Senior Manager - External Audit and Accounts Department

Belfast - 405 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7EW
Excellent salary and benefit package

Background & Purpose

We are seeking a highly motivated and technically strong Senior Audit Manager to join our Audit and Assurance team. This is a critical and exciting role, reporting to the Partner. The successful candidate will be a qualified accountant with experience in leading the preparation and audit of financial statements with an ability to manage a diverse portfolio whilst offering creative solutions for the future growth and success of the business.

The role will involve managing a portfolio of audit and accounts clients, leading audit assignments, supervising and developing audit teams, and supporting managers and the Partner in delivering high-quality client service. This position is ideal for an experienced Senior Auditor seeking progression and looking to further develop their leadership and technical skills. The role is broad in that it covers audit, accounts preparation and tax.

Key responsibilities

External Audit and Accounts

• • Leading the external audit and accounts department at PGM Chartered Accountants (approx. 6/7 staff).
• • Managing the audit process for all of the firm’s audit clients to include planning, leading audit field work, through to completion, ensuring compliance with auditing and accounting standards.
• • Prepare, review and audit consolidated financial statements and supporting schedules across a diverse portfolio.
• • Identify audit risks and develop effective audit strategies and testing approaches.
• • Ensure audit files are completed to a high standard and within agreed budgets and timescales.
• • Preparation of management letters and client deliverables.
• • Liaising with other departments to ensure the smooth delivery of the audit process.
• • Dealing with audit issues and research on technical matters.
• • Managing the accounts preparation process for clients.
• • Liaising with the tax department on tax compliance and tax consultancy issues

Client Management

• • Act as the primary day to day contact for clients throughout the audit process.
• • Build and maintain strong professional relationships with key client personnel.
• • Respond proactively to client queries and provide practical solutions to accounting and audit issues.
• • Support managers and partner in developing existing client relationships and identifying additional service opportunities.

Team Leadership

• • Supervise, coach and develop audit seniors and junior team members.
• • Review work completed by team members and provide constructive feedback.
• • Assist with staff training, performance development and technical support.

Technical & Compliance

• • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of auditing standards, financial reporting requirements and regulatory developments.
• • Assist managers and partner with technical accounting and audit matters.
• • Ensure all assignments comply with quality control procedures and professional standards.

Qualifications and experience

Essential

The successful candidate should be able to demonstrate the following achievements and skills

• • Qualified accountant ACA/ACCA with at least 5 years post qualification experience in an audit department in practice.
• • Significant external audit experience gained within a professional practice.
• • Demonstrable experience preparing and auditing financial statements.
• • Strong technical knowledge of FRS 102, UK GAAP and UK auditing standards.
• • Experience supervising and reviewing the work of junior team members.
• • Experience of leading an audit assignment from planning, through to audit fieldwork and completion.
• • Excellent written, interpersonal and relationship management skills.

Desirable

• • Experience of preparing and auditing financial statements for corporate groups, owner- managed businesses, charities, clubs and credit unions.
• • Experience using CCH audit software, Mercia audit documentation and data analytics tools.

Key competencies

• • Strong technical accounting audit capability.
• • Leadership, proactive and team development skills.
• • Excellent planning and organisational skills.
• • Commercial awareness and client focus.
• • High attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• • Strong-problem-solving skills and analytical skills.
• • Ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.

What we offer

• • Competitive salary and benefits package available dependant on experience.
• • Clear progression pathway.
• • Exposure to complex and varied audit engagements.
• • Ongoing professional development and technical development.
• • Supportive and collaborative working environment.
• • Flexible working opportunities.

Applications

Please forward your CV together with a covering letter to paula.neill@pgmaccountants.com

Closing date

Applications close 30 October 2026.

Closing date

The closing date for applications is Friday 3 April 2026.

Please note we reserve the right to enhance the criteria to aid shortlisting.

Other Positions

Other positions will be advertised on the company’s website as required.

All our qualified staff are required to attend CPD each year.
We are a registered member of Mercia Ireland Training.

We operate a TOIL system of time recording (Time Off in Lieu).