Overview of Firm

We are an independent top 10 firm of chartered accountants and business advisors based in Canary Wharf.  With in-depth expertise in many fields of tax, accountancy and finance, we work for clients ranging from large, listed corporates and SMEs to individuals, their families and their businesses.

Financial Services Team

Our Financial Services team is one of the largest teams outside the Big 4.  We are the sixth largest provider of external audit services to the UK Insurance industry. The division 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.

Purpose and Aim of the Job

• To begin to develop a knowledge of accounting and auditing techniques and show commitment to passing the professional examinations
• To begin to develop an understanding of the Financial Services sector, including insurance, funds and fund management and the associated accounting and auditing issues

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• 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

Responsibilities or involvement in Management

• To promote the firm
• To complete all appraisals, timesheets and training records in accordance with the firm’s procedure

Communication and Business Relationships required

• Effective internal communication – both oral and written – with:

• Partners
• Managers
• Assignment Leaders
• Other Audit Staff

• Effective external communication with clients

Job Knowledge Required

• Attend training courses as appropriate
• Possess core IT skills, including Pro Audit & CaseWare
• Read relevant articles in the financial services press

What you should expect from others

Assignment Leader:

• Detailed briefing from Assignment Leader/Manager
• Day-to-day support and on the job training
• Face to face feedback
• Daily on-site progress updates
• Guidance in planning work to complete it on time and within budget
• Review of work completed and feedback on progress

Manager:

• Detailed briefing
• Ongoing support and guidance
• On the job training
• Prompt response to queries
• Review of work where possible on site

Partner:

• Review of work where possible on site

Skills and Qualifications:

• Minimum of a 2.1 degree
• Minimum of 112 UCAS points (2017 tariff) (excluding general studies)

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