Private Equity Independence Manager (Location Flexible)

RSM•Cedar Rapids, NJ

3d•Remote

About The Position

The Independence Manager assists with managing risk to the Firm regarding independence requirements of regulatory bodies including the Securities Exchange Commission, Public Accounting Oversight Board and American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. As a member of the National Office of Ethics & Independence, this position serves as a strategic advisor to client service teams on auditor independence matters, providing consultation on the application of independence rules, standards and policies to complex client relationships, private equity structures, capital markets transactions, engagement-specific matters, and the maintenance of accurate affiliate and entity data. Relocation is not required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related degree
Proficient computer skills with Microsoft Office Products; Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
Effectively utilizes emerging technologies, including AI-powered tools such as Microsoft Copilot, to streamline processes, enhance insights, improve stakeholder experiences, and identify opportunities for continuous improvement
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
Experienced manager with a minimum of seven years of experience in public accounting professional
Experience with the application of the AICPA and/or SEC independence rules

Nice To Haves

Strong understanding of SEC, PCAOB and AICPA Independence rules and ability to recognize the potential impact of changes to firm policies, processes and personnel
Experience with and understanding of private equity structures

Responsibilities

Serve as 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 regarding 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 the 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 other decisions that may affect the Firm’s current or future ability to provide services.
Consult with and advise engagement teams serving clients that are 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 as well as assisting in the identification and evaluation of independence considerations throughout transaction planning and execution.
Assist with the required independence search processes for client relationships including evaluating the independence search results, coordinate with appropriate stakeholders to resolve identified matters, and provide engagement teams with clear documentation supporting independence conclusions.
Assist in complex affiliate analyses and maintenance of affiliate trees in the firm’s entity management system. Includes gathering data and information about affiliates from structure charts and public resources and establishing relationships with external clients to facilitate the receipt of such information.
Supervise 4 – 7 individuals in US and India.
May serve as a performance advisor.
Evaluate existing processes and recommend innovative solutions to improve effectiveness, scalability, and user experience.