At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop your accounting and auditing skills while working on exciting financial services projects.
- Company: Join PKF Littlejohn, a leading challenger firm with a global presence.
- Benefits: Gain professional qualifications, competitive salary, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with a focus on personal development and ethical standards.
- Why this job: Make an impact in the financial services sector and learn from industry experts.
- Qualifications: 2.2 degree or expected, 112 UCAS points, and strong Maths and English GCSEs.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 32000 £ per year.
Please apply to one position within the intake. Duplicate applications will not be considered.
Overview Of Firm
PKF Littlejohn is one of the leading challenger firms in the UK with offices in London, Leeds and Manchester. 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.
Introduction to the Division Financial Services
Our leading financial services practice supports clients across the industry, including wealth and asset management, private equity, insurance, consumer credit and payment services. We have been a trusted adviser to the UK insurance industry for over 150 years and have one of the largest and most experienced teams of insurance experts within the accountancy profession.
Responsibilities
- To begin to develop a knowledge of accounting and auditing techniques and show commitment to passing the professional examinations (ACA).
- To begin to develop an understanding of the Financial Services sector, including insurance, funds and fund management and the associated accounting and auditing issues.
- 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.
- 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.
Person Specification
- Minimum of a 2.2 degree, attained or expected.
- Minimum of 112 UCAS points (2017 tariff), from three A Levels A-C (excluding general studies), or equivalent.
- Minimum grade 6 in Maths and English Language GCSEs.
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.
Audit Associate - Graduate - September 2026 – FS Leeds/Manchester employer: PKF Littlejohn
PKF Littlejohn is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the vibrant cities of Leeds and Manchester. With a strong focus on employee development, we provide comprehensive training and support for professional qualifications, alongside a collaborative culture that values innovation and teamwork. Our commitment to simplifying complexity in the financial services sector ensures that you will be part of a dedicated team, working with diverse clients while enjoying the benefits of a global network and opportunities for career advancement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Audit Associate - Graduate - September 2026 – FS Leeds/Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at PKF Littlejohn on LinkedIn or through mutual connections. A friendly chat can give us insights into the company culture and might even lead to a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching common questions for audit roles. We should also brush up on our knowledge of the financial services sector, especially around insurance and accounting standards. Being well-informed shows our commitment!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to build confidence. We can also record ourselves to review our answers and body language. It’s all about making a great first impression!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we can tailor our application to highlight how our skills align with what PKF Littlejohn is looking for.
We think you need these skills to ace Audit Associate - Graduate - September 2026 – FS Leeds/Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you start your application, take a good look at the job description. We want to see that you understand what we're looking for in an Audit Associate and how your skills match up. Highlight any relevant experience or coursework that aligns with the role.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Don’t just send out a generic CV and cover letter. We love it when applicants personalise their documents to reflect our values and the specifics of the role. Show us why you're the perfect fit for PKF Littlejohn and how you can contribute to our team!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your qualifications and experiences. Avoid fluff and focus on what makes you stand out as a candidate.
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to apply through our website to ensure your application is considered. It’s the best way for us to track your application and keep everything organised. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at PKF Littlejohn
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your accounting and auditing techniques. Familiarise yourself with the basics of double entry bookkeeping and current accounting standards, especially those relevant to the financial services sector. This will not only help you answer technical questions but also show your commitment to the role.
✨Understand the Firm
Do some research on PKF Littlejohn and their work in the financial services sector. Knowing about their clients, particularly in insurance and asset management, will help you tailor your answers and demonstrate your interest in the firm. It’s all about showing that you’re keen to be part of their team!
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so prepare thoughtful questions to ask your interviewers. Inquire about the firm's approach to complex clients or how they support their audit associates in passing professional exams. This shows you're engaged and thinking about your future with them.
✨Show Your Enthusiasm
Let your passion for the role shine through! Be enthusiastic about the opportunity to work in a challenging environment like financial services. Highlight your flexibility, problem-solving skills, and ability to work in a team. A positive attitude can make a big difference in how you’re perceived.
