Public Sector Assurance Manager (0404)

PKF is the 12th largest accountancy brand and the 12th largest audit practice in the UK. 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.

Click here to learn more about us.

Not for Profit

The Not for Profit (NFP) team has an impressive pool of knowledge and experience to share and from which to learn. The team is led by partners with extensive experience in the sector; not only of auditing and advising large, high profile NFP entities but some have also seen things from the client’s side where they have run and assisted in the governance of global international charities.

NFP organisations are distinguished by the fact that they exist for a social purpose, rather than by what they do day to day. This means the NFP world encompasses everything from radical campaigning organisations to big businesses with a public benefit remit. This is an exciting time for anyone with an interest in the sector to be joining our NFP team and in return for your enthusiasm to develop and learn we can offer you the opportunity to build a rewarding career.

As part of the reviewing team you will be expected to review the basic compliance work carried out by a team of interns and first reviewers on Annual Governance and Accountability Returns (AGARs) completed by smaller authorities, mainly Parish Councils.  There are around 3,500 returns to be reviewed and as an engagement lead you will be responsible for the final approval of our external auditor report and certificate.

• Using our bespoke software:
  • Review the summary of audit issues and conclusions completed by the interns and first reviewers covering the AGAR and supporting documentation submitted by the smaller authorities;
  • Consider the appropriateness of the conclusions drawn by the interns and first reviewers with reference to the information provided by the smaller authorities;
  • Identify where insufficient information or explanations have been received and raise review points for the intern team to follow up with the smaller authority;
  • Review the draft external auditor report and certificate prepared by the interns and amend or approve, as necessary, using the standard wordings provided;
  • Undertake final sign off of the audit file and external auditor report and certificate;
  • Draw unusual matters and matters of significance to the wider review team’s attention to ensure a consistent approach is adopted across the team;
• Update the database records to reflect the current position for each review;
• Respond to queries raised by the pool of interns and first reviewers;
• Liaise with clerks via email and phone, where necessary;
• Jointly prepare and deliver training to the interns and first level reviewers, including providing technical support to the team;
• Jointly manage the performance of the interns and first reviewers to ensure the team’s performance is optimised and the minimum completion target is met;
• Participate in the update of all technical materials as required;
• Undertake reviews of information brought to our attention by interested parties in relation to the smaller authorities AGAR, either informally or as an objection to the AGAR;
• Attend meetings with external third parties including the National Audit Office and other audit firms as part of a technical network.

Comprehensive training will be provided in the following areas:

• The review process;
• Background to the reviews;
• The Firm’s procedures (including our approach to the reviews and administrative processes such as timesheets);
• The Practitioners’ Guide;
• Identifying areas where further work is required; and
• Use of bespoke software and our Smaller Authorities Database.

Skills, Experience and Qualifications

• ACCA/ACA, or equivalent, qualified
• External or internal auditing experience required
• Experience of the Smaller Authorities Limited Assurance regime is preferred but not essential
• Strong analytical skills
• Common sense
• Training, supervision and coordination of junior team members
• Excellent organisation skills and a confident manner
• Methodical with an eye for detail and strong follow through
• Professional attitude, appearance and demeanour
• Ability to stay calm under pressure and with a “can-do” attitude
• Ability to set priorities independently
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to exercise tact, good judgement and diplomacy
• Good time management skills
• Flexible in approach to work and willing to learn new skills
• Completes tasks on time
• Takes responsibility
• Uses initiative
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team working towards a common goal

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