Audit Technical Assistant Manager

Overview of Firm PKF Littlejohn is one of the leading challenger firms in the UK with offices in London, Leeds and Manchester. 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.

PKF Littlejohn is one of the leading challenger firms in the UK with offices in London, Leeds and Manchester. 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.

Introduction to the Division

Infrastructure

We are good at getting things done and our Infrastructure team applies this mentality to ensure we have the right tools, technology, strategies and services in place to deliver exceptional client service and future-proof our growing business.

We’re looking for forward-thinking people to come on board and join us within Technical & Compliance, Finance, IT, Training, Human Resources, Business Development/Marketing, Legal, and Administration.

These teams play a key role in the success of the firm as they shape the way we operate. By joining one of these teams, you’ll influence the future of PKF, while enjoying the support, training and opportunities you need to succeed both personally and professionally.

Responsibilities

One of the key responsibilities of the Technical Department is to ensure the Firm’s business is conducted in accordance with all applicable laws, regulations, codes, and standards issued by the regulators and standard setters. The Technical Department provides a key resource to help the Firm meet these requirements.

As an Audit Technical Assistant Manager / Manager, you will play a key role in supporting partners and staff in tackling complex audit and UK legislation matters. You will apply your technical expertise in supporting the needs of the Firm, the main part of your role involving performing technical reviews, answering queries, updating the Firm’s audit methodology and issuing technical guidance and training on emerging issues. You must be a strong team player able to work effectively within the Department and across the Firm. This role will give you exposure to partners and staff within the Firm. You must also have the ability to liaise with and win their confidence as well as those from external parties including but not limited to members from the Firm’s network.

Job Duties And Responsibilities

Technical reviews and queries

• Reviewing the audit reports of public interest entities and other entities in scope of the Firm’s technical review requirements to confirm compliance with auditing standards, company legislation and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Reviewing the proposed modified audit reports of the Firm’s audited entities prior to issuance.
• Researching, drafting, and responding to technical queries covering audit related matters, including the Firm’s electronic working paper system.
• Providing technical support and advice on audit matters, including the Firm’s electronic working paper system, to the Firm’s partners and staff.

Audit methodology and templates

• Reviewing and updating of the Firm’s audit methodology for developments and updates in the underlying standards, regulations, and regulatory findings.
• Identifying and implementing general enhancements in the Firm’s audit methodology and supporting templates.
• Monitoring the updates and developments to the Firm’s electronic working paper system, accessing the impact, and reporting the findings or recommended changes.
• Reviewing divisional specific audit related templates to ensure consistency with the Firm’s methodology and the underlying standards and guidance.
• Developing and issuing audit technical papers explaining the requirements of, including any changes to, the underlying standards and regulations, including the Firm’s audit methodology.
• Developing and maintaining the Firm’s audit manual / audit procedures manual including all audit methodology related sector specific manuals.

Audit training and guidance

• Preparing and delivering audit related training, including, but not limited to, induction and ISAs (UK) / methodology changes.
• Reviewing divisional specific audit related training materials to ensure consistency with the Firm’s methodology and the underlying standards and guidance.
• Developing and issuing audit related materials, guidance, and articles.
• Updating and maintaining the audit related technical content on the Firm’s intranet, including but not limited to audit report templates, audit engagement letters, audit related communications etc.

Monitoring and remediation

• Undertaking relevant monitoring activities as instructed by the Technical and Compliance Partner.

Miscellaneous

• Liaison with and attendance at relevant mid-tier meetings, PKF UK&I meetings and external regulatory events pertaining to audit related matters.
• Any other duties appropriate to the grade and level of responsibility of the post, for which the post holder has the necessary experience and/or training.

Person Specification

Skills, Experience And Qualifications

• Professional accountancy qualification (e.g. ICAEW, ACCA or equivalent) with proven post qualification experience reflective of the level of role being sought.
• Good working skills, knowledge and understanding of the UK auditing requirements including legislation (e.g., Companies Act 2006), auditing standards (ISAs (UK)), the FRC’s Revised Ethical Standard and accounting standards (UK GAAP and IFRS).
• Previous experience of working in audit practice and/or in a similar audit technical position and developing and delivering audit technical and training materials highly desirable - this role would also be suited to an auditor demonstrating strong technical aptitude looking to move into a technical role.
• Recognised and evidenced ability to:
  • deal with complex, multi-faceted issues and reach clear evidenced based conclusions; and
  • communicate verbally and in writing in a clear and concise manner.
• Strong organisational (i.e. time and project management) and presentational skills and the ability to work autonomously and as a member of a team.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and other applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint and SharePoint).

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