Conflict Checks Manager

Overview

The organization is seeking a Conflict Checks Manager to help protect the integrity of client acceptance and engagement processes. This role oversees day-to-day conflict checking and entity independence verification processes, supporting engagement teams by reviewing, clearing, and escalating conflicts identified by the firm’s conflict checking system.

The position reports to the Independence and Ethics Compliance Leader of the National Office, supporting alignment with ethical and regulatory obligations.

Responsibilities

Conflicts & Independence

• Manage the daily conflict check process by reviewing flagged conflicts, researching client relationships, and assisting teams in assessing independence risks prior to client acceptance
• Evaluate conflict check submissions from engagement teams, resolving issues when possible and escalating complex matters to the Independence and Ethics Compliance Leader or Independence Committee as appropriate
• Provide support during the investment audit process, including tracking auditee selections, conducting initial evaluations of findings, and escalating significant issues for further review
• Monitor independence-related developments from regulatory bodies (such as AICPA, PCAOB, SEC, DOL, and GAO) and assess their impact on firm policies and processes
• Maintain and enhance conflict monitoring tools and systems (e.g., Intapp, Entity-tree management), ensuring accurate setup and effective integration across platforms
• Respond to independence and ethics-related inquiries from engagement teams and international network firms, conducting initial analysis and providing preliminary guidance
• Support the development and improvement of training on conflict checks and independence, providing feedback based on practical conflict resolution experience
• Conduct thorough conflict checks for professional services engagements, using prior experience to ensure compliance and accuracy

Collaboration and Monitoring of Quality Control with Leadership

• Participate in bimonthly National Office Management Committee meetings to help shape, update, and communicate firm-wide policies
• Understand quality management standards and the firm’s current quality management system to develop processes, controls, and monitoring that support compliance relevant to independence and ethics
• Partner with colleagues in the National Office to review and enhance the quality management system as it pertains to independence and ethics, ensuring best practices are consistently understood and applied
• Assist with the review and performance of conflict checks over documentation of processes and controls, including the design of effective monitoring controls to monitor the system of quality management
• Maintain professional relationships with independence personnel in international network firms to ensure consistency and responsiveness across engagements

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Provide supervisory or team leadership experience by guiding staff and other resources, as appropriate, during projects and initiatives

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business, or related field
• 6+ years of experience in public accounting or a professional services firm, including 2+ years working in risk, independence, or compliance
• Demonstrated ability to manage and resolve complex independence/conflict issues

Preferred Qualifications

• Supervisory or team leadership experience
• CPA, CCEP, or similar professional certification
• Experience implementing and maintaining quality such as SQMS No. 1, ISQM1 and QC 1000
• Knowledge of Independence rules and Standards for the AICPA, PCAOB, SEC, DOL, and GAO
• Familiarity with GASB standards
• Experience with Intapp, Deltek Maconomy, and Salesforce

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive compensation packages tailored to the role, qualifications, and expertise of the individual
• Comprehensive benefits including:
  • Group health insurance
  • Dental and vision coverage
  • 401(k) retirement plans
  • Generous paid time off (PTO) allowances

Location and Work Environment

• Work can be conducted remotely or in a professional office environment with minimal distractions.

Physical Demands

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working in front of a computer screen
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at a time

Travel

• Travel of 5% to 10% is required for attendance at conferences, attendance, and/or facilitation of in-person training and National Office Team Meetings.