Regulatory Advocate

ACCA is committed to a workplace culture which is inclusive, diverse, human and connected. We are seeking a Regulatory Advocate (qualified solicitor advocate or barrister) to join our Regulation & Conduct Department as a Case Presenter within the Adjudication team, on a full-time permanent basis. The role offers the opportunity to play a key part in maintaining professional standards within the global accountancy profession by presenting and advising on regulatory and disciplinary matters.

Working within a regulatory environment, the successful candidate will prepare and present cases involving professional discipline and regulatory enforcement before ACCA's disciplinary and regulatory committees, advise on complex evidential and procedural issues, and support the fair and effective operation of ACCA's disciplinary and regulatory processes. The post holder will be expected to work from home, with travel to ACCA's London office when required to do so. Candidates must hold a current practising certificate and have experience of presenting contested matters before courts, tribunals or regulatory disciplinary panels.

The Job

Reporting to the Case Presenter Lead, on a day-to-day basis, you will undertake a range of advocacy and advisory responsibilities within ACCA's regulatory framework. Key responsibilities include:

• Preparing and presenting cases of various types and complexity before ACCA's disciplinary and regulatory committees.
• Undertaking post hearing work, including reviewing committee reasons for decisions, and responding to subsequent applications for permission to appeal.
• Advising Investigating Officers / Managers on investigation strategy, assessment of evidence, evidential issues and drafting allegations, ensuring cases align with applicable case law, legal precedent, ACCA's policies and hearing outcomes.
• Conducting pre-Independent Assessor reviews of investigation reports prior to submission to Assessors.
• Providing ad hoc legal advice to internal teams, offering guidance on case strategy, evidential matters, and contentious and/or non-contentious cases.
• Contributing to shared learning across the team/department, to ensure continuous improvement within the Adjudication team and consistency of advice.
• Maintaining accurate case records and updating the case management and data reporting system as required.
• Planning, managing and prioritising your workload with a focus on supporting the department in meeting the team's objectives.

The Person

We’re looking for someone who has:

• Significant advocacy experience, including persuasive oral advocacy and witness handling through cross examination.
• A strong understanding of the public interest role within a professional regulatory framework.
• Knowledge of regulatory law and practice, including the rules of evidence and procedure.
• A good working understanding of data protection law, and its application within regulatory investigations and proceedings.
• Knowledge of, or the ability to develop an expertise in judicial review and regulatory decision-making.
• Experience of working within a professional discipline or regulatory enforcement environment.

We strive to create an environment where you can prioritise your wellbeing and offer a competitive benefits package to help you do this. We provide an employee assistance programme and are proud to offer a financial wellbeing tool to our employees. We are committed to equal opportunities across our recruitment activities and have a real commitment to ensuring the inclusion and well-being of all employees. We have a blended approach to working to support our employees to balance the needs of their job with other aspects of their life.