Senior Manager, Risk Advisory Services

BDO USA•Chicago, IL

13d

About The Position

The Senior Manager, Risk Advisory Services is responsible for managing and delivering high-value solutions to multiple clients in technology environments. This includes analyzing system security and access controls, backup recovery procedures, and IS organization and administration practices. The role involves overseeing all aspects of internal audit, SOX, or consulting engagements, from planning and fieldwork to engagement wrap-up and report composition. Key responsibilities include providing recommendations regarding client risks, managing a team of professionals, ensuring exceptional client service and high-quality deliverables, developing new business, supporting client pursuits and proposal processes, and managing practice administration tasks such as time entry, contract administration, billings, and collections. The position also supports the practice Principal with client pursuits and proposal processes.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Information Systems, or Business Intelligence, required.
Ten (10) years of experience with a public accounting firm or Fortune 1000 company performing Risk Assessments, internal audits, Sarbanes-Oxley Readiness services, internal control assessments, management consulting as a Financial, Operational or Information Technology Subject Matter Expert, required.
Experience performing audits within a public accounting environment, required.
Experience performing audits of particular industries (manufacturing, retail, distribution, energy, etc.), based upon the RAS practice’s need, required.
Significant supervisory experience, required.
Experience performing process reviews, systems reviews, and reviews of application controls, required.
Experience with internal controls including process control design, preparation of flowcharts & control matrices, documentation and testing of controls, and identification and reporting of control “gaps,” required.
Experience conducting audit planning, developing audit programs, performing testing, preparing work papers, and drafting audit reports, required.
Certificate of Internal Auditor (“CIA”), Certified Public Accountant (“CPA”), Certified Information System Auditor (“CISA”), or equivalent certifications, required.
Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, required.
Solid understanding and experience planning and coordinating all stages of an internal audit.
Knowledge of internal accounting controls and professional standards and regulations.
Superior verbal and written communication skills, specifically business / report writing.
Ability to adapt style and messaging to effectively communicate with professionals at all levels both within the client organization and the firm.
Ability to successfully multi-task while working independently and within a group environment.
Superior analytical and diagnostic skills and ability to break down complex issues and implementing appropriate resolutions.
Capability to work in a demanding, deadline-driven environment with a focus on details and accuracy.
Ability to collaborate with partners and managers within other service lines and industries, as well as RAS leaders.
Solid project management skills.
Solid US GAAP and GAAS knowledge and familiarity with SEC and PCAOB reporting rules.
Solid grasp of general IT control concepts.
Excellent people development and delegation skills, including training/instruction and engagement scheduling and budgeting.
Executive presence to act as primary contact for clients while preparing and presenting to clients and potential clients.
Ability to resolve complex business issues.
Capacity to build and maintain strong relationships with internal and client personnel.

Nice To Haves

MBA or other relevant advanced degree, preferred.
Experience in client marketing to include but is not experience successfully managing multiple client pursuits and proposal efforts, preferred.
Experience with ACL and/or IDEA, and MS Access, preferred.
Experience in the use of various assurance applications and research tools as is appropriate for this level, preferred.
Knowledge of IFRS, a plus.

Responsibilities

Oversees the documentation and testing of application and automated controls on a wide range of software application packages.
Acts as a high-level contact for clients regarding all questions and information, including progress, challenges encountered, and issues identified.
Conducts informational interviews and facilitates meetings with client management members during the engagement process.
Works closely with the Engagement Partner to ensure effective communication of control gaps and suggested improvements to processes, controls, and overall risk management to the client Audit Committee and management.
Ensures that the client service team appropriately analyzes client’s processes, risks, and controls.
Ensures that the client service team provides exceptional client service and develops advanced-level deliverables and/or solutions to client issues.
Oversees the development of risk-based audit plans and ensures the development of efficient and effective project plans.
Reviews, approves, and seeks Partner approval of engagement budgets and identifies opportunities to improve engagement efficiencies.
Ensures the preparation of periodic and timely billings, collections, and makes timely recommendations to the engagement Partner of adjustments to engagement realization, as needed.
Leads assigned client engagements and underlying economics to ensure engagement metrics are achieved.
Identifies and informs managers and staff to utilize all available research aids (as practical), including databases and trade publications, to develop an understanding of the client’s industry.
Identifies, grows, and maintains strategic relationships with client personnel, including members of client management.
Prepares formal and informal presentations for client meetings and seeks Partner review and approval of presentations prior to delivery.
Collaborates with both RAS and other practice partners to bring the best solutions to clients and prospects and thus expand our presence in the marketplace.
Identifies new business opportunities to expand the Risk Advisory Services practice and communicates such opportunities to his/her practice partner.
Works directly with the Partner to develop draft proposals and reports, and completes research, as needed.
Works under the supervision of the practice partner to manage marketing and business development activities within the practice, including but not limited to refreshing marketing materials and website content, as needed.
Develops thought leadership for the RAS practice under the direction of the Partner by developing whitepapers and presentations on topics relevant to clients and the profession.
Fosters a positive demeanor, learning attitude, and client service mentality with managers, seniors, and staff.
Supervises the workload of Managers, Senior Associates, and Associates, as needed, on assigned engagements and reviews work product.
Ensures Managers, Senior Associates, and Associates are trained on all relevant software.
Evaluates the performance of Managers, Senior Associates, and Associates and assists in the development of goals and objectives to enhance professional development.
Delivers periodic performance feedback and completes performance evaluations for Senior Associates and Associates in accordance with Firm guidance.
Acts as mentor to Managers, Senior Associates, and Associates, as appropriate.
Acts as a leader and projects a professional, positive attitude toward client and firm personnel.