Audit Partner

Sumer Group Holdings Limited; Southampton; On-site; GBP 80,000 - GBP 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading accounting firm in Southampton is seeking an experienced Audit Partner to lead and expand its corporate audit services. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in audit leadership, proven success in managing complex audit engagements, and the ability to drive business development. This role offers a significant opportunity to influence audit strategy and maintain high standards of client service. Join a team focused on collaboration and professional excellence.

Qualifications

• Qualified accountant with significant post-qualified experience in a senior audit leadership role.
• Experience in delivering audit engagements for large and complex clients.
• Ability to interpret and apply complex accounting and auditing standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead and grow corporate audit offerings with senior leadership.
• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders in mid-market and large corporates.
• Oversee and deliver high-quality audit services ensuring technical compliance.
• Drive business development opportunities to grow the firm's market presence.
• Mentor audit teams and promote a high-performance culture.

Skills

Qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA or equivalent)

Senior audit leadership experience

Technical knowledge of accounting and auditing standards

Interpersonal and leadership skills

Business development experience

Job description

Audit Partner

Department: Audit

Employment Type: Permanent

Location: Southampton

Description

Carpenter Box is proud to be part of the Sumer Group. We are chartered accountants, tax, and business advisers based in the South East. Our culture is built on collaboration, innovation, and professional excellence, where every team member is encouraged to grow, contribute, and make a real difference.

Due to continued growth and expansion, we are seeking an Audit Partner to join our Southampton office. We’re looking for an ambitious and commercially minded individual to help shape and grow our corporate audit offering. This is a high-impact role where you’ll work closely with senior leadership, influence strategy, and become a trusted advisor to some of our most significant clients.

You will play a pivotal role in leading the expansion of our presence in the Southampton area, while continuing to deliver the highest standards of audit quality and client service. This role offers real scope to influence the strategic direction of the audit department and make a significant impact on the future growth of the business.

The Role

• You will collaborate with senior leadership colleagues in leading and continuing the growth of our corporate audit offering.
• Relationships are key, so building and maintaining these with key stakeholders in mid‑market and large corporates is crucial, becoming a go‑to advisor on audit, financial reporting, and risk management.
• Oversee and deliver high‑quality audit services, ensuring technical compliance.
• Drive business development, actively identifying and converting opportunities to grow the firm's footprint in the market.
• Lead and mentor audit teams, promoting a high‑performance culture and supporting the development of others within the firm.
• Ensure quality and compliance across all audit engagements in line with regulatory standards and firm‑wide policies.
• Optimise project delivery, managing large‑scale audits to ensure efficiency, profitability, and high levels of client satisfaction.
• Contribute to strategic planning, playing a key role in the evolution of the firm’s audit strategy with a specific focus on large corporates.
• Act as a brand ambassador, representing the firm at industry and networking events to enhance our visibility in the market.

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

• You will be a qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA or equivalent) with significant post‑qualified experience in a senior audit leadership role.
• Demonstrable success in winning and delivering audit engagements for large and complex clients.
• Proven experience of specialising within commercial audits.
• Strong technical knowledge and the ability to interpret and apply complex accounting and auditing standards.
• A strategic mindset with the drive to help shape and grow a practice.
• Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills, with the ability to inspire and develop teams.

Belong @ Sumer

At Sumer, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse work environment, not just as buzzwords, but as the heartbeat of our team. Our recruitment practices reflect this commitment, welcoming individuals from all backgrounds. We prioritise creating an environment where every candidate feels respected and supported throughout the hiring process.

Everyone is unique and we understand that each individual may have distinct needs to showcase their best selves during interviews. Our commitment is to offer personalised support for all.