carry out any other duty which may be required in line with business requirements, and/or to cover other staff members and their working responsibilities during holidays and absence.
• To adhere to the Firm’s Health & Safety Policy at all times.

Key Requirements for an Audit and Accounts Manager:

• Significant post-qualification, practice experience
• Strong technical knowledge of UK audit and accounting standards
• Proven ability to manage a diverse client portfolio
• Excellent oral and written communication, leadership, and analytical skills
• Commercial awareness and a proactive approach to problem-solving
• Passion for personal development and mentoring others
• High attention to detail and commitment to confidentiality

What we offer:

• Competitive salary
• Paid parking
• Employer pension contribution (4.5%)
• Death in Service cover (x2 salary)
• Tax-free birthday and Christmas gifts
• Annual profit-based bonus (2–3.5% of salary)
• Early finish Fridays (for full-time staff)
• Ongoing training and CPD opportunities
• A supportive, collaborative, and forward-thinking working environment

Feels like a good fit? All enquiries:

Please email a copy of your CV and covering letter marked for the attention of our HR Assistant Terri O’Neill – terri.oneill@lambert-chapman.co.uk