Pensions Audit Assistant - Guildford, BDO

A pensions audit assistant will be part of a team and will undertake or assist in undertaking audits of variety of pension schemes, both in the office and at clients, ensuring that all aspects of the audit are completed to a high standard, on time and within budget. The individual will be supported, developed and supervised by senior members of the pensions audit team.

Responsibilities

Auditing Tasks

Involvement in the planning, execution and finalisation of the audit assignment.

Complete work outlined in the audit programme.

Record and document work undertaken and conclusions reached, using BDO’s computerised audit tool and supplemented by documentary e-files and appropriately structured work papers.

Liaise with third parties to ensure external confirmations of client balances are received and checked on a timely basis.

Identify matters arising on an audit for inclusion in notes for Partner.

Active engagement with client staff /administrators (face-to-face, email and telephone) in the gathering of appropriate audit evidence.

Identify potential areas of error or omission by the client and notify BDO colleagues.

Provide a high level of client service; identify and understand client needs, including sometimes providing initial solutions to client challenges, then communicating these needs and solutions to the senior or manager

Accounting and Systems Tasks

Analysis and summary of accounting data from clients’ books and records and preparation of SORP-compliant draft pension scheme accounts for some smaller pension schemes.

Assist in the review of draft financial statements to help identify and correct typographical or other errors.

Identify and document Management Letter Points to help advise clients on areas of weakness within their schemes.

Active adherence to budget and timetable, bringing matters to the attention of the senior or manager, particularly when actual time is in excess of budget.

General Duties

Provide onsite and offsite assistance and project management support to Audit Seniors, Managers and Partners.

Gain an understanding of client structures, finance team roles and sector/industry issues.

Ensure compliance with internal (audit methodology and risk management) and external (regulatory) requirements

Attend relevant internal and external client meetings.

Prepare and gain a working knowledge of the Firm’s software tools.

Archiving of electronic audit files and file set-up for new assignments

Act as a representative of the Firm whilst on client premises.

Carry out ad hoc assignments as may be reasonably required.

Undertake any training or development co-ordinated by your group.

Participate in group, stream and firm-wide activities.

Requirements

Minimum 18 months experience in auditing or accounting.

Minimum 2 A-levels grade C or above (or equivalent)

Maths and English GCSE grade C or above (or equivalent).

Would suit those studying towards AAT or ACCA (or already qualified)

Proficiency in Excel; working knowledge of Word and Powerpoint

Pensions and/or auditing experience preferred but not essential. (Training and support will be given)

Enthusiastic, motivated and self-confident with strong organisational skills and attention to detail

Ability to communicate effectively; both verbal and written communication

Ability to work effectively in a team environment
Ability to deliver excellent client service