Assistant Manager - Cambridge (Top 10 UK Accountancy Firm)

Audit Assistant Manager (Cambridge)

Ambition UK – Recruiting on behalf of a Top 10 UK Accountancy Firm

The Role

We are recruiting for an Audit Assistant Manager in Cambridge on behalf of a highly respected Top 10 UK accountancy firm. In this role, you will oversee audit engagements, acting as the key link between seniors and managers. You’ll review work, resolve complex issues, manage team performance, liaise directly with clients, and ensure high-quality audits are delivered in line with professional standards. You will also play a key part in developing and supporting junior team members.

Core Skills & Responsibilities

Client Focus

• Take responsibility for your own portfolio and resource planning.
• Manage assignments in line with client deadlines and expectations.
• Participate in initial fee conversations with support from senior management.
• Ensure engagement terms are kept up to date and amended where scope changes.
• Develop a strong understanding of client businesses, risks and challenges.
• Identify scope variations early and propose additional fees where appropriate.
• Provide regular progress feedback to clients.
• Hold clients accountable for timely and high‑quality deliverables.

Technical Excellence

• Strong knowledge of technical and professional audit standards.
• Confident in training and coaching others.
• Support the development of bid and pricing proposals for non‑complex work.

Commitment & People Management

• Carry out line management duties, including performance reviews.
• Support junior staff in creating and following action plans.
• Provide clear, constructive feedback to help develop future talent.

Attention to Detail

• Review key audit areas and ensure working papers are clear and well‑supported.
• Take pride in producing accurate, high‑quality deliverables.

Key Accountabilities

Decision Making

• Make confident decisions within your remit.
• Address or escalate issues relating to professionalism or values.
• Suggest solutions proactively rather than waiting for direction.
• Assist managers with team management tasks such as sickness reporting and holiday approvals.
• Participate in interviewing and selecting junior hires.

Efficiency

• Communicate effectively when scope or timelines change.
• Review WIP and prepare draft fees for approval.
• Deliver work within agreed scope, deadlines and recovery targets.

Living the Firm’s Values

• Act as a role model or “ambassador”, demonstrating the company’s values consistently.

Technical Skills

• Build on experience gained as a senior to further develop managerial capability.
• Manage several non‑complex clients concurrently.
• Lead the team through audit planning, identifying risks and clear responsibilities.
• Provide timely performance feedback throughout the audit cycle.
• Take ownership of entire audit files and prepare them for partner review.
• Lead discussions at client meetings and resolve audit matters efficiently.
• Identify staffing needs on larger jobs and track budgets effectively.
• Demonstrate strong understanding of ethical requirements and auditing standards.
• Review client-prepared financial statements prior to partner review.
• Monitor industry developments and use this knowledge to support fee proposals.
• Attend audit committee/board meetings to present findings.

Qualifications

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CA) or qualified by experience

Essential Experience

• Experience gained in an accountancy practice.
• Strong technical grounding developed alongside professional studies.
• Proven experience supervising, leading, or mentoring audit staff.