Company: PKF Littlejohn LLP

Location: London

Role: Audit Associate (ACA Graduate) Financial Services

Salary: Competitive

Start date: April 2025

Deadline to apply: Applications close on a rolling basis so we recommend applying as soon as possible

Link to apply: https://link.sanctuarygraduates.co.uk/jWs5  

Who is the company?

• PKF Littlejohn LLP is the 12th largest accountancy brand and the 12th largest audit practice in the UK. They are also an active member of PKF Global, an international network of accounting firms, giving them presence in 150 countries worldwide.
• They provide a range of audit, accountancy, tax and advisory services, and are experts at simplifying complexity, working in areas such as the insurance industry, the global capital markets and the not-for-profit sector.
• Their aim is to understand people, the organisations they run, and what matters to them, so they can simplify complexity and help them achieve their ambitions.

What is the role?

Audit Associate (ACA Graduate) Financial Services

• PKF’s leading financial services practice supports clients across the industry, including wealth and asset management, private equity, insurance, consumer credit and payment services. They have been a trusted adviser to the UK insurance industry for over 150 years and have one of the largest and most experienced teams of insurance experts within the accountancy profession.
• The company have one of the largest financial service audit teams outside of the Big 4 with over 100 audit partners and staff dedicated to supporting the sector. They offer relevant and practical advice to guide and enable their clients to maintain rigorous controls, manage risks and achieve business growth.
• They act for many platform-based businesses, including wealth, funds and investment management companies. Their clients include listed businesses and those backed by private equity.
• You could be involved in the audit of any organisation from a listed company to working with owner-managed businesses. With every audit, you’ll gain a deeper insight into each stage of the process, and a broader view of businesses. As your experience grows, so will your opportunities.

Responsibilities of the role:

The purpose and aim of the role is to begin to develop an understanding of the Financial Services sector, including insurance, funds and fund management and the associated accounting and auditing issues.

This will include the following:

• Undertaking work allocated by the assignment leader and keeping the assignment leader informed about progress at daily meetings
• Ensuring attendance at briefing meetings and understanding the audit plan
• Complete the work within budget for each area
• Adopting high professional standards with a business-like approach to work
• Developing a comprehensive working knowledge of double entry bookkeeping
• Being able complete sections in the audit file by obtaining and documenting sufficient and appropriate audit evidence, to include the following sections:
• Fixed assets section;
• Bank section;
• Document accounting systems and complete systems testing;
• Substantive testing on the Profit and Loss analysis – including attention to tax requirements
• Developing a basic knowledge of current accounting standards
• Developing a basic knowledge of the laws and regulations affecting FS clients including Lloyd’s/FCA regulations and client money rules
• Passing relevant professional examinations first time
• Complete the required CII study exams
• Being able to advise on basic accounting issues
• Being aware of Institute and internal ethical guidelines
• Accept responsibility for all work performed

Who Can Apply:

To apply you must possess the following:

• Minimum of a 2.2 degree, attained or expected. Please note if you have a Master’s in Accounting or Finance you will not be eligible for this position. You can apply to PKF’s Business Solutions or Tax role instead.
• Minimum of 112 UCAS points (2017 tariff), from three A Levels (excluding general studies), or equivalent. Please include A Level results (or equivalent) in your CV. Without this information your application may be delayed.
• GCSEs Grade 5/B in Maths and English Language
• You must have the full right to work in the UK, unfortunately those with students VISAs cannot apply.

Person Specification:

For this role, PKF Littlejohn are looking for an enthusiastic individual with good communication skills, strong organisational skills and the ability to prioritise their workloads to meet deadlines. They are also looking for the following personal attributes:

• Commercial awareness
• Computer literate
• Team player
• Flexibility
• Able to work on own initiative
• Good attention to detail
• Ability to spot new business
• Problem solver

Benefits:

• Life Assurance
• Permanent health insurance
• Private medical
• Hybrid/flexible working
• Enhanced Sick leave
• Enhanced Annual leave
• Salary sacrifice options
• Enhanced pension matching contributions
• Season ticket loan
• Sabbaticals
• Secondments

Click here to apply: https://link.sanctuarygraduates.co.uk/jWs5