Managing Director, Quality Intelligence & Causal Analysis

BDO USA•New York, NY

13d

About The Position

The Managing Director, Quality Intelligence & Causal Analysis is responsible for directing the day-to-day execution of the Firm's quality intelligence, root cause analysis, quality analytics, and predictive risk assessment activities in support of the Firm's System of Quality Management (SoQM). Working closely with the Partner responsible for the function, the Managing Director leads the analysis of quality-related information to identify underlying causes of deficiencies, emerging risks, systemic trends, and opportunities to strengthen audit quality. The role is not responsible for concluding on the effectiveness of the System of Quality Management, assessing the severity and pervasiveness of deficiencies, or directing the Firm's monitoring program. Those responsibilities reside within the Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting function. The Managing Director manages and coordinates quality intelligence activities across multiple sources, including monitoring results, inspection findings, root cause analyses, Audit Quality Indicators (AQIs), remediation outcomes, and other quality-related information. The role transforms data into actionable insights that support leadership decision-making, continuous improvement, and proactive risk management. The role is not responsible for evaluating the effectiveness of the System of Quality Management or concluding on the adequacy of remediation activities. Those responsibilities reside within the Firm's SoQM Monitoring & Evaluation function. Rather, this role focuses on understanding causes, identifying trends, evaluating risk indicators, and providing insights that support decision-making and continuous improvement. The position does not own or implement quality responses, controls, or remediation activities. Rather, the Managing Director provides objective analysis, challenge, and recommendations that enable stakeholders to address underlying causes and improve quality outcomes across the Firm.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, required
Twelve (12) or more of public accounting, audit quality, inspections, professional practice, quality management, risk management, regulatory, or analytical experience, required
Experience leading root cause analysis initiatives, quality-related investigations, or complex data analysis projects, required
Experience identifying trends, emerging risks, and systemic issues through data analysis and professional judgment, required
Advanced Excel skills, required
Strong knowledge of PCAOB QC 1000, IAASB ISQM 1, and AICPA SQMS 1 requirements
Strong understanding of root cause analysis methodologies, causal factor analysis, remediation concepts, and continuous improvement principles
Advanced analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
Ability to synthesize complex information into practical, actionable recommendations
Strong project management and organizational skills
Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and facilitation skills
Ability to build collaborative relationships while maintaining objectivity and professional skepticism
Demonstrated ability to influence stakeholders, facilitate difficult conversations, and drive continuous improvement through data-driven insights
Strong leadership skills with experience directing teams and managing complex initiatives

Nice To Haves

Experience preparing executive-level reporting and presentations, preferred
Experience working with quality management standards, inspection programs, monitoring activities, or regulatory matters, preferred
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook, preferred
Experience with accounting research databases, preferred
Experience developing dashboards, scorecards, quality indicators, and analytical reporting

Responsibilities

Directs the day-to-day execution of the Firm's quality intelligence, root cause analysis, and quality analytics programs
Leads and coordinates root cause analyses related to inspection findings, monitoring results, quality deficiencies, and other quality-related matters
Evaluates underlying causes, contributing factors, and systemic drivers affecting audit quality and the Firm's SoQM
Directs efforts to identify recurring themes, trends, and conditions that may impact the achievement of quality objectives
Directs efforts to identify emerging quality risks, leading indicators, behavioral drivers, and organizational conditions that may affect the achievement of quality objectives
Evaluates organizational behaviors, incentives, resource constraints, communication practices, and cultural factors contributing to quality outcomes
Assesses relationships among findings, risks, controls, remediation activities, and organizational behaviors to identify opportunities for improvement
Evaluates whether proposed corrective actions adequately address identified root causes and contributing factors
Directs evaluations of action effectiveness to determine whether implemented corrective actions are producing the intended quality outcomes and addressing identified causes
Directs the development and enhancement of quality intelligence methodologies, analytical models, dashboards, data visualization tools, and emerging technologies used to identify and evaluate quality risks
Directs analyses designed to identify emerging quality risks and potential future areas of concern before deficiencies occur
Oversees the collection, validation, and analysis of data from inspections, monitoring activities, AQIs, remediation programs, and other quality-related sources
Develops and maintains quality analytics, dashboards, scorecards, and predictive risk indicators
Evaluates internal and external quality-related information to identify trends, conditions, and risk factors that could impact the Firm's quality objectives
Supports the development of forward-looking analyses that assist leadership in prioritizing quality improvement efforts
Directs the preparation of quality intelligence reports, root cause analyses, trend analyses, and other communications for Firm leadership
Presents findings, observations, emerging risks, and recommendations to leadership and key stakeholders
Supports development of annual quality evaluations and other quality management reporting requirements
Assists in responding to PCAOB and other regulatory requests involving root cause analysis, quality trends, remediation effectiveness, and quality management activities
Provides strategic insights and recommendations designed to support continuous improvement and proactive risk management
Assists QMI leader in providing advice to Firm leadership regarding emerging quality risks, strategic priorities, resource allocation decisions, and opportunities to strengthen quality management activities
Develops trusted relationships with process owners, response owners, inspection teams, and other stakeholders across the Firm
Facilitates constructive discussions regarding findings, quality risks, root causes, and remediation opportunities in a manner that promotes collaboration and shared accountability
Partners with Monitoring & Evaluation, Inspections, Professional Practice, Learning, Independence, Technology, and other functions to develop integrated perspectives on quality risks and quality performance
Balances professional skepticism and objectivity with a collaborative, solutions-oriented approach to problem-solving and quality improvement
Influences stakeholders through data-driven insights, sound judgment, and strong communication skills rather than direct authority
Directs the execution of quality intelligence methodologies, analytical frameworks, reporting processes, and quality analytics tools
Identifies opportunities to improve the effectiveness, efficiency, and scalability of quality intelligence activities
Supports the Partner in establishing priorities, strategic objectives, and performance measures for the Quality Intelligence function
Performs other duties as required
Directs managers, senior managers, directors, analysts, and project resources responsible for root cause analysis, quality analytics, trend analysis, and quality reporting activities
Assigns work, establishes priorities, and monitors completion of quality intelligence initiatives and projects
Provides coaching, mentoring, and technical guidance to team members
Supports the development of team capabilities in root cause analysis, data analytics, critical thinking, and quality risk assessment