Neil Lawrinson Partner - Head of UK Audit Methodology

Neil is a Partner and Head of UK Audit Methodology within the Audit Quality Support team. Through leading the UK Audit Methodology team and collaboration, Neil drives innovation and embeds improvements that support the firm's strategic commitment to deliver outstanding audit quality and client experience across all markets.

Experience

Neil rejoined us in December 2025 following four years as a reviewer at the Quality Assurance Department (QAD) of ICAEW. Prior to that, Neil was an RI and UK Audit Methodology director at our firm, having spent 23 years at the firm.

In his previous role with the firm, Neil was responsible for the annual updating of the MAM UK audit manual and proactively led on roll out of new audit methodology with associated templates. He helped the firm navigate through unexpected changes, such as through guidance on auditing stock and updated guidance and templates on going concern during the Covid-19 pandemic. He also built a team, mentored and enabled this team to thrive - some of this team remain key members of the current methodology team.

Neil actively promoted the firm as a member of ICAEW's Technical and Practical Auditing Committee. He was also co-chair of an ICAEW working group on LCE audits and delivered ICAEW training on reverse stress testing.

As an RI within the Manchester office, Neil's own portfolio spanned mid-market and I&S audits.

At QAD, Neil led audit monitoring reviews of non-PIE audits, navigating difficult conversations to achieve construction outcomes. Neil was a lead contributor to the development of methodologies within QAD, including ICAEW's approach to ISQM1 monitoring visits. Neil also delivered a series of QAD audit monitoring insights training.

Work highlights

Neil's significant contribution to the development of audit methodology at the firm has included leading on development of global audit methodology, specifically including audit guidance linked to new accounting standards, for example, IFRS 16 and IFRS 15 (the latter with a specific construction sector focus).

As well as technical updates to the UK audit manual, he is proud to have led on making the MAM audit manual general neutral.