Based in Birmingham, Worcester, and Droitwich, Ballards is a progressive firm of chartered accountants helping businesses and private clients achieve stronger financial performance through integrated tax, audit, and consultancy expertise. Due to continued growth, we are seeking an Audit Director to play a key role in the development and expansion of our Corporate Audit and Accounts offering in Birmingham. This is an exciting opportunity for either an established individual with RI status, or an ambitious Associate Director or Senior Manager looking for a clear pathway to achieving RI status. The role offers the opportunity to take on increasing responsibility for client engagements while contributing to the wider strategic development of the audit function. About the Role Working closely with Partners and senior leadership, you will lead and manage client engagements, support the growth of the firm through business development activity, and contribute to the ongoing improvement of audit quality, training and operational efficiency across the department. You will also play an active role in supporting the development of the Ballards brand within Birmingham and the wider region. This position is a key stepping stone towards Partnership, providing the opportunity to develop the leadership, commercial and client relationship skills required for the next stage of your career. Key responsibilities include: * Acting as an ambassador for the firm, demonstrating strong leadership internally and externally * Supporting audits for complex clients and directing audit teams where appropriate * Taking on RI responsibility for appropriate clients, developing towards more complex engagements over time * Leading client meetings and managing engagements across your portfolio * Supporting business development initiatives and identifying opportunities to win new work * Building and developing your own client portfolio over time * Working closely with Partners and other teams to support the growth of the Birmingham office * Contributing to the development of the audit function, including improving processes, training and quality * Building strong relationships across departments to support the wider firm * Promoting diversity, equality and collaboration within teams About You As an experienced audit professional with strong technical knowledge, leadership capability and a passion for developing client relationships and growing a business, you will bring:  * Significant experience in audit within a professional services environment * RI status, or a clear ambition and capability to achieve RI status * Strong technical audit knowledge and experience managing complex client engagements * Proven ability to lead and develop teams * Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with clients and colleagues * A proactive and commercially minded approach to identifying opportunities for growth * The confidence to represent the firm and contribute to business development activities * A collaborative leadership style with a commitment to diversity and inclusion About the rewards * 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays * Career progression * Electric Car scheme * Cycle to Work Scheme * Life Assurance * Group Personal Pension Plan * Flexible Holiday Purchase Scheme * Enhanced Family Pay – maternity, paternity, parental, and compassionate leave * Employee Assistance Programme – 24/7 confidential helpline as well as online support