Audit Associate (ACA Part-Qualified)

Leeds, England, United Kingdom

12/13/2024

Overview of Firm

PKF is the 12th largest accountancy brand and the 12th largest audit practice in the UK. We are also an active member of PKF Global, an international 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.

Click here to learn more about us.

Introduction to the Division

Financial Services

Our financial services (‘FS’) practice supports clients across numerous sub-sectors, including insurance, wealth and asset management, consumer credit and payment services.

We have been a trusted auditor and 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. Established initially as a Lloyd’s practice, our clients now span the entire insurance market – from Syndicates and managing agents to insurance companies, brokers and MGAs writing a diverse range of general, life and health risks.

We have one of the largest FS audit teams outside of the Big 4 with over 150 audit partners and staff dedicated to supporting the sector. We leverage our deep industry expertise to protect our clients’ reputations as well as our own, helping them to improve their processes and controls, manage risks and achieve business growth.

Responsibilities

Purpose and aim of the job

• To ensure all work undertaken is carried out in accordance with the firm’s procedures
• To be responsible for the day-to-day operation of each audit assignment for smaller assignments
• To provide on the job training to more junior members of the firm
  
  

Job Duties And Responsibilities

• Accept responsibility for all work performed
• Attend pre-audit discussions with partner and manager
• Plan smaller audit assignments with the assistance of the audit partner and manager
• Ensure an adequate briefing is held and other members of staff are briefed in detail
• Ensure that the work undertaken on site is in accordance with the approved plan and budget
• Review the work of more junior staff on each assignment and provide feedback to them
• Hold daily team meetings to assess progress on smaller assignments
• Advise the audit manager of progress on the job and any developments that may lead to a change in strategy on a daily basis
• Suggest logical solutions to problems
• For smaller audit assignments under withdrawn supervision, complete the audit file and pass the complete file for review to the manager subject only to key points raised for the manager’s attention, to include the following: Planning, Closing, Fixed assets, Stock, Debtors & Sales, Bank, Creditors & Purchases, Tax, VAT, Provisions, Reserves, Profit and loss, Payroll, Related parties, Trial balance
• Under withdrawn supervision on larger audit assignments, complete the following sections: Creditors section: accruals, VAT, PAYE, HP and other; Debtors section: prepayments, accrued income and other; Provision of contingent liabilities; Capital and reserves; Related parties
• Specialist audit assignments – gain experience at a junior level on IFRS assignments
• Complete appraisals in accordance with the firm’s procedures
• Respond to client concerns in an efficient and professional manner
• Be able to provide sound advice to clients and demonstrate knowledge of business issues
  
  

Responsibilities Or Involvement In Management

• To act in a mentoring capacity for more junior staff
• Coach more junior members of staff on the job
• To promote the firm
  
  

Communication And Business Relationships Required

• Effective internal communication – both oral and written – with Partners, Managers and other audit staff
• Effective external communication with clients
  
  

Job Knowledge Required

• To be progressing through training contract
• Pass relevant professional examinations
• Attend training courses
• Possess IT skills in Word, Excel and audit software including Pentana Checker, Proaudit & Caseware
  
  

Assistant Manager/Manager

What you should expect from others

• Detailed briefing
• Ongoing support and guidance
• On the job training
• Prompt response to queries
• Daily contact
• On site reviews
  
  

Partner

• On site reviews
  
  

Person Specification

• ACA part qualified;
• Approximately 12-18 months relevant work experience in a practice firm;
• Accountancy audit-based training; and
• IFRS knowledge.