Manager - First-line Independence Readiness Services Team (FIRST) in Birmingham

Overview

In this interesting and challenging environment, we are looking to recruit a Senior Manager, in a permanent role, to work with a team of specialists who will be responsible for providing first‑line independence support to UK audit teams, including non‑audit service permissibility assessments, clearance reviews for audit targets and Sentinel tree accuracy. The team will be expected to provide high‑quality advice and support to engagement teams.

Responsibilities

• Assisting the Director in setting the strategic direction for first‑line independence support within the new Private Equity (PE) hub.
• Working with the Director to develop the operating model for the Sentinel permissibility service, managing the independence clearance process in Checkpoint, and the Sentinel family tree accuracy process.
• Liaising nationally and globally (where appropriate) to find best practice and leverage other member firms\’ processes.
• Developing and coaching the new team and writing guidance, communications, and training to upskill and accredit new joiners.
• Developing the escalation process and model to ensure appropriate oversight and support from the Ethics & Independence team.
• Assisting the Director in responding to regulators\’ feedback and/or enhancing our processes and overall compliance, by using experience gained in the field, providing practical solutions, driving projects forward and maintaining momentum.
• Performing permissibility reviews of complex Sentinel requests and secondary reviews of junior level reviewers within the team.
• Act as a subject matter expert in the field.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant IQSM1 controls.
• n.b. Duties will evolve with the growth of the team and business needs.

Qualifications

• Highly effective stakeholder management and relationship building skills; credible and confident with stakeholders at all levels.
• Ability to apply professional scepticism, objectivity, and independence to identify and support resolution of issues.
• Previous experience with Sentinel, project implementation and a familiarity with audits and audited entities would also be beneficial.
• Ability to handle sensitive/confidential information appropriately.
• Knowledge of the FRC Revised Ethical Standard and independence rules of other regulators (such as IESBA and SEC) would be beneficial.
• Strong communication skills – able to question effectively, listen and apply judgement to complex problems and to deliver difficult messages to all grades (including Partners).
• Demonstrate a strategic and innovative mindset.
• Ability to take on a high level of responsibility at an early stage.
• Strong organisational and time‑management skills; able to work effectively in an environment with conflicting priorities and deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail as well as an ability to work under pressure whilst demonstrating an unwavering focus on quality.
• Be inclusive and embrace the opportunity to work with other teams across the firm in an integrated way. Have a sense of community and purpose.
• Models a strong commitment to the highest ethical standards, acting with integrity, exercising sound judgement, and confidently raising concerns or speaking up when issues arise.
• There are no specific qualifications required for this role. A background in audit, risk management, regulatory compliance, or legal would be beneficial.

About KPMG

KPMG in the UK is part of a global network of firms that offers Audit, Legal, Tax and Advisory services. Through the talent of over 16,000 colleagues, we bring our creativity, insight and experience to solve our clients\’ and communities\’ biggest problems. We\’ve been doing this for more than 150 years.

We aim to be universally recognised as a place for great people to do their best work. A firm known for our collaborative and inclusive culture, using technology to empower and equip our people to deliver outstanding work with real flexibility – through inspiring workspaces, innovative ways to collaborate and hybrid ways of working. With offices across the UK, we work with everyone from small start‑ups and individuals to major multinationals, in virtually every industry imaginable.

Our work is often complex, yet our mission is simple: To support the UK in a connected world. It guides everything we do, underpinned by our values: Courage, Integrity, Excellence, Together and For Better. KPMG are proud to be an inclusive, equal opportunity employer and we seek to attract and retain the best people from the widest possible talent pool. As a member of the Business Disability Forum we are committed to ensuring that all candidates are treated fairly throughout the Recruitment Process. We pride ourselves on being a place where your individuality is valued; you can be yourself and still achieve your potential. We believe that your individuality helps us to deliver the best results to our clients. Diversity of background, diversity of experience, diversity of perspective – that\’s the KPMG difference.