RMS-Independence-Senior Associate

Senior Associate - Independence - Risk Management Services

This role requires the candidate to execute globally defined processes built in accordance with the EY Global (EYG) Independence policies aimed towards safeguarding EY as an Independent auditor. These services are provided to EY country practices across globe enabling them to take decisions on new client acceptances and/or continuances.

The opportunity

Risk Management Services (RMS) is an internal function within EY GDS (Global Delivery services), responsible for protecting the organization from the risks that may arise from its professional practice. We work closely with all parts of the organization to identify and manage risks, providing coordinated advice and assistance on suite of services like Independence, Conflicts, Compliance, regulatory, policy and security issues as well as dealing with claims and queries regarding ethics. Formed in 2007, the RMS team is growing rapidly as a Center of Excellence for all standardized quality/compliance related activities.

This role will be part of the largest sub-service functions, i.e., Independence within Risk Management Services (RMS) responsible for assisting client-serving teams in maintaining EY’s Independence for its existing and prospective audit/non-audit clients.

Auditor Independence is a regulatory requirement that aims to create an ‘arm’s length’ distance between the Accounting Firm, its client serving employees and EY’s audit clients. This is done to ensure that that EY Member Practices and their professionals should be (in fact) and should appear to be (in appearance) free from interests that might be regarded as being incompatible with objectivity, integrity, and impartiality of the audit.

RMS Independence team is currently 950+ people strong, operating from 3 countries and 5 centre’s: India (Gurugram, Kochi, Bengaluru), Poland (Wroclaw), Philippines (Manila). The team is closely integrated with Global Independence and has been involved in development of key Independence processes.

The role offers opportunities to work in a dynamic, growth-focused environment, with a special emphasis on protecting EY’s reputation as an independent auditor, by providing support on niche profiles to EY member firm practices. It also involves close collaboration with global teams and stakeholders to strengthen the compliance framework and foster a mindset of continuous improvement and client enablement.

Key responsibilities

A senior associate/ Lead Analyst in the team will be primarily responsible to develop good working knowledge of firm level Independence concepts. The individual will be performing/reviewing procedures as laid down in the EYG Independence policies along with hands on experience in research and evaluating procedures as mentioned in standard operating model, thereby helping client serving/audit/pursuit teams in mitigating independence-related risk. In this role, candidate will be required to communicate with senior team members from audit/pursuit teams to resolve queries and gather information, thus would be expected to become a subject matter expert in Independence processes.

Technical expertise

• Thorough understanding and ability to interpret client’s company structure, applicability of different entity attributes and relationships in accordance with audit client and affiliate definition as per EYG Independence policy
• Build working knowledge of different internal Independence tools and systems under teams’ purview.
• Understand audit/pursuit team’s requirement and complete/review all assigned projects/tasks in line with the standard operating procedures
• Conduct secondary research using internal and external databases
• Build strong credibility by sharing insights and technical acumen, while engaging in relevant discussions with internal and external stakeholders.
• Develop technical expertise of Independence processes to assume subject matter expert responsibilities.
• Analyse the research findings and provide preliminary recommendation in response to the research requirement
• Take responsibility for high quality execution of the engagement and overall project by using project management methodologies
• Contribute towards process improvement and/or suggest new approaches in the process
• Flags issues/potential challenges (if any) to the team managers, so that timely action can be initiated
• Understand and work towards to meet/exceed the defined individual KPIs for the role

Client Management

• Staying connected with the client serving/audit/pursuit teams during project/request lifecycle.
• Organizing and leading calls and sharing regular project status updates, addressing queries, performing follow ups and gathering accurate information to complete the procedures.
• Act as a point of contact between the client teams, members of other Independence competencies, and relevant GDS functions to effectively coordinate efforts for a project/request.
• Address and resolve any service delivery issues or escalations

Teaming and Collaboration

• Providing effective feedback to Associate analysts on projects/requests reviewed to drive highest delivery standards.
• Monitor and manage team performance by evaluating performance of individuals against defined KPI’s and offering constructive feedback.
• Ensure adherence to workflow protocols and tools
• Mentor and coach team members for professional growth and recommend training to address any skill gaps

Skills and attributes for success

• Manage day-to-day administrative issues and communicating appropriately to the client serving/audit teams/ team manager at GDS.
• Must possess a client-centric and enablement mindset.
• Possess strong communication and inter-personal skills.
• Prioritize tasks and manage time effectively to meet client expectations without compromising on quality or deadlines.
• Fostering a diverse and inclusive team environment where all members feel valued and included.
• Uphold the highest standards of ethics, integrity, and values.
• Be adaptable and agile in dynamic situations, facilitating change management.
• Innovative mindset with proficiency in using current technologies and willingness to adapt to new digital tools to enhance efficiency.

To qualify for the role, you must have

• Masters/post-graduate degree (preferably in Finance) from a reputed institute.
• 3 - 5 years of experience in a research and analysis in a professional services firm.
• Candidates with exposure of handing client interaction would be preferred.
• Well-developed analytical, interpersonal, and communication (both verbal and written) skills in English
• Basic understanding of type of company structures, Ownership structures, audit and risk management concepts.

Technologies and Tools

• Experience in MS Office (Outlook, MS Word, MS Excel, SharePoint etc.)
• Business analytics tool like Power-BI
• Prior knowledge of Private equity domains along with navigating external databases like Capital IQ, Factiva

What you can look for

• A team of people with technical experience, business acumen and enthusiasm to learn new things
• in this fast-moving environment.
• A team of professionals driven by growth and client enablement mindset, while safeguarding EY’s brand name.
• A team that runs on foundational values of trust, respect, integrity and teaming.
• A team that functions with One-Team mindset and values diversity and inclusiveness.
• Opportunities to work with Global teams and stakeholders on strengthening the compliance framework.
• A team that thrives on continuous improvement and bringing in efficiencies to processes.

What we offer

EY Global Delivery Services (GDS) is a dynamic and truly global delivery network. We work across six locations – Argentina, India, the Philippines, Poland and the UK – and with teams from all EY service lines, geographies and sectors, playing a vital role in the delivery of the EY growth strategy. From accountants to coders to advisory consultants, we offer a wide variety of fulfilling career opportunities that span all business disciplines. In GDS, you will collaborate with EY teams on exciting projects and work with well-known brands from across the globe. We’ll introduce you to an ever-expanding ecosystem of people, learning, skills and insights that will stay with you throughout your career.

• Continuous learning: You’ll develop the mindset and skills to navigate whatever comes next.
• Success as defined by you: We’ll provide the tools and flexibility, so you can make a meaningful impact, your way.
• Transformative leadership: We’ll give you the insights, coaching and confidence to be the leader the world needs.
• Diverse and inclusive culture: You’ll be embraced for who you are and empowered to use your voice to help others find theirs.