At a Glance
- Tasks: Investigate financial misconduct and analyse complex data to support fair financial markets.
- Company: Join the FCA, a leading regulator in the UK financial services sector.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, private healthcare, and a flexible benefits scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on consumer protection and economic growth in the UK.
- Qualifications: Qualified Forensic Accountant with experience in fraud or financial crime investigations.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive culture with excellent career development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Overview
Division: Enforcement & Market Oversight Division
Department: Retail & Regulatory Investigations
Salary: £50,000 to £65,000 – This is a London only position (salary offered will be based on skills and experience)
Grade: Associate – level 8 - Regulatory
About The FCA And Team
We regulate financial services firms in the UK, to keep financial markets fair, thriving and effective. By joining us, you’ll play a key part in protecting consumers, driving economic growth, and shaping the future of UK finance services.
Enforcement & Market Oversight (EMO) is responsible for the FCA’s responsibilities for market monitoring, delivery of the functions of the UK Listing Authority (UKLA) and the investigation and prosecution of misconduct using the whole spectrum of criminal, civil and administrative sanctions and remedies against firms and individuals.
Sitting within the Enforcement & Market Oversight Division, the Retail and Regulatory Investigations (RRI) Directorate investigates firms and individuals across consumer markets to tackle misconduct, address financial crime, and ensure fair treatment that supports a safe and trusted financial services industry.
Role Responsibilities
- Conducting clear analysis of financial information and translating complex findings into accessible insights, enabling senior stakeholders to make informed decisions.
- Managing varied investigative responsibilities across both smaller standalone cases and larger collaborative matters, contributing to effective case progression.
- Advancing a demanding portfolio of investigations by gathering evidence through appropriate tools and powers, supporting timely and robust outcomes.
- Producing high‑quality written outputs, from witness statements to statutory notices and update papers, ensuring clarity of communication with subjects, legal representatives and witnesses.
- Conducting interviews under a range of legal formats and selecting the most suitable approach, enhancing the evidential basis of each investigation.
- Working closely with external legal advisors through challenging discussions, applying balanced legal and factual analysis to support sound decision‑making.
- Preparing and presenting well‑reasoned recommendations to internal committees, enhancing the rigour and credibility of case assessments.
- Building constructive relationships across internal teams and external bodies, while supporting colleagues through guidance, oversight and coaching to enhance collective capability.
Minimum Skills
- Professionally qualified Forensic Accountant (ACA, CIMA, ACCA or an equivalent internationally recognised qualification) with experience in areas such as serious fraud or complex financial crime investigations, regulatory proceedings, or complex litigation and disputes.
- Skilled in analysing large volumes of information, identifying key findings, and producing formal written reports that include clear recommendations.
- Experienced in delivering both oral and written presentations and managing a varied and demanding caseload from progression through to completion.
Essential
- Ability to plan and develop lines of inquiry, including those based on reviews of financial information, such as financial statements, management accounts and audit papers.
- Ability to present financial analysis and explain accounting and financial concepts in a clear, concise and accurate manner including unfamiliar financial concepts to a lay audience.
- Build and maintain effective relationships with colleagues in other business units and with external bodies.
- Work collaboratively and inclusively with colleagues with different perspectives and backgrounds.
- Make clear, concise, logical and persuasive oral and written presentations on complex subjects.
Benefits
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
- Hybrid model where employees work a minimum of 40% in the office each month (expectation of 50% for senior leaders). Changing from September to a minimum of 50% in the office each month (expectation of 60% for Directors and Executive Directors).
- Non-contributory pension (8–12% depending on age) and life assurance at eight times your salary.
- Private healthcare with Bupa, income protection, and 24/7 Employee Assistance.
- 35 hours of paid volunteering annually.
- A flexible benefits scheme designed around your lifestyle.
Our values & culture
Our colleagues are the key to our success as a regulator. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive culture: one that’s free from discrimination and bias, celebrates difference, and supports colleagues to deliver at their best. We believe that our differences and similarities enable us to be a better organisation – one that makes better decisions, drives innovation, and delivers better regulation.
If you require any adjustments due to a disability or condition, your recruiter is here to help - reach out for tailored support. We welcome diverse working styles and aim to find flexible solutions that suit both the role and individual needs, including options like part-time and job sharing where applicable.
Disability Confident: our hiring approach
We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer, and therefore, people or individuals with disabilities and long-term conditions who best meet the minimum criteria for a role will go through to the next stage of the recruitment process. In cases of high application volumes, we may progress applicants whose experience most closely matches the role’s key requirements.
Useful information and timeline
Advert Closing: 11:59pm on 19th February 2026
CV Review/Shortlist: 23rd February 2026
In person Interviews: W/C 09th March 2026
Your Recruiter will discuss the process in detail with you during screening for the role, therefore, please make them aware if you are going to be unavailable for any date during this time.
Forensic Accountant Investigator employer: Financial Conduct Authority
Contact Detail:
Financial Conduct Authority Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Forensic Accountant Investigator
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and regulatory sectors. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet people from the FCA or similar organisations. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to forensic accounting and financial crime investigations. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to build confidence. Remember, it’s all about showcasing your analytical skills and ability to communicate complex concepts clearly.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 4
Make sure to apply through our online portal! It’s the only way to ensure your application gets seen. Take your time to tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience in forensic accounting and investigations. We want to see how you can contribute to keeping financial markets fair!
We think you need these skills to ace Forensic Accountant Investigator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Forensic Accountant Investigator role. Highlight your relevant qualifications and experience, especially in financial crime investigations and regulatory proceedings. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you a perfect fit. Keep it concise but impactful – we love a good story that connects your experience to our mission.
Showcase Your Writing Skills: Since the role involves producing high-quality written outputs, make sure your application reflects your writing prowess. Use clear, concise language and structure your documents well. We appreciate clarity and professionalism in all communications!
Apply Through Our Website: Remember, applications must be submitted through our online portal. Don’t send them via email or social media – we won’t be able to consider them. So, head over to our website and get your application in before the deadline!
How to prepare for a job interview at Financial Conduct Authority
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Forensic Accountant Investigator, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to analyse financial information. Brush up on your skills in interpreting financial statements and management accounts. Be ready to discuss specific examples where you've identified key findings from complex data.
✨Master the Art of Communication
You’ll be expected to present complex financial concepts clearly. Practice explaining accounting principles in simple terms, as if you were talking to someone without a financial background. This will show your ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders.
✨Prepare for Legal Discussions
Since the role involves working closely with legal advisors, familiarise yourself with the legal frameworks relevant to financial investigations. Be prepared to discuss how you would approach challenging discussions and support sound decision-making with balanced analysis.
✨Build Relationships
The job requires collaboration across teams and external bodies. Think of examples where you’ve successfully built relationships in previous roles. Highlight your ability to work inclusively and support colleagues, as this aligns with the FCA’s values of teamwork and diversity.