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

The KPMG Audit function is a cornerstone of our business. We do work that matters to our local business and communities – supporting investment and economic growth across the UK. Working on complex audit engagements, which could include big retailers, UK banks, insurance houses and multinational organisations, our team strives to provide best-in-class audit solutions to audited entities who trust us to get it right first time.

KPMG is one of the world's largest and most respected consultancy businesses, we've supported the UK through times of war and peace, prosperity and recession, political and regulatory upheaval. We've proudly stood beside the institutions and businesses which make the UK what it is.

This is an amazing opportunity to be part of a new team, defining the vision for first-line independence support within the UK and protecting the reputation of the firm. In the UK, the relationships we have with our audited entities are subject to significant and complex independence restrictions. It is critical for the firm to be able to navigate these restrictions accurately and efficiently to continue to build trust with our audited entities and clients. This is an area that goes right to the heart of KPMG’s quality agenda.

In this interesting and challenging environment, we are looking to recruit a 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 are expected to provide high-quality advice and support to engagement teams.

Description of the role:

In your role, you will be responsible for reviewing complex permissibility requests, liaising with the SLPs (Sentinel Lead Partners) on permissibility issues and monitoring actions, undertaking independence clearances and supporting junior team members.

What will you be doing?

• Supporting the Senior Manager in the day-to-day operation of the Sentinel permissibility service, managing the independence clearance process in Checkpoint, and the Sentinel family tree accuracy process.
• Working with the Senior Manager to develop the operating model for the above services and refining the working processes for each service.
• Liaising nationally and globally (where appropriate) to find best practice and leverage other member firms processes.
• Supporting and coaching junior team members and writing guidance, communications, and training to upskill and accredit new joiners.
• Assisting the Senior Manager 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.
• Performing independence clearances and acting as an escalation point for junior level reviewers within the team.
• Leading on and taking responsibility for BAU activities in the areas of Technology & Innovation; Metrics & Reporting; Learning & Development; and Stakeholder Management & Outreach.
• Act as a subject matter expert in the field.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant IQSM1 controls.

What will you need to do it?

• Highly effective management and relationship building skills; with the ability to work with stakeholders at all levels.
• Ability to apply professional scepticism, objectivity, and independence to identify and support resolution of issues.
• Ability to handle sensitive/confidential information appropriately.
• Strong communication skills – able to question effectively, listen and apply judgement to complex problems and to deliver difficult messages.
• 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 judgment, and confidently raising concerns or speaking up when issues arise.

Skills we’d love to see/Amazing Extras:

• An understanding of risk management/compliance systems (for example Sentinel) and processes would be an asset.
• Previous experience with project implementation and a familiarity with audits and audited entities would also be beneficial.
• Knowledge of the FRC Revised Ethical Standard and independence rules of other regulators (such as IESBA and SEC) would be beneficial.
• Demonstrate a strategic and innovative mindset.
• Ability to take on a high level of responsibility at an early stage.

To discuss this or wider Audit roles with our recruitment team, all you need to do is apply, create a profile, upload your CV and begin to make your mark with KPMG.

Our Locations: Audit at KPMG covers the entire UK. With 16 sites across the UK, we can potentially facilitate office work, working from home, flexible hours, and part-time options. If you have a need for flexibility, please register and discuss this with our team.