If you are interested in this candidate, please contact Andrew Wilson via email awilson@cerfinancial.co.uk or call on 0207 626 6065.
00359204
PROFILE
Chartered Accountant (ACA) with 10+ years’ audit experience across Big 4 and mid‑tier firms, including nearly 5 years in the UK operating with audit manager level responsibilities. Proven in end‑to‑end ownership of UK statutory audits and statutory accounts for mid‑market and owner‑managed businesses, from planning and fieldwork through to completion, partner clearance, and reporting.
Strong technical expertise in ISA (UK), IFRS, IAS and UK GAAP (FRS 101 & 102), with extensive experience preparing and reviewing statutory financial statements from trial balance, including cash flow statements and group consolidations. Commercially focused, with a strong track record in portfolio management, budgeting, WIP control and fee negotiations. Advanced user of data analytics and AI‑enabled audit tools to enhance audit quality, efficiency and risk assessment.
SKILLS
- UK statutory audit and assurance engagements delivered in accordance with ISA (UK), with strong technical application of IFRS, IAS and UK GAAP (FRS 101 & FRS 102), including complex and judgmental accounting areas.
- End‑to‑end audit delivery from planning through to completion, including risk assessment, internal controls evaluation, substantive testing, issue resolution, audit file reviews, and compliance with the FRC Ethical Standard and firm audit methodology.
- Working knowledge of UK Companies Act 2006 reporting requirements and statutory compliance.
- Preparation and review of statutory financial statements from trial balance, including cash flow statements (IAS 7), group consolidations, and statutory disclosures in line with IFRS and regulatory requirements.
- Experience auditing and supporting accounting framework conversions between IFRS and UK GAAP, including assessment of transition impacts and accounting policy adjustments.
- Proven engagement and project management skills, leading large and complex audits and multiple concurrent engagements across the UK and internationally, delivering to tight deadlines and high‑quality standards.
- Strong commercial awareness, including engagement resource planning, budgeting, WIP monitoring, recovery management, support on audit proposals and tenders, and successful negotiation of fee overruns and scope changes.
- Advanced user of technology‑enabled and AI‑assisted audit tools, including data analytics, MindBridge, Power BI, Power Query, CaseWare and firm audit platforms, supporting automated testing, population analysis and enhanced risk assessment.
- Effective leader with experience managing, coaching and developing multi‑location and remote teams, alongside strong stakeholder management with Partners, Directors and senior client personnel.
- Highly analytical and solution‑focused professional, able to identify issues, evaluate alternatives and deliver practical, commercially sound recommendations.
- Additional exposure to income tax and sales tax compliance, including preparation and filing of returns and withholding tax statements.
CAREER HISTORY
October 2021 – Present
Professional Services
Audit Assistant Manager (Operating at Audit Manager level)
- Managed and delivered a portfolio of UK statutory audit engagements for listed, mid‑market and owner‑managed businesses, with end‑to‑end responsibility from planning through to completion and reporting.
- Planned, directed and reviewed audit fieldwork, ensuring delivery in accordance with ISA (UK), firm methodology and regulatory expectations.
- Prepared and reviewed statutory financial statements from trial balance, including cash flow statements (IAS 7), group consolidations and statutory disclosures under IFRS and UK GAAP (FRS 101 & 102).
- Took ownership of complex and judgmental audit areas, providing robust audit challenge, assessing management judgements and clearly documenting conclusions.
- Managed engagement budgets, WIP and recovery, including forecasting, monitoring variances and negotiating fee overruns and scope changes with clients.
- Led and coordinated multi‑location engagement teams, providing coaching, on‑the‑job guidance and manager‑level file reviews to seniors and associates.
- Acted as Performance Manager for multiple team members, supporting performance reviews, career development and progression planning.
- Served as Quality Improvement Champion, supporting consistent application of audit standards and delivering audit quality training sessions.
- Applied audit analytics and AI‑assisted tools (MindBridge, Power BI, Power Query, CaseWare) to support automated testing, population analysis and enhanced risk assessment.
- Managed an annual audit portfolio averaging c. £800k, including individual engagements with fees exceeding £1m.
- Improved engagement recovery through proactive WIP monitoring and successful fee renegotiations.
Key Achievements:
- Consistently recognised as a high performer and trusted with complex and high‑risk audit engagements.
- Appointed as Quality Champion in recognition of strong technical judgement and commitment to audit quality.
- Successfully managed and delivered multiple concurrent audits across different sectors while meeting tight reporting deadlines.
- Delivered audit quality and methodology training sessions to engagement teams.
November 2019 till September 2021
Accountants
Audit Supervisor
- Led statutory audit engagements end‑to‑end, from planning through to completion, in accordance with ISAs and IFRS.
- Supervised and reviewed audit teams’ work, ensuring timely delivery, high audit quality, and compliance with firm methodology.
- Provided technical guidance on complex accounting matters, including revenue recognition (IFRS 15), leases (IFRS 16) and financial instruments (IFRS 9).
- Delivered on‑the‑job coaching and effective task delegation to support the technical development and progression of associates.
January 2019 - October 2019
Accountants
Audit Manager
- Managed a portfolio of listed and private audit clients, with end‑to‑end responsibility from audit planning through to completion and reporting.
- Led and coordinated multi‑location audit teams, resolving complex and judgemental audit areas through robust analysis and appropriate professional challenge.
- Took ownership of engagement budgets and resourcing, demonstrating a strong commercial mindset and delivery‑focused approach.
- Reviewed and assessed compliance of listed entity clients with applicable corporate governance frameworks and regulatory requirements.
December 2014 - June 2018
Professional Services
Audit Associate to Senior Associate
- Executed and supervised statutory audit fieldwork from planning through to completion in line with audit objectives and agreed timelines.
- Coordinated effectively with specialists, including IT, actuarial, legal and systems teams, to address complex audit areas and deliver audit requirements.
- Identified internal control deficiencies and prepared clear, practical management letter points with value‑adding recommendations.
KEY SECTORS AUDITED
Oil & Gas; Construction and Infrastructure (including PFI); Power and Utilities; FMCG and Retail; Telecommunications; Automotive; Manufacturing (including Fertilizer, Packaging and Insecticides); Agriculture; Not‑for‑Profit; Service Sector; and Quick‑Service Restaurants / Fast Food Chains.
EDUCATION
2012 – 2018: Institute of Chartered Accountants
SKILLS AND CERTIFICATIONS
- Completed the mandatory 90‑hour Computer Practical Training (CCPT) 50‑hour Presentation and Communication Skills programme in accordance with ICAP requirements.
- Audit analytics and AI‑assisted tools, including MindBridge and population‑based testing
- Reporting and data tools: Power BI, Power Query and advanced Excel
- Audit platforms: CaseWare and firm audit methodologies
- Strong ability to quickly adapt to new audit systems used by different firms
References Available Upon Request
If you are interested in this candidate, please contact Andrew Wilson via email awilson@cerfinancial.co.uk or call on 0207 626 6065.
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