Assistant Forensic Accountant

Job summary

The Insolvency Service is a leading Government agency which plays a crucial role in providing essential services to the public and to business. The work we do is important to the proper functioning of markets, the economy in general and support for thousands of people each year who are in financial difficulty.

Inclusive and diverse teams are important to us. We welcome and encourage applications from everyone, including groups underrepresented in our workforce. The Insolvency Service strives to ensure that the agency is a safe, inclusive, and welcoming place for everybody to bring their true self to work and to help the agency to achieve its diversity objectives. We have 10 active employee network groups available to join or become an ally, these include, Carers Network, Disability & Health, FACES Network Group, Grass Roots, LGBT+, Mind Matters, No Limits, Part Time Workers, The Shed, and Women’s Network Group.

We offer full-time, job share and flexible ways of working in this role. We value capability, technical skills and experience and we place great emphasis on lifetime development to support our people. We encourage our employees to become more involved in areas they feel strongly about, whether it be for the benefit of the agency, through our Engagement network or in their own local communities via volunteering opportunities.

The Insolvency Service is a great place to work, learn and grow your career!

Investigation and Enforcement Services (IES) directorate aims to deliver and promote a range of investigation and enforcement activities, both civil and criminal in nature, to support fair and open markets. We do this by effectively enforcing the statutory company and insolvency regimes, maintaining public confidence in those regimes, and reducing the harm caused to victims of fraudulent activity and to the business community.

Job description

As an Assistant Forensic Accountant, you will support the lead Forensic Accountant in establishing the forensic accounting capability, manage complex investigations, and provide authoritative advice. You will shape case strategy, ensure evidential standards, and act as a factual witness in court. You will also mentor junior colleagues and contribute to policy development and best practice across the agency. As an Assistant Forensic Accountant, you will have similar previous experience gained within government, law enforcement, professional services, or other regulated or investigative environments.

You will help establish the agency’s forensic accounting capability and lead high level financial analysis within complex investigations, providing expert insight that shapes case strategy and supports legal proceedings.

Responsibilities:

Key responsibility: conduct forensic analysis of financial records to evidential standards and present findings clearly.

Tasks include (but are not limited to):

• evaluating financial records (statements, books, working papers, banking info)
• provide analysis of financial records, transactions and systems to evidential standard
• advising investigation teams on analysis and further avenues of review
• reconstructing accounts and advising on accounting, auditing, and compliance with Companies Act and UK GAAP
• preparing independent reports and/or witness statements in line with Criminal and Civil Procedure Rules. Act as witness of fact in court proceedings
• brief Counsel and other stakeholders on factual findings during case conferences ensuring robust understanding of evidence-backed financial analysis and complex financial issues
• critically analyse, identify and author responses to defence accounting evidence including areas of contention for use in court proceedings
• ensuring compliance with disclosure obligations and evidential standards
• formulate and design technical lines of inquiry for investigative interviews; provide technical expertise during interviews to challenge or validate testimony against financial data
• partner with investigative teams to execute asset tracing and benefit quantification for restraint and confiscation orders.
• managing relationships with investigation teams, lawyers, and counsel
• manage and oversee external forensic accounting engagements from the pre-appointed panel, acting as a point of contact to scope requirements, monitor delivery and alignment with investigative findings
• maintaining professional integrity and adherence to your accountancy body’s code of ethics
• mentor and guide junior members of the team fostering capability and professional standards

Person specification

The ideal candidate will have:

• significant hands-on experience in forensic accounting, gained within government, law enforcement, professional services, or other regulated or investigative environments
• a proven track record of contributing to complex financial investigations, including working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams and presenting findings as a Witness of Fact (or equivalent role)
• strong technical knowledge of insolvency, fraud, proceeds of crime frameworks (e.g. POCA or similar), disclosure requirements, and applicable accounting standards (e.g. IFRS, UK GAAP or equivalent)
• the ability to influence, challenge and communicate effectively with senior stakeholders, both verbally and in writing
• experience critically reviewing and challenging defence or third-party accounting evidence, including providing technical input to support investigative or interview processes

Essential Criteria:

• a fully qualified accountant holding membership with a recognised UK CCAB body (e.g. ICAEW, ACCA, ICAS, ICAI, CIPFA or CIMA)
• strong technical knowledge of UK GAAP and IFRS, with the ability to interpret complex financial records and identify irregularities, risks, or non-compliance within statutory filings
• extensive experience in leading and delivering complex forensic accounting investigations end-to-end, gained within law enforcement, regulatory, government, professional services, or other investigative environments
• proven ability to produce high-quality reports and briefings that clearly articulate complex financial findings to a range of stakeholders, and experience of providing evidence in court or similar formal/legal settings
• experience in developing and pursuing technical lines of enquiry to support investigative or interview processes carried out under relevant legal or regulatory frameworks, including critically assessing statements against financial evidence
• strong working knowledge of key legislative and regulatory frameworks such as Insolvency legislation, Companies Act provisions, fraud-related offences, Proceeds of Crime regimes (e.g. POCA or equivalent), disclosure rules, and Money Laundering Regulations (or similar frameworks)

Please note: This vacancy is advertised across 10 locations; however, Stratford and Croydon are only available to current Insolvency Service Staff. The advertised salary includes London weighting, which is only applicable to internal candidates.

Please also note that although this post is open to candidates who wish to work part-time, due to the nature of the role and its demands, the successful candidate will be required to work a minimum of 30 hours per week.

