Job Description

AUDIT ASSOCIATE - PART QUALIFIED: VACANCY INFORMATION

Job Title

Audit Associate – Part Qualified

Department

Audit

Reporting To

Audit Assistant Manager / Audit Manager / Senior Manager

Location

Worcester

Employment Type

Permanent – Full Time

ABOUT BALLARDS

Think all accountancy firms are the same? Think again. Ballards LLP is an entrepreneurial accountancy firm delivering audit, tax and consultancy services to clients across a broad range of sectors. As our award-winning Audit team continues to grow, we are looking for an experienced Audit Senior to join us.

As an Audit Associate, you will support the delivery of external audit engagements for a varied portfolio of UK clients. Working alongside experienced Audit Seniors and Managers, you will contribute to audit planning, fieldwork and completion, build client relationships and continue developing your technical expertise while working towards your professional qualification.

Working closely with Managers, Directors and Partners, you will take day-to-day responsibility for delivering statutory audit engagements for a varied portfolio of UK clients, including SMEs, larger companies and groups. You will be a key client contact and help develop the next generation of audit professionals.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support statutory audit assignments for SMEs, larger companies and groups, from planning through fieldwork and completion.
• Carry out assigned audit testing, document findings and prepare accurate working papers in accordance with the firm’s methodology.
• Assist in identifying audit risks and obtaining appropriate evidence, raising findings and queries with the senior team.
• Attend client sites as required, including audit fieldwork and stocktakes.
• Assist Audit Seniors and Managers with the timely delivery of engagements and the preparation of audit completion documentation.
• Liaise professionally with clients to request information, resolve routine queries and maintain positive working relationships.
• Contribute to the review of financial information and related disclosures as part of audit assignments.
• Manage your own workload, meet agreed deadlines and maintain high standards of accuracy and confidentiality.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues and support newer trainees where appropriate.
• Take an active role in professional study, technical learning and continuous improvement.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential qualifications and experience

• Working towards ACA or ACCA qualification (or a comparable professional accountancy qualification).
• Previous experience assisting with external audits within a UK accountancy practice.
• An understanding of audit processes and the purpose of statutory audit.
• Experience communicating with clients and colleagues in a professional environment.
• A clear interest in developing a long-term career in audit.

Essential skills and attributes

• Good analytical skills and strong attention to detail.
• Clear written and verbal communication and a client-focused approach.
• Ability to organise tasks, manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
• Good IT skills and willingness to learn audit and accounting software.
• A collaborative, proactive approach and commitment to professional development.

Desirable experience

• Experience supporting audits for a range of client sizes or sectors.
• Experience preparing financial statements or supporting accounts assignments.
• Exposure to stocktakes, audit planning or completion procedures.

WHY JOIN BALLARDS?

You will join a collaborative, growing Audit team, with exposure to a diverse client portfolio, opportunities to develop your technical skills and support from experienced colleagues. Ballards is proud to have been recognised as Audit Team of the Year 2026.