Embark on a compelling career opportunity as the Head of Audit at a distinguished Top-25 practice, where excellence meets innovation. Our client is actively seeking an accomplished professional to lead their audit team, overseeing and driving assurance services that define their commitment to quality and precision. As a key member of the leadership team, the successful candidate will play a pivotal role in shaping and executing audit strategies, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.

Join a workplace that values skills, fosters professional development, and offers a unique chance to be at the forefront of auditing excellence.

Head of Audit - Benefits

• Generous holiday allowance of 28 days plus bank holidays
• Group life assurance
• 37.5 hour working week with flexible and hybrid working. Part time also considered
• Extensive employee benefit portal, which includes cashback and vouchers for numerous vendors
• Employee Assistance Programme

Head of Audit - About The Role

In this autonomous role as the Head of Audit, you will wield the reins to implement and refine your own procedures, exercising a high degree of independence and strategic influence. You will review policies and procedures, streamlining and optimising where possible. Collaborating closely with the Head of Compliance and Audit Partners, you will contribute to the establishment and maintenance of best practices within the firm.

It is important to note that this position differs significantly from a technical support role - there is no client portfolio management involved and the role does not revolve around fee generation. Instead, it presents a unique opportunity for an experienced Audit professional to influence and enhance the auditing function within a Top-25 firm.

Responsibilities will include:

• Develop and implement new audit guidance and templates in response to standards and review findings
• Communicate effectively on all audit compliance aspects across the firm
• Conduct hot and cold audit file review and coordinate the annual cold review process
• Analyse root causes and implement corrective measures
• Review the firm’s System of Quality Management under ISQM
• Act as the primary liaison with the ICAEW on audit compliance matters
• Oversee audit training, CPD requirements and compliance
• Plan and execute on-site audit due diligence visits for acquisition and mergers
• Report findings and make recommendations to the Audit Compliance Principal/Audit Committee

The successful Head of Audit will have:

• Significant experience operating at Audit RI or Audit Senior Manager level within a UK Practice
• Strong technical accounting skills across different accounting frameworks (FRS 102, IFRS, UK GAAP)
• Comprehensive awareness of audit ethics and standards
• Sound knowledge and understanding of Auditing Standards and Audit Methodology
• Experience with CCH Auto Automation is beneficial but not essential

Howett Thorpe are acting as a recruitment agency in relation to this role and comply with all relevant UK legislation and do not discriminate on any protected characteristics. Due to the high volume of applications we currently receive, we are unable to respond to all candidates. If you do not hear from a Consultant within 5 working days, please assume that you have not been successful.

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