Qualifications

A fully qualified accountant with a recognised UK CCAB accountancy body (ICAEW, ACCA, ICAS, ICAI, CIPFA or CIMA)

Memberships

Membership of CCAB Accountancy body

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Making Effective Decisions
• Delivering at Pace
• Communicating and Influencing

We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:

• Making Effective Decisions
• Delivering at Pace

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• Supporting Investigators on accounting issues

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £48,429, Insolvency Service contributes £14,029 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

We want you to have a good work-life balance and want to support you in all that you do, so we offer a great benefits package including:

• flexible working arrangements and flexi-time
• full time new entrants to the Civil Service and those Civil Servants on modernised terms and conditions will be entitled to 25 days leave increasing on a sliding scale to 30 days after 5 years’ service
• in addition to this you are entitled to 8 public/bank holidays plus an additional day of privilege leave
• competitive maternity, paternity and parental leave
• 5 days paid leave for learning and development
• 5 days paid for volunteering
• a Cycle to work scheme
• staff have access to an employee assistance programme, Workplace Wellness, for confidential, independent support and advice during difficult times in either their professional or personal life

Your pension is a valuable part of your total reward package where the employer makes a significant contribution to the cost of your pension. Your contributions come out of your salary before any tax is taken. This means, if you pay tax, your take-home pay will not be reduced by the full amount of your contribution; and your pension will continue to provide valuable benefits for you and your family if you are too ill to continue to work or die before you retire. For more information, visit www.civilservicepensionscheme.org.uk

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Ability, Experience and Technical skills.

As part of the sift process, you will be asked to complete:

• Online Tests

• CV

• Personal Statement

• Behaviours
• Behaviour 1 – Making Effective Decisions
• Behaviour 2 - Delivering at Pace

Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.

Should a large number of applications be received, an initial sift may be conducted using the Personal Statement and the lead behaviour Making Effective Decisions. Only those who meet the essential criteria at this stage will proceed to a full assessment of their application. If a candidate does not meet the minimum requirements during the initial sift, the remainder of their application will not be reviewed. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift or progressed straight to interview.

Before submission of your application you will be invited to complete a Civil Service Numerical Test.

Please complete the online tests as soon as possible (or no later than 48 - 72 hours of the application closing date, is recommended), the closing date for the tests is 23:55 on 28 May 2026. If you fail to complete the online tests before the deadline your application will be withdrawn. Guidance for the tests will be available when you are invited to take the tests. The tests are administered online and accessed via the CS Jobs website.

CV Guidance

Your CV should provide a clear overview of your employment history, key responsibilities, relevant qualifications, and the skills and experience you’ve gained throughout your career including any notable achievements.

Note: Your CV will not be scored as part of the assessment process and will only be used for reference purposes.

Personal Statement Guidance

Your personal statement should be no more than 750 words and must demonstrate how your personal skills, qualities, and experience align with the requirements of the role. Please ensure your statement specifically addresses the essential criteria as well as any other relevant elements of the Person Specification. This will help provide a clearer basis for scoring and will be particularly useful in the event of tied scores.

If successful at the sift stage, at interview, you will be assessed on the following:

• Behaviours - assessed through:

• Behaviour 1 - Making Effective Decisions
• Behaviour 2 - Delivering at Pace
• Behaviour 3 - Communicating and Influencing

• Technical Skills
• Additional Assessment and Presentation

• Following the interview, candidates will be given a short 15‑minute exercise involving the review of a company financial statement. After completing the exercise, candidates will be required to deliver a 6‑minute presentation on their analysis, followed by a 6‑minute Q&A session. All candidates will complete the same exercise under the same timed conditions to ensure fairness and consistency.

Expected timeline (subject to change)

Sift - TBC

Interview – TBC

Location - MS Teams

Your interview will be conducted by video. Candidates are asked to note the above timetable, exercising flexibility through the recruitment and selection process.

Visa Applicants

To sponsor a candidate under the Skilled Worker visa, a sponsorship licence is required. The Insolvency Service does not currently hold this licence and therefore, cannot legally sponsor Skilled Worker visa applicants.

Hybrid Working

Insolvency Service operates a hybrid working policy subject to business need, giving people the flexibility to choose when and where they work and collaborate with others.

Individuals are expected to work from one of the office locations stated in the advert to connect with their colleagues, as required by their role and business team needs. There is flexibility to split the working week, spending a minimum of 60% in the workplace, which includes the office, site visits, court etc.

National Security Vetting

From 1st October 2026, applicants will be required to meet nationality and residency requirements so that National Security Vetting (NSV) checks can be conducted. If you want to learn more, visit NSV national requirements (opens in a new window).

Further Information

A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made.

Any move to Insolvency Service from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare; for further information visit the Childcare Choices website.

Reasonable Adjustment

If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.

If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:

Contact Government Recruitment Service via InsolvencyRecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.

Complete the ‘Assistance required’ section in the ‘Additional requirements’ page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional.

If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.

If successful and transferring from another Government Department a criminal record check may be carried out.

In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service on your behalf.

However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre-EmploymentChecks.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading.

For further information on National Security Vetting please visit the Demystifying Vetting website.

New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band.

Feedback

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).

See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see theCivil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

Apply and further information

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window).Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job contact :

• Name : IES Workforce Planning Team
• Email : IESWorkforceplanning@Insolvency.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : InsolvencyRecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk

Further information

If you feel there have been procedural irregularities at any stage of the recruitment process or that your application has not been treated in accordance with the Civil Service Recruitment Principles, and wish to make a complaint, then in the first instance you should contact hr.recruitment@insolvency.gov.uk. If you are not satisfied with the response that you receive you can then contact the Civil Service Commission.

Attachments

Applying for a Job - A Candidate Guide Opens in new window (pdf, 3061kB)Insolvency Candidate Information Pack Opens in new window (pdf, 6509kB)