A day in the life of a Senior Audit Manager

In this blog post, we delve into a day in the life of a Senior Audit Manager at Carpenter Box.

Claire O’Leary, started her journey with Carpenter Box as a trainee and went on to become a Chartered Certified Accountant. Claire has since progressed to the position of Senior Audit Manager. She brings over nine years of expertise, with particular specialisations in the charity, solicitor, and registered provider sectors.

From internal team meetings to external client engagements, this snapshot of Claire’s weekly routine provides insight into the varied and dynamic aspects of her role.

Interested in a career in Audit? Explore our current openings at Carpenter Box.

Morning Routine

The day usually begins with some exercise. If I’m working in the office, I head to the gym, exercise class, or a morning swim before I head towards the office. If I’m working from home, I go for a run before getting to my desk.

Flexible Work Locations: Office, Home or Client Sites

As a Senior Audit Manager, the ability to work flexibly is crucial. Depending on the day’s tasks—whether overseeing a team, reviewing work, or attending meetings—the work location varies. Typically, the week is evenly split between home and office, though it adjusts based on the needs of specific projects or client needs. This flexibility allows for a balanced approach to both collaborative and independent work.

Catch up on emails and day planning

Logging on in the morning involves catching up on emails and messages that have accumulated overnight or were flagged from the previous day. This initial check helps prioritise tasks and set the agenda for the day, ensuring that no critical communication or task is overlooked.

Client-focused workdays: On-site engagements

Days spent on-site with clients are intensely focused. These typically involve reviewing audit files directly at the client’s premises. The day includes thorough discussions with both the audit team and the client to cover the progress of the audit, address any concerns, and discuss points arising from the audit. These interactions ensure that all parties are aligned and that the audit progresses smoothly.

Not all days are client-focused. Some involve a variety of ad-hoc tasks, such as client calls, emails, audit planning meetings, and revisiting audit files. Time is also dedicated to internal meetings with other managers, discussing work and staff planning. This variety ensures that each day is unique, providing a dynamic and engaging work environment.

Lunch break

I like to get away from my desk for some fresh air at lunchtime, so that I feel refreshed and ready for the afternoon. I’ll have a wander in town or a walk along the seafront, if the weather is nice! Taking a break for lunch, especially one that involves getting some fresh air, is essential. Whether it’s a stroll in town or a walk along the seafront, stepping away from the desk helps recharge and maintain productivity for the afternoon’s tasks.

Afternoon

The afternoon continues with a mix of tasks similar to the morning. The aim is to progress through the day’s agenda, ensuring that all planned activities are moving forward as expected.

As the day winds down, the focus shifts to clearing the inbox as much as possible and preparing for the next day. This involves updating the to-do list with tasks for the coming days, ensuring a smooth transition and continued productivity.

Ready to kickstart your career in audit? Explore exciting opportunities through our latest vacancies and be a part of the Carpenter Box experience.