Independence Support Specialists Senior Manager

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Job description

Senior Manager, Independence Support Specialists

An amazing opportunity to be part of a new team, defining the vision for first line independence support within the UK.

In the UK, the relationships we have with a large number of our audited entities are subject to significant and complex independence restrictions. It is critical for engagement teams and the firm to be able to navigate these restrictions quickly and accurately to ensure compliance with the regulations and to continue to build trust with our audited entities and clients. This is an area that goes right to the heart of KPMG's quality agenda.

In this interesting and challenging environment, we are looking to recruit a Senior Manager, in a permanent role, to work with a team of specialists who will be responsible for providing first line independence support to UK audit teams, including non-audit service permissibility assessments, clearance reviews for audit targets and Sentinel tree accuracy. The team will be expected to provide high quality advice and support to engagement teams.

In your role, you will be responsible for reviewing complex permissibility requests, liaising with SLPs (Sentinel Lead Partners) on permissibility issues and supporting the junior team in the tracking and review of all requests.

New matters and issues are always emerging, in particular in relation to interpretation of the Revised UK FRC (Financial Reporting Council) Ethical Standard, responsibilities will include:

• Assisting the Director in setting the strategic direction for first line independence support within Audit and the UK, liaising nationally and globally (where appropriate), to create a harmonised approach to the review and approval of Sentinel requests, management of the independence clearance process in Checkpoint and Sentinel family tree accuracy.
• Working with the Director to develop the Operating Model for the above services and annual business plans to present to the Independence Working Group.
• Developing the new team and writing guidance, communications, and training to upskill and accredit new joiners.
• Developing the escalation process and model to ensure appropriate oversight and support from the Ethics & Independence team
• Assisting the Director in responding to regulators feedback and/or enhancing our processes and overall compliance - by using experience gained in the field, providing practical solutions, driving projects forward and maintaining momentum.
• Performing permissibility reviews of complex Sentinel requests and secondary reviews of junior level reviewers within the team.
• Act as a subject matter expert in this field.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant ISQM1 controls.

Skills and Experience

Applicants should be able to demonstrate experience in the following key components of this role:

• Highly effective stakeholder management and relationship building skills; credible and confident with stakeholders at all levels."
• Strong communication skills - able to question effectively, listen and apply judgement to complex problems and to deliver difficult messages to all grades (including Partners).
• Strong organisational and time management skills; able to work effectively in a fast-paced environment with conflicting priorities and deadlines.

• Ability to apply professional scepticism, objectivity, and independence to identify and support resolution of issues.
• Possess an eye for detail as well as an ability to work under pressure whilst demonstrating an unwavering focus on quality.
• Demonstrate a strategic and innovative mindset.
• Ability to take on a high level of responsibility at an early stage.
• Ability to handle sensitive/confidential information appropriately.
• Be inclusive and embrace the opportunity to"work with other teams across the firm in an integrated way. Have a sense of community, purpose, and fun.
• Knowledge of the FRC Revised Ethical Standard and independence rules of other regulators (such as IESBA and SEC) would be beneficial.
• Previous experience with project implementation and a familiarity with audits and audited entities would also be beneficial.