Senior Audit Manager – Charities and Academies

Overview

In this role you will lead high-impact audit engagements for charities and academies, safeguarding financial integrity and compliance within mission-driven organisations. You will mentor a team, assess internal controls and regulatory adherence, and act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership and boards. You’ll drive governance improvements, support funding compliance, and contribute to business development while staying current with accounting standards. This opportunity offers meaningful impact, collaboration with cross-functional teams, and the challenge of shaping financial governance in the Not For Profit sector.

Pay / Benefits

• Hybrid working – 3 days in and 2 from home
• Flexible working benefits
• Pension
• Healthcare
• Excellent company benefits package

Responsibilities

• Lead full-cycle audit engagements for charities and academies, including planning, execution, reporting and client follow-up
• Manage and mentor a team of audit professionals to ensure high-quality delivery
• Evaluate internal controls, financial reporting, and compliance with key regulations (Housing Act, SFA, NHS funding rules, Local Authority requirements)
• Identify, assess, and report material risks related to governance, financial viability and grant funding compliance
• Prepare, review, and maintain audit documentation, working papers and management letters
• Partner with clients to enhance financial transparency, strengthen internal controls and improve operational efficiency
• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership and board members on audit outcomes and regulatory updates
• Support business development through proposal drafting, client presentations and relationship management
• Stay current with evolving accounting standards (IFRS, UK GAAP), audit frameworks and sector-specific regulatory changes
• Ensure all engagements are delivered on time, within scope, and to the highest professional standards

Key requirements

• ACA, ACCA, or QBE
• Progressive audit experience, including at least 5 years in a senior or management capacity
• Proven track record auditing membership bodies, dynamic social enterprises, international NGOs, Arts & Culture charities, academies, care homes, religious orders

• Leadership and people management
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Relationship management and stakeholder engagement
• IFRS and UK GAAP knowledge
• Internal controls assessment
• Audit methodologies and regulatory knowledge for Not For Profit sector

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