Policy and Research Lead

Closing date for applications is: 29 June 2026

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 Small and Medium Sized Enterprise (SME) - Policy and Research Lead on a full time, fixed-term basis until March 2027.  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 delivery of high-quality research and thought leadership on key issues, as well as extending ACCA’s influence in policy and regulatory environments.

The work of the team positions ACCA as a global leader in the accountancy profession.

The Job

Reporting to the Global Head of Skills, Sectors & Technology, on a day-to-day basis, you will be responsible for:

• Leading ACCA’s Small and Medium Sized Enterprise (SME) and Small and Medium Sized Accountancy Practice (SMP) thought leadership, research and policy engagement work globally to build ACCA’s global brand, profile and reputation
• Developing an innovative plan of global research, thought leadership and engagement opportunities that positions ACCA as the leader in developments impacting professional accountants and finance professionals in SME’s and SMPs. This helps support ACCA members to address the different business issues they may face in their roles
• Understands the profile of competitors in the 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 and spokesperson for SME and SMP research and policy activities, developing and managing relationships with key senior level policy experts
• Provides technical expertise and leads on regional and global digital SME and SMP policy and research initiatives as required
• Through the research and thought leadership, promotes the interests of Small and Medium Sized Practices and the role of accountants in responding to and supporting the needs of SMEs
• Leads ACCA’s Global SME Forum
• Specifically builds and leads ACCA’s key external relationships and network in the SME and SMP space from a research and policy perspective
• 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 and member engagement and impact in ACCA’s thought leadership and research in the SME and SMP space
• Motivates and supports colleagues across the organisation to support and enable the delivery of ACCA’s wider research priorities.

The Person

We’re looking for someone who has:

• Strong knowledge of the key issues facing SME’s and SMPs
• A generally good understanding of the role of accountants in smaller businesses and smaller accounting firms
• Existing network preferably across the Small and Medium Sized Accountancy Practice (SMP) space
• Experience and confidence in external speaking activities, preferably in the SME or SMP area
• A strong track record in delivering thought leadership, research and policy engagement
• Proactive project management skills in delivering research activities
• Outstanding networking and influencing skills
• A global perspective – strong cultural awareness.

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.