Audit Responsible Individual (RI)

Audit Responsible Individual (RI) Location: Witney, Oxfordshire (Hybrid/Flexible Working Available) Job Type: Full-time | Permanent Salary: £100,000 - £120,000 Competitive + Benefits + Discretionary Bonus Our client is a well-established independent firm of Chartered Accountants based in Witney, providing audit, accountancy, taxation and business advisory services to a diverse client base across the South of England. Due to continued growth and a planned leadership transition, they are seeking an experienced **Audit Responsible Individual (RI)** to take ownership of an established audit portfolio and play a pivotal role within the firm's senior leadership team. This opportunity has arisen as the current Audit Director transitions into a dedicated business development position, creating an excellent opening for an ambitious audit leader looking to influence the future direction of a growing practice. This is a genuine leadership role offering responsibility for audit quality, client relationships, team development and the strategic growth of the audit function. Key Responsibilities The successful candidate will: * Take ownership of a significant portfolio of audit clients, acting as the lead relationship partner. * Ensure the delivery of high-quality audit services while maintaining compliance with UK auditing standards and regulatory requirements. * Lead the firm's audit quality agenda, promoting best practice and continuous improvement. * Review and enhance audit methodologies, systems and internal processes. * Mentor, coach and develop members of the audit team, fostering a high-performance and collaborative culture. * Work closely with the firm's leadership team to shape the strategic direction of the audit department. * Support business growth by identifying opportunities to expand audit services and strengthen the firm's market presence. * Build trusted relationships with clients and provide commercially focused advice that supports their wider business objectives. * Contribute to cross-service opportunities, working collaboratively with colleagues across tax, accounts and advisory teams. Candidate Profile The ideal candidate will possess: * ICAEW or ACCA qualification. * Current Responsible Individual (RI) status. * Extensive experience leading statutory audits within a UK accountancy practice. * A proven track record of managing a substantial audit portfolio. * Strong leadership experience, including managing, mentoring and developing audit teams. * Excellent technical knowledge, including significant experience delivering and reviewing FRS 102 audits. * Strong commercial awareness with the ability to identify opportunities for business growth. * Outstanding communication and relationship-building skills. * A proactive approach with a passion for audit quality, innovation and continuous improvement. What's on Offer Our client offers an attractive package including: * Competitive salary, dependent on experience. * Generous discretionary bonus scheme. * Flexible and hybrid working arrangements. * 25 days' annual leave plus Bank Holidays. * Comprehensive benefits package. * Genuine career progression within an ambitious and growing independent practice. * The opportunity to influence the future development of the firm's audit function and become a key member of the leadership team. Why Apply? This is an outstanding opportunity for an experienced Audit RI seeking more than just portfolio management. The successful candidate will join an ambitious independent practice where they will have real influence over audit quality, people development, operational improvements and strategic growth, while enjoying long-term career progression within a supportive leadership team.