Overview of Firm

PKF is the 11th largest accountancy brand and the 9th largest audit practice in the UK. We are also an active member of PKF International, a global network of legally independent accounting firms that gives us an on the ground presence in 150 countries around the world with access to more than 20,000 people across 440 offices globally.

We provide a full range of audit, accountancy, tax and advisory services, and are experts at simplifying complexity. We are particularly well-known for working with complex clients with challenging issues in fast-moving and highly technical areas, such as the insurance industry, the global capital markets and the not for profit sector. Our aim is to understand people, the organisations they run, and what matters to them, so we can simplify complexity and help them achieve their ambitions.

Introduction to Financial Services

We are the sixth largest provider of external audit services to the UK insurance industry. The team also provides internal audit services to a number of major insurance companies and brokers; and we are a leading firm in the Lloyd’s of London insurance market.

We advise clients across the insurance industry, including insurance companies, syndicates and other Lloyd’s entities, mutual insurers, brokers and agents.

We provide external audit services to asset managers, private equity funds, corporate finance firms, and other FCA authorised businesses. We also provide internal audit services to the asset management sector.

Your work could range from auditing a corporate capital vehicle for a Lloyd’s Name, or a private equity fund, to helping with complex technical work involved in a firm’s application for FCA authorisation.

Responsibilities

Purpose and aim of the job is to begin to develop a knowledge of accounting and auditing techniques and show commitment to passing the professional examinations.

• Undertake the work allocated by the assignment leader
• Keep the assignment leader informed about progress at daily meetings
• Ensure attendance at briefing meetings and understand the audit plan
• Complete the work within the budget for each area
• Adopt high professional standards with a business-like approach to work
• Develop a comprehensive working knowledge of double entry bookkeeping
• Be able to 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

• Develop a basic knowledge of current accounting standards
• Develop a basic knowledge of the laws and regulations affecting FS clients including Lloyd’s/FCA regulations and client money rules
• Pass relevant professional examinations first time
• Complete the required CII study exams
• Be able to advise on basic accounting issues
• Be aware of Institute and internal ethical guidelines
• To accept responsibility for all work performed

Person Specification:

• Minimum of a 2.1 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 our Business Outsourcing or Tax role instead.
• Minimum of 112 UCAS points (2017 tariff), from three A Levels (excluding general studies), or equivalent.

Personal Attributes:

• Be commercially aware
• Computer literate
• Team player
• Good communication skills
• Flexibility
• Strong organisational skills
• Systematic
• Enthusiastic
• Able to work on own initiative
• Good attention to detail
• Ability to prioritise workload
• Work to deadlines
• Ability to spot new business
• Initiative
• Problem solver
• Persuasive