Audit Stream Learning & Development – Business Partnering Senior Manager

We’re BDO. An accountancy and business advisory firm, providing the advice and solutions entrepreneurial organisations need to navigate today’s changing world. We work with the companies that are Britain’s economic engine – ambitious, entrepreneurially-spirited and high‑growth businesses that fuel the economy – and directly advise the owners and management teams leading them.

Learning and Development (L&D) is a key enabler of our strategy as an Audit Stream and critical to our success. It supports our ability to attract, develop and retain talented people who take pride in their work and successfully deliver for our business. Effective L&D underpins quality and productivity by supporting our people to develop the necessary knowledge and skills to perform their work, helping them reach their personal and professional potential. Effective L&D does not happen by chance. It requires specialist resources who partner with the Audit Stream to identify training needs and appropriately respond to them. Careful planning and project management are necessary, as are a critical-thinking and commercial mindset, and an understanding of regulatory requirements. Effective L&D needs consideration of the latest innovation, tools and technology to lead the development of personal and professional learning that is tailored, relevant and timely for our people.

Key responsibilities

• The BP team works with the Audit Stream to identify learning needs and develop an appropriate response to these needs, drives the L&D agenda and coordinates with the business on various people-related activities.
• Supports the analysis of learning data / evaluation of our programmes.
• Acting as the business voice within L&D, the team provides oversight and challenge internally as the wider L&D team works to develop and implement solutions that meet the needs scoped.
• Work directly with stakeholders in the business to identify specific needs applicable to their areas of responsibility.
• Coordinate with other stakeholder groups as needed and work collaboratively with the other BP team members to ensure that the learning needs analysis is coordinated and complete.
• Support the Learning Implementation team as needed to ensure that developed content is implemented as planned.
• Support programme delivery through onsite programme management and facilitation where appropriate.
• Advocate and support business needs within L&D ensuring responses are focused on business objectives and support achievement of wider organisational goals.
• Act as a subject matter expert on all aspects of L&D, able to advise and consult with business leaders.
• Responsible for reporting back to the business on progress against agreed plans.
• Provide objective challenge to the business on learning needs and act as a sounding board in respect of planned responses.
• Support the delivery of an effective Audit L&D curriculum across the Audit Stream.
• Develop successful, long-term, strategic relationships with the Audit Stream and wider business to support the L&D agenda.
• Participate in the coordination and conduct of the learning needs analysis with stakeholders.
• Provide insights into the latest thinking, innovation and best practice in L&D.

Required skills and experience

• Experienced Senior Manager (or equivalent).
• Strong understanding of Audit including the regulatory environment.
• Previous L&D experience is preferred.
• Ability to build and maintain strong working relationships with senior stakeholders.
• Proven ability to influence stakeholders, build consensus and drive forward strategic projects.
• Strong project management skills including a demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects.
• Focus on generating commercially viable solutions.
• Strong teamworking and collaboration skills alongside an ability to coach, develop and inspire people.
• Excellent analytical, interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Understanding of business strategy and goals.
• Focus on operational excellence, quality and outputs.

We’re in it together. Mutual support and respect is one of BDO’s core values and we’re proud of our distinctive, people-centred culture. Our agile working framework helps us stay connected, bringing teams together where and when it counts so they can share ideas and help one another. At BDO, you’ll always have access to the people and resources you need to do your best work. We know that collaboration is the key to creating value and satisfying experiences at work, so we’ve invested in state-of-the-art collaboration spaces in our offices. BDO’s people represent a wealth of knowledge and expertise, and we’ll encourage you to build your network, work alongside others, and share your skills and experiences.

At BDO, we help entrepreneurial businesses to succeed, fuelling the UK economy. Our success is powered by our people, which is why we’re always finding new ways to invest in you. We’ve got a clear purpose, and we’re confident in our future, because we’re adapting and evolving to build on our strengths.