Public Sector Financial Reporting and Accounting Manager

Grant Thornton; Manchester; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial services firm in Manchester is seeking a Public Sector Financial Reporting and Accounting Manager to join their Public Sector team. The role involves supporting audit quality, managing client relationships, and providing technical assistance on financial reporting challenges. Candidates should have a professional accounting qualification and relevant experience in the public sector. The position offers flexibility and promotes diversity and work-life balance.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Inclusive culture

Charity work support

Qualifications

• Professional Accounting qualification (CIPFA, ACA, ICAS, CA, or ACCA).
• Post-qualification experience in external audit for Local Authorities/Health bodies.
• Strong understanding of IFRS standards and public sector financial reporting.
• Project management skills.
• Business development experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Support quality of audits and address key challenges faced by clients.
• Review draft public sector financial statements.
• Manage non-audit clients and solve technical accounting issues.
• Lead team development and oversee projects.

Skills

Professional Accounting qualification

Post-qualification experience in external audit

Strong understanding of IFRS standards

Project management skills

Business development experience

Job description

Public Sector Financial Reporting and Accounting Manager, Manchester

Client:

Location:

Manchester, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

EU work permit required:

Yes

Job Reference:

079c1890ba0f

Job Views:

29

Posted:

12.08.2025

Expiry Date:

26.09.2025

Job Description:

Background

We are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic individual to join our successful Public Sector team in an exciting and innovative role. The candidate will work across our Public Sector Financial Reporting and Accounting Support teams, providing training, guidance, technical assistance, and quality assurance to support the UK’s largest public sector external audit practice.

The role involves supporting audit teams to deliver high-quality audits and assisting public sector organizations with technical accounting and financial reporting challenges. The position offers the opportunity to utilize financial reporting knowledge directly with clients and audit teams.

Why Grant Thornton

Our teams sit within the Public Sector Audit and Assurance practice, with over 2,300 professionals across 24 locations. We work with major NHS Trusts, Local Authorities, and Public Sector bodies, providing assurance, thought leadership, and insight beyond audit services.

We offer flexible working options and promote an inclusive culture that values diversity, individual contributions, and work-life balance.

The Role

The manager will support the quality of audits and address key challenges faced by clients in the public sector, focusing on two main areas:

1. Financial Reporting (FR):
   • Review draft public sector financial statements
   • Respond to complex financial reporting queries
   • Develop internal guidance and training materials
   • Present at internal and external events
   • Contribute to technical consultations
   • Maintain relationships with audit teams
   • Collaborate with Financial Reporting and Audit Quality teams
2. Financial Reporting and Accounting Support (FRAS):
   • Manage non-audit clients
   • Solve complex technical accounting issues
   • Lead team development and oversee projects
   • Build strong client relationships
   • Drive continuous improvement

Candidate Requirements

• Professional Accounting qualification (CIPFA, ACA, ICAS, CA, or ACCA)
• Post-qualification experience in external audit for Local Authorities/Health bodies or within Local Government/Health finance
• Strong understanding of IFRS standards and public sector financial reporting
• Project management skills
• Business development experience is a plus

Beyond the Job

We encourage contributions beyond work, including secondments, charity work, and supporting entrepreneurs. Our values—purposefully driven, curious, candid but kind—guide us to do the right thing and make a positive impact.