ISQM1 Testing Manager - 9- 12 Month Secondment / Fixed Term Contract

BDO is looking for an experienced and proactive Testing Manager, preferably with an ethics or independence background, to join our ISQM team on a secondment basis (maternity cover). This role is crucial in ensuring the quality and integrity of our system of quality management processes and controls. You will be responsible for a range of activities including supporting process and control design, collaborating with business stakeholders to review quality risks, perform and conclude on the effectiveness of process walkthroughs and complete operational effectiveness testing.

The Testing Manager will work closely with their dedicated ISQM Business Process Lead responsible for the achievement of the allocated Quality Objectives within their respective component area. The successful candidate will manage stakeholder relations in a collaborative manner whilst also providing subject matter expertise during testing. BDO continues to work on the enhancement of its system of quality management (SOQM) to support its desire to improve and sustain audit quality and drive a consistent quality standard across all areas of assurance work.

Responsibilities

• Schedule, plan and execute walkthrough testing of ISQM processes and controls.
• Conclude on process and control effectiveness and detail findings and actions to address any ineffective controls identified.
• Identify and report on areas of non‑compliance and the associated impact to risks and the overall achievement of the quality objectives.
• Develop, agree and implement corrective action plans with business stakeholders.
• Manage and support a small team of shared service resource.
• Prepare detailed reports on testing outcomes and present findings to the control owners, process owners and objective owners as required (this may include members of the firm’s leadership team).
• Provide subject matter expertise to enhance current processes and controls as part of the ongoing maturing of the quality framework.

Requirements

• Proven experience in process and control testing within ISQM or a related field such as Internal Audit or SOX.
• Strong understanding of quality management principles and standards, including updates to standards and how they impact the system of quality management.
• Ability to demonstrate problem‑solving skills as part of your current or previous role.
• Preferable but not mandatory, an understanding of the Relevant Ethical Requirements component of ISQM (UK) 1 or experience as part of a role in Ethics and Independence.
• Delivery focused with an ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience building relationships with stakeholders and collaborating to achieve the assigned objectives.
• Confidence to articulate complex issues clearly and credibly to a range of stakeholders including leadership.
• Strong networking skills and the ability to build relationships across the firm, developing strong rapport with key stakeholders to gain the confidence of Partners and other senior staff.
• Experience of working in a large professional services firm and an understanding of the regulatory environment is desirable.
• Prior experience leading and delivering continuous improvement initiatives to enhance quality processes and controls including the ability to manage complex projects and meet deadlines.
• Prior experience working in an Audit, Ethics Team or knowledge of the Ethical Standards.
• Professional qualification in a relevant field (e.g., ACA, ACCA) is preferred.