Molly Speirs
Farnborough
Summary
ACA qualified Audit Assistant Manager at Menzies LLP with over 20 months’ experience at Assistant Manager level and almost six years’ experience in audit. Graduated from Loughborough University with a degree in Accounting and Financial Management, including a placement year in audit at Menzies LLP, which confirmed a long-term career in the profession. Currently managing a diverse FRS 102 client portfolio of approximately £300k in audit fees, covering clients with combined revenues of around £150m. Also supporting senior managers on larger and more complex group audits, including planning, high-risk audit areas, review of audit work and assistance through to completion. Motivated by the evolving technical and commercial challenges of the audit profession, I enjoy being part of a collaborative team environment, delivering engagements to a high standard, and supporting the growth and development of junior staff.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work history
Assistant Manager – Portfolio
Menzies LLP
Farnborough
2020.09 - 2026.05
- Responsible for a diverse client portfolio comprising small FRS 102 subsidiary entities, medium-sized FRS 102 companies, LLPs, and large companies with group reporting requirements, across a broad range of sectors with a particular focus on retail and wholesale.
- Lead audit engagements end-to-end, from initial planning and budgeting through to audit completion and finalisation of statutory financial statements.
- Manage audit planning, risk assessment, and fieldwork execution, overseeing on-site and remote teams to ensure audits are delivered efficiently and high standard.
- Act as primary point of contact for clients, building strong working relationships, managing expectations, and resolving technical and delivery issues as they arise.
- Review audit work and financial statements prepared by team members, ensuring compliance with UK GAAP, firm methodology, and internal quality standards.
- Support engagement partners and senior managers with commercial delivery, including monitoring budgets, managing recoverability, and ensuring efficient use of team resources.
Assistant Manager – Firm-Wide Responsibilities
Menzies LLP
Farnborough
2020.09 - 2026.05
- On larger clients, I support senior managers by reviewing audit fieldwork, managing client communications, and overseeing the engagement team.
- I also perform audit testing in complex areas, including defined benefit pension schemes, share-based payment arrangements, taxation, and intangible assets.
- Performed second-manager reviews of UK GAAP financial statements, providing clear, constructive, and detailed feedback to ensure technical accuracy and compliance.
Training Manager
Menzies LLP
Farnborough
2020.09 - 2026.05
- Appointed Training Manager with responsibility for placement students, summer interns, and ACA trainees.
- Involved in the recruitment process, including screening applications and interviewing potential candidates. I am line manager for trainees, conducting regular performance reviews, providing feedback, and supporting development throughout the year.
- Responsible for training oversight and compliance, including administration and documentation for apprenticeships, ACA training agreements, and placement programmes.
- Design and deliver targeted training lab sessions focused on areas for improvement identified through reviews, including recent sessions on audit adjustments and potential adjustments, as well as audit planning and risk assessment.
Tendering & Business Development
Menzies LLP
Farnborough
2020.09 - 2026.05
- Actively involved in tendering for new audit engagements, ranging from individual companies to large, complex group structures.
- Participate in early-stage discussions to assess prospective clients, understand their requirements, and determine engagement scope.
- Prepare audit budgets, fee quotations, and tender documentation, and contribute to client presentations delivered to prospective clients.
- Where tenders are successful, support client onboarding and engagement setup, including planning and resourcing. Went on to manage a number of newly won engagements, taking responsibility for audit delivery through to completion.
- Attending networking events including B2b Expo Farnborough, Hampshire Business Awards, internal audit conference, and internal client lunch club.
Education
ACA – Associate Chartered Accountant -
ICAEW
Accountancy Apprenticeship - Level 7
BSc - Accounting and Financial Management
Loughborough University
A Levels - Computing, Mathematics, Classical Civilisation
Skills
- Caseware – Audit and financial statement preparation under UK GAAP
- Inflo – Audit data analytics
- Bookkeeping Systems – Working knowledge of multiple industry-standard platforms
- Microsoft Office – Advanced Excel, Word, Outlook; proficient in PowerPoint
Hobbies and Interest
Martial Arts (Kickboxing & Kung Fu) – Training since 2021, with a strong focus on fitness, discipline, and continuous improvement. Achieved Purple Belt and currently working towards First Dan Brown., Volunteering & Coaching Support – Regularly volunteer to assist coaches in adult and children’s classes, supporting demonstrations, mentoring students, and acting as an additional point of support during sessions.,
Travel & Cultural Exploration – An enthusiastic traveller with a strong interest in experiencing different cultures. Took a three-month sabbatical in 2025, travelling independently across New Zealand, Australia, the Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore, and Vietnam, gaining broad cultural awareness and adaptability., Competitive
Sailing – Sailing from a young age, competing at national and world championship level during childhood. Continued competitively at Loughborough University, selected for the first team and competing in BUCS team racing. Member of the British Keelboat Academy where I got opportunities to train with Olympic athletes and coaches across a range of sailing disciplines. Still actively sailing, with a strong passion for racing, teamwork, and performing in challenging conditions.
Reading & Fitness – Enjoy reading as a way to unwind and step away from screens. Also keen runner and a regular parkrun participant, valuing consistency, personal challenge, and community engagement.
Timeline
Assistant Manager – Portfolio
Menzies LLP
2020.09 - 2026.05
Assistant Manager – Firm-Wide Responsibilities
Menzies LLP
2020.09 - 2026.05
Training Manager
Menzies LLP
2020.09 - 2026.05
Tendering & Business Development
Menzies LLP
2020.09 - 2026.05
Accountancy Apprenticeship - Level 7
BSc - Accounting and Financial Management
Loughborough University
A Levels - Computing, Mathematics, Classical Civilisation
ACA – Associate Chartered Accountant -
ICAEW