Audit Manager - Charities and Not-For-Profit Sector

Hi, we're Sayer Vincent - and we're not your typical audit firm!

We've been around since 1983 , when three accountants committed to social justice recognised the need for specialist audit and advisory services for charities and social purpose organisations. Whilst we've grown and evolved over the years, our founding purpose remains at the heart of everything we do.

We help charities and social purpose organisations become more effective, accountable and sustainable-so they can create an even greater impact for their beneficiaries.

If you're passionate about supporting organisations that make a difference, you'll feel right at home at Sayer Vincent.

We believe our people are our greatest strength. We foster a supportive and collaborative culture where everyone is encouraged to learn, develop and grow. We value individuality, recognising the unique skills, perspectives and experiences each person brings to our firm.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Audit Manager with a strong background in charity and not-for-profit audits to join our growing team.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys combining technical audit excellence with meaningful client relationships and leadership responsibilities. You will manage a portfolio of charity and social purpose clients, lead audit engagements from planning through to completion, and work closely with Partners to deliver outstanding client service.

As a trusted adviser to finance leaders, CEOs and trustees, you will help organisations navigate the unique challenges of the charity sector while ensuring the highest standards of audit quality and compliance.

Please note: Demonstrable experience managing audits for charity and not-for-profit organisations is essential for this role, together with a strong understanding of charity accounting and the Charities SORP. Experience managing a large number of clients across a diverse portfolio is essential. Evidence of maintaining strong client relationships and delivering high-quality service across multiple engagements, is also required.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a portfolio of charity and not-for-profit clients, delivering a high-quality service that exceeds expectations.
• Plan, manage and complete audit assignments in line with professional standards, firm methodologies and agreed budgets.
• Ensure sufficient and appropriate audit evidence is obtained to support audit opinions.
• Deliver audits within agreed timescales while maintaining quality and efficiency.
• Review charity financial statements prepared under the Charities SORP, ensuring technical compliance and accuracy.
• Identify and assess audit risks specific to charities, including restricted funds, grant income, fundraising activities and governance arrangements.
• Act as a trusted adviser to finance teams, executive leadership and trustee boards.

Relationship Management & Business Development

• Develop and maintain strong client relationships from initial contact through to long-term account management.
• Support tender opportunities, proposals and presentations to prospective clients.
• Contribute to client retention and identify opportunities to expand the firm's services.
• Represent Sayer Vincent through networking, sector events, thought leadership and marketing activities.
• Contribute articles, insights and resources that strengthen the firm's profile within the charity sector.

Leadership & People Development

• Lead, coach and develop members of the audit team, creating an environment where people can thrive.
• Manage performance, provide constructive feedback and support career development.
• Mentor trainee accountants and support their professional development.
• Act as a role model for the firm's values and behaviours.

Technical Excellence

• Develop and maintain specialist expertise in charity accounting, auditing and regulation.
• Keep up to date with developments affecting charities and the not-for-profit sector.
• Deliver internal and external technical training where appropriate.
• Support the implementation of technical updates and changes across the firm.
• Play a full role within the firm's management team and contribute to wider business initiatives.

Other

• Undertake any other duties reasonably required and consistent with the responsibilities of the role.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• ACA, ACCA or equivalent professional accounting qualification.
• UK audit qualification and current audit experience.

Desirable

• Diploma in Charity Accounting (DChA) or equivalent charity sector qualification.

Experience

Essential

• Significant experience managing external audits within the charity and not-for-profit sector.
• Experience auditing charities of varying sizes and complexity.
• Strong experience reviewing financial statements prepared under the Charities SORP.
• Experience working with charities that have complex income streams, grant funding arrangements and restricted funds.
• Experience managing a portfolio of audit clients and acting as the primary client contact.
• Experience building relationships with Finance Directors, Chief Financial Officers, Chief Executives and Trustees.
• Experience leading, managing and developing audit teams.
• Experience contributing to business development, tender submissions and winning new work.

Desirable

• Experience working predominantly or exclusively with charity and social purpose organisations.
• Experience delivering technical training to clients or colleagues.
• Experience managing and developing ACA trainees.

Skills & Knowledge

Essential

• Strong technical knowledge of UK auditing standards and audit methodology.
• Strong working knowledge of the Charities SORP, charity accounting requirements and charity sector regulation.
• Understanding of charity governance and trustee responsibilities.
• Ability to identify and assess risks specific to charity and not-for-profit organisations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain technical matters clearly and confidently.
• Strong leadership and people-management skills.
• Ability to build trusted, long-term client relationships.
• Commercial awareness and the ability to contribute to business growth.
• Proactive, solutions-focused and able to work with minimal supervision.
• Commitment to continuous professional development and technical excellence.

Desirable

• Specialist expertise in areas such as charity tax, pensions, grant funding, social investment or other relevant disciplines.
• Existing professional network within the charity and not-for-profit sector.
• Experience speaking at conferences, sector events or delivering trustee training.

Why Join Sayer Vincent?

At Sayer Vincent, you'll work alongside a friendly, supportive and highly respected team of specialists who genuinely care about their clients, colleagues and the wider charity sector.

We place our values at the centre of everything we do and believe that diverse perspectives, experiences and backgrounds make us stronger. We are committed to creating an environment where everyone can succeed and feel valued.

This is an opportunity to build your career with a firm that combines technical excellence with social purpose-where your work directly contributes to strengthening organisations that make a real difference in society.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

Salary: Circa £63-65k (depending on experience)

Location: London, Farringdon

Contract: Full-time

If you're an experienced charity audit professional looking to join a firm where your expertise can make a genuine impact, we'd love to hear from you. Visit our website to find out more and submit your application.

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