Director - Audit

Reference: 4797767Job ID: 5394144Posted: 2026-05-18Closing date: 2026-08-16Location: LondonSalary: 80,000 - 120,000 (per annum)Job type: PermanentWorking pattern: Full timeIndustry: Accountancy Firms / Public Practice AccountingCompany: HaysConsultant: Matthew DaviesHays office: London-City — 5th Floor, 107 Cheapside,Phone: 02034650137Email: [email protected] new firmThis isn’t a traditional audit-heavy practice ticking boxes in the background. It’s a fast-growing, privately owned Advisory-led firm where audit exists – but it doesn’t define the business.The client base is ambitious, entrepreneurial and increasingly international, with complex needs that go far beyond compliance. Audit is delivered properly, but the real focus is on adding value, building relationships, and driving commercial outcomes.Culturally, it’s modern, collaborative and forward-thinking. There’s real investment in systems, people and ideas. Decisions happen quickly, senior leadership is accessible, and progression is based on impact – not time served.The leadership team is young, energetic and genuinely growth-focused. It’s a business that rewards initiative and gives people the space to build something meaningful.If you enjoy being client-facing, commercially involved, and not defined purely by audit cycles, this environment will suit you.Your new roleThis is a newly created Director / Partner Designate role, with a clear emphasis on growing a Business Advisory offering alongside a selective, high-quality audit portfolio.You won’t be stepping into a purely audit-led role. Instead, your remit will be balanced towards relationship ownership, advisory work and growth – with audit acting as a gateway, not a limitation.Key responsibilities include:Owning a portfolio that blends audit and advisory, with a clear shift towards higher-value workDeveloping and deepening client relationships beyond year-end engagementsDriving business development, particularly across advisory servicesHiring, mentoring and shaping a team aligned to a more commercial service offeringWorking closely with senior leadership on service line growth and positioningThis is ideal for someone who has strong audit foundations but doesn’t want to remain in a purely compliance-driven seat long term.What you’ll need to succeedACA or ACCA qualified (CTA / RI support available if required)Solid audit background, with exposure to broader advisory or a clear desire to move in that directionExperience managing client relationships, ideally with some portfolio responsibilityBackground within a mid-tier, independent or growth-focused firmA commercial mindset – someone who naturally looks beyond the audit fileA people-focused leadership styleThe ambition to build a client base and shape a service offeringWhat you’ll get in return85,000 – 105,000 + bonusA genuine and achievable route to Partner / Equity PartnerThe opportunity to transition from audit-heavy work into a more advisory-led roleHybrid working and exposure to complex, international clientsStrong internal support, without the bureaucracy of a larger firmThe chance to build a team and portfolio that reflects your strengthsWhat you need to do nowIf you’re an Audit Manager or Senior Manager starting to lean into advisory, or a Director who wants to rebalance their role away from pure audit, this is a rare opportunity to accelerate that shift.Apply now for a confidential conversation. Please note: due to regulatory and client-facing requirements, applicants must be UK qualified and have the right to work in the UK. Sponsorship is not available. #4797767 - Matthew Davies