At a Glance
- Tasks: Learn accounting and auditing techniques while supporting clients in the financial services sector.
- Company: Join PKF Littlejohn, a leading challenger firm with a global presence.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, enhanced leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with excellent growth potential and a dress down policy.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in finance with real-world experience and expert guidance.
- Qualifications: Minimum 2.2 degree and 112 UCAS points required.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 32000 € per year.
Location: Leeds, Manchester
Division: Financial Services
Working Hours: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Overview: 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.
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. We offer relevant and practical advice to guide and enable our clients to maintain rigorous controls, manage risks and achieve business growth.
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.
- Pass relevant professional examinations first time.
- Be able to advise on basic accounting issues.
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.
Benefits:
- Life assurance.
- Permanent health insurance.
- Private medical.
- Hybrid / flexible working.
- Enhanced sick leave.
- Enhanced annual leave.
- Salary sacrifice options.
- Enhanced pension matching contributions.
- Season ticket loan.
- Sabbaticals.
- Secondments.
- Professional subscriptions.
- Dress down policy.
Audit Associate - Graduate - September 2026 employer: TargetJobs UK
PKF Littlejohn is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Leeds and Manchester where graduates can thrive in the financial services sector. With a strong commitment to employee development, we provide comprehensive training, flexible working arrangements, and a supportive culture that encourages professional growth and collaboration. Our unique position as a leading challenger firm allows you to work with complex clients while being part of a global network, making your career both meaningful and rewarding.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Audit Associate - Graduate - September 2026
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the financial services sector. Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current employees at PKF Littlejohn. A friendly chat can go a long way!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research common questions for audit roles and practice your answers. We recommend using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses. Show them you’re not just a candidate, but the right fit for their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you fresh in their minds.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining PKF Littlejohn. Let’s get you that Audit Associate role!
We think you need these skills to ace Audit Associate - Graduate - September 2026
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Audit Associate role. Highlight relevant experiences, skills, and education that align with what we're looking for. We want to see how you fit into our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about financial services and auditing. Share specific examples of your experiences that demonstrate your enthusiasm and suitability for the role.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to highlight your communication and organisational skills in your application. We value team players who can work independently and manage their time effectively, so make sure we see that in your written application!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at TargetJobs UK
✨Know Your Numbers
Brush up on your accounting basics and be ready to discuss double entry bookkeeping. PKF Littlejohn values a solid understanding of financial principles, so showing that you can talk confidently about these concepts will impress the interviewers.
✨Research the Sector
Dive into the Financial Services sector, especially focusing on insurance and fund management. Understanding the current trends and challenges in these areas will help you engage in meaningful conversations during the interview.
✨Show Your Enthusiasm
Be sure to express your passion for auditing and the financial services industry. PKF Littlejohn is looking for candidates who are not just qualified but also genuinely excited about the work they do.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask your interviewers. This shows that you're engaged and interested in the role and the company. Consider asking about their approach to complex client issues or how they support professional development.
