Independence Leader

RSM US LLP • New York, NY

8d

About The Position

We are the leading provider of professional services to the middle market globally, our purpose is to instill confidence in a world of change, empowering our clients and people to realize their full potential. Our exceptional people are the key to our unrivaled, culture and talent experience and our ability to be compelling to our clients. You’ll find an environment that inspires and empowers you to thrive both personally and professionally. There’s no one like you and that’s why there’s nowhere like RSM. The Independence leader is responsible for risk management policies and procedures, overseeing independence considerations associated with client acceptance, continuance, and project acceptance, conducting and overseeing independence consultations with individual engagement teams, overseeing the individual independence compliance survey, and developing quality control processes to mitigate independence risks. This role is responsible for the creation and maintenance of firm policies and procedures, based on changes in or issuances of regulatory or authoritative profession standards/requirements. The Independence Leader is also responsible for the development of any applicable tools, forms, etc. that are necessary for or supportive of compliance with firm independence policies and procedures. Role is a member of the NORM Management Team. Relocation is not required.

Requirements

• Bachelor Degree in Accounting
• CPA license, current in good standing
• Deep knowledge of and compliance with GAAP/GAAS/PCAOB standards (required)
• Deep knowledge of PCAOB, AICPA and IESBA Independence Standards (required)
• Public accounting experience (Experienced Partner Required)
• Experience with and knowledgeable of SEC environment (required)
• Exposure to all elements of an accounting firm practice, assurance, tax and consulting
• Exceptional business judgment, with the ability to think strategically and give practical advice by balancing business needs with legal risk; willing and able to make (and defend) difficult decisions when necessary.
• Strong managerial, communications, analytical, organizational, project management and planning skills.
• Viewed as expert in the firm and sought out by others regionally and nationally with respect to deep functional and technical expertise
• Displays executive presence in interactions with others (e.g. calming influence, confidence)
• Builds collaborative teams and empowers people to work together in meaningful and productive ways across the firm as an Enterprise leader
• Sets the “tone at the top,” including leading and embracing change
• Conducts crucial conversations and manages conflicts effectively
• Listens, resolves conflicts and communicates effectively with people
• Works to promote initiatives and goals by removing obstacles while balancing risk management objectives
• Demonstrates critical thinking and applies appropriate professional integrity, objectivity and skepticism
• Proactively solicits and provides performance feedback

Nice To Haves

• Deep knowledge of firm policies and procedures (preferred)
• Significant client service experience and knowledgeable of client service initiatives and goals. (preferred)
• Exposure to firm’s operations and exposure risk (preferred)

Responsibilities

• Oversight of Firm Independence Monitoring Policies and Procedures including:
• Execution of Firm independence risk strategy aligned with regional and national expectations
• Coordination and communication of changes and issuances of independence policies and procedures
• Development of policy and procedure-related tools and forms
• Developing and delivering training on independence matters, including regulatory body rule changes
• Alliances (US and Canada) independence compliance
• APS independence compliance (Canada)
• Oversight of independence considerations in connection with client acceptance, continuance and project acceptance:
• Review and approval of independence considerations using the Firm’s client acceptance system (CLEAR)
• Consultations with engagement teams on independence matters
• Responsible for collaboration with the line of business Quality and Risk Leaders:
• Coordination with line of business on Independence training need
• Coordination with other firm resources in the identification of Independence risks to the line of business
• Facilitation of Independence consultations with required Regional leadership, NPSG and Industry experts
• Provides assistance with response to specific incidents/breaches/conflicts
• Collaborates with NORMs regulatory compliance team regarding personal independence monitoring and findings the completeness and accuracy of US data in the global networks independence database training on global and domestic independence consideration
• Responsible for the firm’s system of quality control for all matters related to independence\Supports and provides acquisition due diligence and integration training and monitoring regarding independence policies and procedures
• Lead the Firm’s activities related to responses for regulatory exposure drafts of proposed auditing standards in the areas of independence and professional ethics
• Serves as a career advisor or an advisor to others.
• Other duties as assigned

Benefits

• At RSM, we offer a competitive benefits and compensation package for all our people.
• We offer flexibility in your schedule, empowering you to balance life’s demands, while also maintaining your ability to serve clients.
• Learn more about our total rewards at https://rsmus.com/careers/working-at-rsm/benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees