Location: Derby

Contract: Full-time (37.5 hours)

Salary: Dependent on experience

Are you ACA or ACCA qualified and looking to pivot from audit or accounts into a dynamic, fast-paced advisory role? This could be the perfect next step in your career.

At PKF Smith Cooper, we do things differently. As one of the Midlands’ leading firms of accountants and business advisors, we pride ourselves on delivering more than just technical expertise — we build trusted, long-term relationships that make a real impact. Behind that success is a team of talented, forward-thinking individuals, each playing a key role in shaping the future of the businesses and people we support.

We have big plans for the future, including an ambitious goal to double in size over the next five years. To get there, we're investing heavily in our people, our services, and our culture.

When you join us, you’re not just stepping into a job — you’re stepping into meaningful work. Whether you're advising individuals on complex tax matters, supporting growing businesses through major transitions, or helping clients navigate ever-changing financial landscapes, your work directly influences their future success. You’ll be given the responsibility, trust, and support to make your mark from the outset, with guidance from our senior leaders and access to a wider team of experts.

We believe that great work happens in a great environment. That’s why we’ve built a culture based on empower, engage and excel. From regular team socials and firm-wide summer events to sports teams, walking challenges, and our popular book club — there’s plenty to get involved in. Most importantly, you’ll be encouraged to bring your whole self to work and supported to grow both personally and professionally.

Our Transaction Services team is expanding, and we’re looking for ambitious, analytically minded professionals to join us in Derby. You’ll work alongside a team of seasoned experts with backgrounds in banking, corporate finance, recovery, and insolvency, delivering high-impact insights on a wide range of transactions.

The ideal candidate is somebody who is ACA or ACCA qualified, with a solid foundation in audit or accounts, now ready to take on a new challenge in the world of transactions. You’re naturally curious, commercially aware, and thrive in environments where no two days are the same. You enjoy digging into the details, spotting trends, and helping clients make informed decisions. Most importantly, you’re a team player who’s eager to learn, grow, and contribute to a collaborative and high-performing advisory team.

The important work you will be doing:

• Supporting buy-side and sell-side due diligence for banks, private equity firms, and trade buyers
  
• Working on assignments that range from 2–3 day reviews to multi-month engagements, depending on deal size and complexity
  
• Gaining exposure to a wide variety of sectors and business models across the UK
  
• Collaborating closely with senior advisors and clients to deliver clear, actionable insights

The skills and experience you will bring:

• ACA or ACCA qualified
• Experience in audit or accounts, with a desire to move into advisory
• Strong analytical and communication skills
• A proactive, inquisitive mindset and a genuine interest in transactions and business strategy

Why PKF Smith Cooper?

• Our company culture, built on our values – Engage, Empower and Excel – encourages initiative, personal growth, and collaboration. Every team member is appreciated and celebrated; a notion embodied in our Kudos Reward Scheme.
• The firm’s Partners, who remain actively invested in the development of employees, will both support and champion your professional development and progression.
• We work with ambitious businesses of different sizes across a variety of sectors, so no two jobs are the same.
• We are multi-award-winning accountants and business advisors, ranked the 12th biggest firm by UK fee income in the Accountancy Age Top 50+50.

Why Derby?

Home to our head office, Derby boasts a rich history of innovation, and many technological and professional services continue to thrive there. With easy travel connections across the country and charming countryside right on the doorstep, Derby has a lot on offer to do and see. The vibrant city centre is great for shopping, eating out and experiencing live music or theatre.

PKF International

As an active member of PKF International, we are part of a large global network of legally independent accounting firms.

Located in the 5 fastest growing global markets, we have ground presence in 150 countries and span across many jurisdictions.

An ambitious, future-focused network, PKF provides a comprehensive range of services. Operating in unison with member firms across the world, we are able to share our ideas, expertise, and specialist resources to better serve our clients, delivering highly personalised services and global connectivity through our client-centric culture. 

What's in it for you?

Our benefits package has been designed around our people and shaped by our values. As part of Team PKF Smith Cooper, here are some of the things you can expect:

• A working environment that empowers you to perform at your best, through our flexible working policy and dress for your diary scheme - Hybrid working during your probation period is subject to manager discretion 
• Time to do what matters to you – 25 days annual leave plus statutory bank holidays, the option to reduce annual hours for additional annual leave, and your birthday off, on us. Long-serving employees can also request a sabbatical, giving you the chance to make truly unforgettable memories
• Rewards for those who actively embrace and embody our values and culture through our Kudos Reward Scheme
• Regular social events and annual, company-wide away days, giving you the opportunity to engage with colleagues across your division and office, as well as the wider firm
• Bonus referral schemes for introducing new talent or clients so that when we benefit, you do too
• Life doesn’t stop at the end of the working day and neither do our benefits. We also offer life assurance, discounts on a huge variety of retailers through the PKF Smith Cooper Rewards Scheme, and cashback on healthcare (including dental visits, physiotherapy etc) through Healthshield

How to apply?

Apply now if you believe you have what we are looking for! Even if you do not tick 100% of the boxes, we would encourage you to apply. To do so, please upload a copy of your CV and a covering letter to our job portal. 

Should you have any questions, please contact a member of the People team - email recruitment@pkfsmithcooper.com or call 01332 332021. 

Please note that whilst we welcome and encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply for our vacancies, we are unfortunately unable to accept applications from candidates requiring a visa to work in the UK.

Please, no agencies unless we have contacted you directly.