Overview
This role supports managing risk to the firm related to auditor independence requirements set by regulatory bodies, including the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC), the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB), and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). Serving as a strategic advisor within the National Office of Ethics & Independence, the position advises client service teams on auditor independence matters and helps apply independence rules, standards, and policies to complex client relationships.
Relocation is not required.
Responsibilities
- Serve as the primary independence contact/advisor for private equity and other client engagement teams.
- Advise client service teams, client relationship leaders, and business developers on independence matters for current engagements, prospective opportunities, and evolving client relationships.
- Assess immediate and anticipated independence implications arising from complex private equity and other high-risk organizational structures, including ownership relationships, affiliates, portfolio companies, service arrangements, and other components of the firm’s relationship with the client organization.
- Advise teams on independence implications of client relationship and business decisions, including prospective services, vendor and resale arrangements, the application or election of SEC independence requirements across an organizational structure, and decisions that may affect the firm’s current or future ability to provide services.
- Consult with and advise engagement teams serving clients pursuing or considering capital markets transactions (including initial public offerings and other public-company transactions).
- Assist teams in understanding and navigating applicable independence requirements and processes, including identifying and evaluating independence considerations throughout transaction planning and execution.
- Assist with required independence search processes, including evaluating search results, coordinating with appropriate stakeholders to resolve identified matters, and providing clear documentation supporting independence conclusions.
- Support complex affiliate analyses and maintenance of affiliate trees in the firm’s entity management system, including gathering affiliate data from structure charts and public resources and coordinating with external clients to obtain the needed information.
- Supervise 4–7 individuals in the US and India (may serve as a performance advisor).
- Evaluate existing processes and recommend innovative solutions to improve effectiveness, scalability, and user experience.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related degree.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
- Ability to read, interpret, and apply rules, regulations, policies, and procedures to complex and nuanced circumstances.
- Ability to communicate information clearly and concisely in writing to diverse audiences across the firm and to outside professional contacts.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion.
- Strong understanding of SEC, PCAOB, and AICPA Independence rules and ability to recognize the potential impact of changes to firm policies, processes, and personnel (preferred).
Preferred Qualifications
- Minimum seven years of experience in public accounting.
- Experience with the application of AICPA and/or SEC independence rules.
- Experience with and understanding of private equity structures.
Compensation & Benefits
- Compensation Range: $102,800 - $176,000
- Discretionary bonus eligibility based on firm and individual performance.
- Benefits and compensation package includes schedule flexibility to help balance life demands while maintaining the ability to serve clients.
Location
Relocation is not required.