Conflict Checks Manager

Overview

This role oversees daily conflict checking and entity independence verification processes to support client acceptance and engagement activities. Responsibilities include reviewing and clearing conflicts identified by the conflict checking system, assisting engagement teams with independence and ethics risk assessment, and escalating complex matters as needed.

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 comprehensive 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 firm training on conflict checks and independence, offering feedback based on practical conflict resolution experience.
• Conduct thorough conflict checks for professional services engagements, leveraging prior experience to ensure compliance and accuracy.

Collaboration and Monitoring of Quality Control

• Contribute to the organization’s system of quality management by participating in bimonthly management committee meetings, helping shape, update, and communicate firm-wide policies.
• Understand quality management standards and the organization’s current system of quality management to develop processes, controls, and monitoring to assure compliance relevant to independence and ethics.
• Partner with colleagues in the national office to review and enhance the system of quality management 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 designing effective monitoring controls to monitor the firm’s system of quality management.
• Maintain professional relationships with independence personnel in international network firms to ensure consistency and responsiveness across engagements.

Supervisory responsibilities

• Supervise or lead staff and other resources, as appropriate, during projects and other initiatives.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business, or related field.
• 6+ years of experience in public accounting or 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 with the implementation and ongoing maintenance of 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 package tailored to the role, qualifications, and expertise.
• Comprehensive benefits including group health insurance, dental and vision coverage, 401(k) retirement plans, and generous paid time off (PTO) allowances.

Location & 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 performing work 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.

Additional Information

• This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required for the role. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.