Acquisitions Accountant

Location: M4 corridor, Bristol/Swindon (Hybrid – 2/3 days office) Up to £85,000 doe + Bonus + Excellent Benefits Ready to become the technical accounting lead behind a major acquisition programme? We're partnering with a leading UK financial services organisation that is continuing to grow through acquisition. This is a rare opportunity for a qualified professional (ACCA, ACA or equivalent) to take ownership of the accounting and financial reporting aspects of M&A transactions, acting as the subject matter expert for acquisition accounting, Purchase Price Allocations (PPA), valuations and IFRS reporting across the portfolio. Working closely with senior Finance and Strategic Investments leaders, you'll play a pivotal role in evaluating, executing and integrating acquisitions while ensuring robust accounting treatment and financial reporting throughout the transaction lifecycle. Why this role stands out

• Become the internal expert for acquisition accounting and PPA
• Lead complex IFRS 3 accounting projects across multiple acquisitions
• Work directly with senior finance leadership and strategic investment teams
• Significant exposure to valuations, intangible assets and goodwill accounting
• High visibility role with genuine progression opportunities The Role This is a highly visible role operating at the intersection of M&A, technical accounting and financial reporting. Key responsibilities include:
• Leading Purchase Price Allocation (PPA) accounting across acquisitions
• Supporting fair value assessments of acquired intangible assets and goodwill
• Owning acquisition accounting under IFRS 3
• Accounting for deferred, contingent and earn-out consideration structures
• Supporting buy-side financial due diligence activities
• Assessing quality of earnings, working capital and transaction risks
• Reviewing target accounting policies and assessing alignment with Group reporting requirements
• Preparing technical accounting papers and transaction documentation
• Supporting acquisition and disposal accounting
• Leading financial integration activities following acquisitions
• Supporting Group consolidations, audit requirements and transaction-related disclosures
• Working closely with Strategic Investments and Finance leadership teams About You We're looking for an ambitious and commercially minded qualified accountant who combines strong technical expertise with a genuine interest in M&A and corporate growth. This is not a pure Corporate Development or Deal Origination role. Candidates should have hands-on experience in: Essential:
• ACA, ACCA or ICAS qualified
• Strong IFRS technical accounting knowledge
• Direct Purchase Price Allocation (PPA) experience
• Detailed understanding of IFRS 3 acquisition accounting
• Experience supporting M&A transactions and/or financial due diligence assignments
• Strong analytical and commercial capabilities
• Excellent stakeholder management skills
• Advanced Excel and financial modelling skills Highly Desirable:
• Intangible asset valuation exposure
• Goodwill impairment experience
• Experience preparing technical accounting papers
• Financial Services sector experience
• Experience integrating acquired businesses into Group reporting environments Who this role would suit This opportunity is ideal for:
• Transaction Services Managers with direct PPA exposure looking to move into industry
• Acquisition Accountants seeking broader deal responsibility
• Technical Accounting Managers with IFRS 3 expertise
• Valuation professionals who have worked on acquisition accounting assignments
• Financial Reporting professionals from acquisitive businesses Interested? Apply today or contact Tim Murray-Brown tim@theengagepartnership.com for a confidential discussion.