Financial Accounting Advisory Services (FAAS) Manager

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. 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.

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. We offer relevant and practical advice to guide and enable our clients to maintain rigorous controls, manage risks and achieve business growth.

Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver complex accounting advisory projects, including IFRS and UK GAAP technical consultations, GAAP conversions, and implementation of new accounting standards.
• Provide expert input and challenge on accounting aspects of transactions.
• Review and ensure accuracy of technical accounting papers, financial statements, and disclosures to meet regulatory and stakeholder requirements.
• Act as a trusted advisor to clients, offering practical solutions to complex accounting issues.
• Manage multiple engagements simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery within scope and budget.
• Oversee junior team members, providing guidance, technical review, and coaching to maintain high‑quality outputs.
• Develop project plans, monitor progress, and proactively address risks and issues.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key client stakeholders, understanding their business needs and providing tailored solutions.
• Identify opportunities for additional services and contribute to business development initiatives.
• Mentor and develop junior staff, fostering a culture of technical excellence and collaboration.
• Contribute to internal knowledge sharing and training sessions on IFRS, UK GAAP, and emerging accounting standards.
• Ensure all work complies with professional standards, regulatory requirements, and firm policies.
• Stay up to date with changes in accounting standards and regulatory developments, sharing insights with clients and the team.

Person Specification Skills, Experience And Qualifications

• Professional accountancy qualification (e.g. ICAEW, ACCA or equivalent) with previous proven experience at Manager level.
• Strong working skills, knowledge and understanding of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), UK accounting standards (UK GAAP).
• Good knowledge of UK listing rules (i.e., FCA, AIM and AQUIS), and UK legislation (e.g., Companies Act 2006).
• Proven ability to work on accounting input for complex IFRS and/or UK GAAP accounting issues and experience with GAAP conversions and new standard implementations.
• Experience of working with financial services (insurance and asset management) clients would be preferable but not essential.

Technical Skills

• Advanced understanding of financial reporting and accounting standards.
• Ability to interpret and apply complex accounting guidance to real‑world scenarios.
• Ability to develop and deliver technical training materials.

Analytical & Problem‑Solving

• Strong analytical mindset with the ability to develop practical solutions for complex issues.

Project Management

• Proven ability to manage multiple projects, budgets, and timelines effectively.

Leadership & Coaching

• Ability to lead teams, mentor junior staff, and foster a collaborative environment.

Communication & Client Management

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to present technical concepts clearly to non‑technical stakeholders.
• Strong relationship‑building skills and commercial awareness.

Agility

• Comfortable working in a fast‑paced environment with evolving client needs.