Audit Director RI

Southampton, Hybrid Working, £120,000-£140,000 + Bonus + Partnership PathThere comes a point where you've proven you can lead complex audits, win the confidence of boards and develop high-performing teams. The next step isn't another promotion. It's becoming one of the people shaping the future of the firm. We're partnering with one of the UK's leading professional services firms as it continues to invest in its Southampton office. With an established client base, significant investment across the South and an ambitious growth strategy, they're looking to appoint an Audit Director RI who can play a pivotal role in the next phase of the firm's evolution. This is a genuine leadership appointment, not simply another portfolio management role. You'll work alongside an experienced Partner group, take ownership of some of the region's most prestigious audit relationships and play a key role in developing both the people and commercial direction of the business. For the right individual, this offers a clear and well-supported route towards Responsible Individual (RI) status and Partnership.

Joining an established leadership team, you will:

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• Lead a significant portfolio of complex audit clients, including listed businesses, international groups, large private companies and PE-backed organisations.
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• Act as the strategic adviser to boards, audit committees and senior executives, helping clients navigate growth, governance and regulatory change.
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• Drive the continued expansion of the South region audit practice through exceptional client service, networking and business development.
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• Identify and convert new opportunities across existing clients and the wider market.
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• Work alongside Partners to shape the firm's regional growth strategy and long-term investment plans.
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• Lead and inspire a large audit team, developing future Managers, Directors and Partners.
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• Champion audit quality, technical excellence and innovation across the practice.
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• Take increasing responsibility as an RI, with full support towards approval where required.
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• Play a significant role in succession planning and the future leadership of the Southampton office.
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You'll already be recognised as a senior leader within a Top 20 or larger accountancy practice and be looking for an opportunity where your influence extends far beyond managing an audit portfolio. You'll ideally bring:

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• ACA or ACCA qualification.
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• Extensive experience leading large, complex audit engagements.
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• Strong exposure to listed companies, international groups and sophisticated privately owned businesses.
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• A proven track record of developing long-term client relationships and generating new business.
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• Experience leading sizeable audit teams and mentoring future leaders.
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• Strong commercial awareness with the ability to influence at Board and Partner level.
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• Outstanding knowledge of UK audit regulation, financial reporting and quality standards.
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• Existing RI status or a demonstrable pathway towards achieving it.
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Most importantly, you'll have the ambition to become part of the firm's long-term leadership rather than simply occupying a senior position.

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• £120,000-£140,000 basic salary depending on experience.
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• Performance bonus.
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• Genuine hybrid working with flexibility built around client commitments.
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• 33 days' holiday including bank holidays, with the option to buy or sell up to five additional days.
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• Comprehensive private medical insurance and enhanced pension.
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• Market-leading family policies and wellbeing support.
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• Significant investment in leadership development and executive coaching.
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• A structured and transparent route towards Responsible Individual status and Partnership.
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• The opportunity to influence strategy within one of the UK's most respected professional services firms.
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• An inclusive, collaborative culture that genuinely invests in its people and future leaders.
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Opportunities at this level rarely come to market unless there's a genuine appetite to invest in future Partners. If you're already operating at Director level, or you're an exceptional Senior Director looking for a clear route into Partnership within a nationally recognised firm, this represents an outstanding opportunity to help shape one of the South's leading audit practices while accelerating your own career.