Technical Accounting Policy Specialist
About the job
Our client is a leading international banking group with a reputation for long-term client relationships, global reach, and a commitment to sustainable growth. With offices across Europe, the US, and Asia, they provide a broad range of wholesale banking, treasury, and capital markets services. They are now seeking an experienced Accounting Policy Specialist to join their EMEA Finance team.
Position Summary
This is a highly visible role within the Accounting Policy Group, providing expert technical advice across the business and ensuring that accounting standards and best practices are consistently applied. The role will suit someone with deep IFRS expertise, strong stakeholder management skills, and the ability to partner with senior business leaders on complex and evolving issues.
As the Accounting Policy Specialist, you will be responsible for interpreting, developing, and applying accounting policies across the Bank's EMEA and international entities. You will work closely with the Front Office to assess the accounting implications of new products, transactions, restructurings, and other complex activities, as well as leading engagement with auditors, regulators, and industry groups.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide expert technical accounting advice across the business, ensuring compliance with IFRS, UK, US, and Japanese GAAP.
- Partner with Front Office to advise on accounting treatment for new products, deals, restructurings, and complex transactions.
- Proactively monitor and communicate forthcoming accounting changes and their potential business impact.
- Develop, maintain, and issue accounting policies, ensuring consistency and alignment across the Group.
- Deliver training to front and back office teams on emerging accounting developments.
- Engage proactively with external auditors on policy-related issues.
- Support the Financial Reporting teams by reviewing disclosures and ensuring compliance with accounting standards and best practice.
- Represent the Group at industry forums, providing input on market practices and gaining insight into developments.
- Contribute to ad-hoc projects and initiatives, including transformation and automation opportunities.
Candidate Profile
- Qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA or equivalent) with 6+ years of experience in accounting policy, technical advisory, or audit (Big 4 background desirable).
- Strong technical expertise in IFRS; exposure to UK GAAP, US GAAP, or JGAAP an advantage.
- Experience in financial services, ideally within investment banking or capital markets.
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical issues clearly to senior stakeholders.
- Proven ability to manage competing priorities and deliver to tight deadlines.
- Collaborative mindset, able to build effective relationships across Finance, Front Office, and external stakeholders.
What's in it for you?
- Competitive salary of up to £115,000, plus benefits.
- Hybrid working model - typically three days per week in the London office.
- Exposure to senior stakeholders across Finance and Front Office, with the chance to influence high-profile business decisions.
- Opportunities for career progression within a global banking group.
- Collaborative, international working environment that values expertise and professional development.
