Senior Audit Associate - NFP

A leading independent accountancy firm in the heart of London is seeking a Senior Audit Associate to join their renowned Charity and Not-for-Profit team. This is an exceptional opportunity to work within one of the largest single-office charity teams in the UK, supporting a diverse portfolio of clients that includes membership bodies, social enterprises, international NGOs, arts and culture charities, educational institutions, care homes, and religious organisations.

The firm is celebrated for its partner-led approach and commitment to people, both clients and colleagues, offering a supportive environment where your professional growth is prioritised. You will benefit from working alongside over 140 audit specialists, gaining exposure to complex and meaningful assignments while enjoying flexible working opportunities and a collaborative culture that values knowledge sharing and personal connections. If you are passionate about making a difference in the not-for-profit sector and eager to develop your career with expert guidance, this role offers the perfect blend of challenge, variety, and support.

Join one of the UK's largest dedicated charity audit teams, providing services to a wide range of not-for-profit organisations including international NGOs, educational bodies, arts charities, and more; enjoy unparalleled exposure to varied client needs and sector challenges.

Benefit from a partner-led structure that places people at its core, work closely with experienced professionals who are committed to your ongoing training, development, and success within a nurturing environment.

What you'll do:

As a Senior Audit Associate Not for Profit, you will play a pivotal role within a highly respected team dedicated to serving charitable organisations across multiple sectors.

• Perform as an auditor within the specialist Charity Team, engaging with a broad spectrum of not-for-profit organisations such as social welfare groups, healthcare charities, educational institutions, and international development agencies.
• Carry out all audit work in strict compliance with both statutory requirements and internal procedures to ensure accuracy and integrity in every assignment.
• Prepare accounts, including consolidated accounts, from both manual records and computerised systems, ensuring completeness and reliability for each client engagement.
• Provide general accounting services by assisting clients in preparing accounts and working papers, offering practical support tailored to their unique operational needs.
• Recommend improvements to clients’ accounting systems and controls by identifying areas for enhancement during audits and providing constructive advice on implementation.
• Undertake comprehensive planning of audits in accordance with current auditing standards as well as the firm’s established methodologies to deliver high-quality outcomes.
• Complete audit files meticulously by clearing outstanding matters, drafting key documents such as Audit Highlights Memoranda and management letters, and finalising checklists for review.
• Brief, supervise, and review the work of junior team members by offering clear feedback, guidance, and formal performance reviews where required by internal processes.
• Control work-in-progress efficiently while assisting managers in raising fee notes promptly throughout each assignment cycle to maintain effective project management.
• Support partners and managers in attracting new business through participation in meetings with prospective clients, preparation of budgets or proposals, and creation of marketing materials.

What you bring:

The ideal candidate for the Senior Audit Associate Not for Profit position brings proven experience in delivering high-quality external audits within the charity or not-for-profit arena.

• ACA or ACCA qualification is essential for ensuring technical proficiency in external audits from planning through completion stages.
• Demonstrable experience conducting external audits within the not-for-profit or charity sector provides valuable insight into sector-specific challenges.
• Proven ability to plan audits effectively while preparing statutory accounts accurately under tight deadlines reflects your organisational strengths.
• A strong audit bias combined with meticulous attention to detail ensures high-quality deliverables across all assignments undertaken.
• Capability to delegate tasks appropriately while reviewing junior team members’ work fosters a supportive learning environment within the team.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook is required for efficient documentation and communication throughout audit engagements.
• Familiarity with Sage or ProAudit software is desirable but not mandatory; willingness to learn new systems is appreciated.
• A genuine passion for working with not-for-profit organisations demonstrates alignment with client values and mission-driven objectives.
• Personable nature coupled with conscientiousness supports positive relationships both internally among colleagues and externally with clients.
• Commitment to maintaining up-to-date knowledge of auditing standards through regular CPD ensures ongoing professional competence.

What sets this company apart:

This organisation stands out as one of London’s most respected independent accountancy firms due to its unwavering focus on people, clients are supported by knowledgeable professionals who genuinely care about making an impact. The Charity and Not-for-Profit team is among the largest single-office groups dedicated exclusively to this sector nationwide; here you’ll find unmatched depth of expertise alongside real camaraderie. The firm’s partner-led model ensures every employee has access to mentorship from senior leaders who are invested in individual growth journeys. Flexible working opportunities allow you to balance professional ambitions with personal commitments while contributing meaningfully across diverse projects that matter. A culture rooted in inclusivity means everyone’s voice is heard; employment decisions are made fairly based on merit alone so all backgrounds feel welcome. Ongoing training opportunities abound, whether through formal CPD or informal knowledge sharing, ensuring your skills remain sharp as you progress along your chosen path. Above all else: this is an environment where collaboration thrives because people value connection just as much as technical excellence.

Robert Walters Operations Limited is an employment business and employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates