ACCA is committed to a workplace culture which is inclusive, diverse, human and connected.
Closing date for applications is: 11 November 2025
ACCA is committed to a workplace culture which is inclusive, diverse, human and connected.
We welcome applications from candidates who meet some but not all of the criteria listed below.
We're currently looking for a Public Sector Policy and Research Lead on a full time, permanent basis. This position sits within the Policy & Insights team. We are flexible on the location of this role.
The Policy and Insights team is responsible for the development and delivery of high quality, professional and innovative research and thought leadership outputs on key issues, as well as the anticipation and recognition of external developments in the business and regulatory environment. The work of the team positions ACCA as a global leader in the accountancy profession.
The Job
Reporting to the Head of Skills, Sectors & Technology, on a day-to-day basis, you'll be involved in the following:
* Leads ACCA's public sector thought leadership, research and policy engagement work globally to build ACCA's global brand, profile and reputation
* Brings and continues to develop a clear understanding of the key issues impacting public sector finance and accounting professionals and teams
* Develops an innovative plan of global research, thought leadership and engagement opportunities that positions ACCA as the leader in public sector accounting and finance issues
* Monitors and responds to developments in the regulatory environment impacting public sector accounting, sustainability and national auditing developments
* Understands the profile of competitors in the public sector market from a thought leadership, research and policy engagement perspective, monitors their activities, and responds by adapting ACCA's approach as necessary
* Acts as ACCA's lead internal and external representative for public sector research and policy activities, developing and managing relationships with key senior level policy experts
* Is the nominated technical support for the ACCA's Public Sector Global Forum
* Provides public sector technical expertise and leads on regional and global public sector policy and research initiatives as required
* Specifically builds and leads ACCA's key relationships and network with important institutions and standard setting bodies impacting public sector accounting, auditing and sustainability standards
* Works across the Policy and Insights team and other key internal stakeholders such as ACCA's Brand and Marketing team to ensure maximum external stakeholder engagement
* Motivates and supports colleagues across the organisation to support and enable the delivery of ACCA's wider public sector priorities and strategy.
The Person
We're looking for someone who:
* Strong technical knowledge of global public sector accounting and finance function issues
* Preferred professional accountancy qualification
* Deep existing network across the public sector accounting and finance sector, particularly with standard setters and regulatory and policy institutions
* Significant public sector experience with a deep understanding of the emerging issues facing public sector organisations around the world
* Demonstrable experience and confidence in external speaking with a recognised profile in the sector
* A strong track record in delivering thought leadership, research and policy engagement in the public sector
* Proactive project management skills in delivering research activities
* A strong understanding of ACCA's public sector profile
* Outstanding networking and influencing skills
* A global perspective - significant international experience and cultural awareness.
** The internal job title for this role is Senior Subject Manager, Public Sector **
Our Benefits
We strive to create an environment where you can prioritise your wellbeing and so have designed our benefits to give you the flexibility and power to do so. Our core benefits include private healthcare, life assurance and income protection as well as a fantastic defined contribution pension scheme.
We provide an employee assistance programme and are proud to offer a financial wellbeing tool called Nudge, to our employees.
Our flexible benefits platform gives you the power to customise your benefit plan to suit your needs, you can choose to add a number of benefits including extra holidays, PMI family cover, cycle to work, Travel and Gym loans and more! You can also enjoy exclusive access to our discount site and wellbeing centre platform.
We are committed to equal opportunities across our recruitment activities and have a real commitment to ensuring the inclusion and well-being of all employees. We have a blended approach to working to support our employees to balance the needs of their job with other aspects of their life.
Interested in this role? Please click Apply to submit your application.
We strive to create an environment where you can prioritise your wellbeing and offer a competitive benefits package to help you do this. We provide an employee assistance programme and are proud to offer a financial wellbeing tool to our employees.
We are committed to equal opportunities across our recruitment activities and have a real commitment to ensuring the inclusion and well-being of all employees. We have a blended approach to working to support our employees to balance the needs of their job with other aspects of their life.
For more information on ACCA, your journey as a candidate and the benefits of working with ACCA please visit our Work for Us page here https://www.accaglobal.com/uk/en/about-us/work-for-us.html.