Overview of Firm

PKF Littlejohn LLP is an independent 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.

Our independent status means we offer clients a high level of partner involvement, together with the combined knowledge and experience of an established, close-knit team.

At PKF Littlejohn LLP, every individual matters.  You’re more visible, more accountable and more fundamental to our success.  If you’re successful you’ll enjoy challenging work in an environment, which encourages personal success.  We deliberately seek to recruit individuals who have combined academic excellence with direct experience in business life.

Financial Services Group

Whilst the Financial Services Group is biased towards the London insurance market, involving a significant amount of statutory audit work for Lloyd’s syndicates, capital providers, agency groups, insurance companies and brokers, you could also be involved in auditing fund managers, venture capitalists and hedge fund managers. Coupled with the wealth of special assignments we are involved in, including corporate finance reporting, litigation support, due diligence investigations and internal audit reviews, working in the Financial Services Group will provide you with a diverse range of experience, a busy timetable and high degree of responsibility.

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 budget for each area
• Adopt high professional standards with a business-like approach to work
• Develop a comprehensive working knowledge of double entry book keeping
• 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 appraisals, time sheets and training records in accordance with Firms 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
• On site reviews

Partner:

• On site reviews

Person Specification

Skills and Qualification

• Minimum of a 2.1 degree, attained or expected
• Minimum of 112 UCAS points (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