The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) serves the public interest by setting high standards of corporate governance, reporting and audit and holding to account those responsible for delivering them. We are the UK Competent Authority for audit. We set the UK Corporate Governance and Stewardship Codes as well as UK standards for accounting, auditing, and actuarial work. We also monitor and take action to promote the quality of corporate reporting and operate independent enforcement arrangements for accountants and actuaries. Further information about our role can be found at www.frc.org.uk.
As the UK Competent Authority for audit, the FRC’s Enforcement Division conducts investigations and takes enforcement action concerning breaches of ethical and audit standards under the Audit Enforcement Procedure (AEP). As the independent disciplinary body for the accountancy and actuarial professions in the UK, the Division also undertakes professional disciplinary investigations and enforcement action in cases involving accountants, accountancy firms and actuaries which raise important issues affecting the public interest in the UK.
Many of the investigations are large, complex, and high‑profile and our cases regularly require liaison with other investigators including the Serious Fraud Office, the Financial Conduct Authority, the Insolvency Service, and the Pensions Regulator. Examples of recent case outcomes can be found here.
More information on the work of the Division can be found in our Annual Enforcement Review 2023.
The Role
Investigations carried out by the Enforcement Division of the FRC are into matters of public interest and are amongst the biggest and most complex in the regulatory landscape.
The Deputy Director of Forensic Accounting (DDoFA) will provide expertise and support in the supervision and management of the Enforcement Division’s forensic investigative casework and strategy by:
- Deputising for and assisting the Director of Forensic Accounting (DoFA)
- Providing oversight and expertise in large and complex investigations
- Ensuring that all investigations result in the right forensic outcome within a reasonable timeframe
- Contributing to the strategic direction of the Division’s casework and effective implementation of that strategy
- By exception leading and managing the largest, most sensitive, high profile and complex forensic investigations
The Person
The successful candidate will be a qualified accountant with extensive experience of and expertise in forensic investigation capable of overseeing some of the most complex, sensitive and high‑profile investigations within the financial sector. The successful candidate must have the experience, competence and credibility to lead a team of specialist accountants conducting investigations into senior professionals. Candidates will be expected to demonstrate the competencies set out below:
- Strong intellect and good judgement.
- Extensive expertise in public and regulatory complex contentious proceedings in relation to audit.
- Experience working with, or acting for, a prosecuting authority, regulator or disciplinary body.
- Deep experience of effectively working collaboratively in multi-disciplinary teams
- Extensive expertise in leading, planning and managing financial investigations involving high volumes of material and complex financial issues.
- Extensive expertise in planning and conducting technical interviews of senior individuals.
- Extensive expertise (written and oral) in communicating the results of complex financial investigations to a non-accounting audience.
- Ability to remain calm and act in a professional manner at all times
- Determination and self‑motivation to pursue complex and difficult cases and to make robust decisions.
- Significant experience and skill in staff supervision, coaching and development on technical matters and forensic skills.
- Ability to recognise individual team members’ strengths and provide opportunities for development.
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