Risk Management - Global Independence Support - Manager - EY Global Delivery Services

Assistant Director - Independence - Risk Management Services

This role requires the candidate to build and demonstrate an in-depth technical knowledge of specific Independence support processes which are developed globally in accordance with the EY Global (EYG) Independence policies aimed towards safeguarding EY as an Independent auditor. These processes are standardized in nature and are performed by the RMS teams on behalf of EY engagement teams. The candidate will be responsible for coaching, mentoring and supervising a team of about 20-50 members on technical matters and should be able to handle and resolve their queries. The role also involves liaising with Global Independence process owners and a variety of stakeholders and end users across countries and geographies. The candidate is also expected to contribute to the GDS wide priorities and initiatives and help in building a better working world for our EY professionals and team members 

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 1000+ 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.

Your key responsibilities

A Manager/Senior Manager will oversee Independence processes in accordance with EYG policies, enabling audit teams to effectively mitigate independence-related risks. This role demands deep expertise in independence concepts, tools and databases to facilitate effective communication with stakeholders and senior leaders and to provide technical directions to the team members. Key responsibilities include managing stakeholder expectations, building a robust future pipeline, resolving service delivery issues promptly and having an entrepreneurial mindset along with strong relationship building skills. The candidate will oversee team performance, set goals, assess performance, provide feedback, ensure efficiency, adherence to protocols, and mentor team members for their professional development. Additionally, the role involves leveraging existing and emerging technologies to enhance processes and spearhead business transformation initiatives.

Technical Expertise: 
•    Build domain expertise in engagement support processes, coordinating across diverse customers and geographies.
•    Develop knowledge of EY Global / US SEC independence policies to support various audit client types.
•    Understand EY & Regulator's audit client definitions and associated restrictions.
•    Be abreast on any potential policy/regulatory changes and ability to interpret impact on process to be prepared and implement changes.
•    Build strong credibility by sharing insights, demonstrating business and technical acumen while engaging in relevant discussions with diverse customer groups and stakeholders across various EY geographies.
•    Actively manage client’s expectation through setting up a robust client management framework
•    Address & resolve service delivery issues / escalations and ensure robust governance over operating and quality assurance model.
•    Seek opportunities for continuous improvement, and innovation in service offerings including AI driven automation and digital tools. 
•    Embrace feedback from internal teams or stakeholders to enhance the execution of quality assignments.
•    Implement quality assurance protocols to maintain high standards in all outputs and deliverables.
•    Evaluate complex data and potential impacts to make timely, informed decisions, and include stakeholders for collaborative and transparent decision-making when needed.

Client Management:
·    Actively engage and develop trusted relationships with Global Independence and other stakeholder groups to implement process changes, enhancements and improvements.
·    Demonstrate client centricity by listening to and accurately capturing expectations and concerns and implementing changes to drive effectiveness and satisfaction.
·    Develop effective conflict resolution and escalation management strategies to address and resolve any issues or escalations promptly and professionally
·    Must be clear and concise while communicating with the stakeholder groups.
·    Meet and exceed agreed team level Service Level Agreements (SLAs).

Operations Management

•    Drive a zero-surprise delivery model, by utilizing appropriate data modelling and analysis tools and techniques. 
•    Lead multiple assignments, including strategic initiatives, planning, demand forecasting, and delivery of exceptional client service.
•    Contribute towards and lead major Service Function/Sub Service Function strategic priorities.
•    Adoption of AI and emerging technologies to optimize workflows and improve decision-making.
•    Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure high standards of service delivery.
•    Collaborate with Global Independence on strategic priorities, design and onboard processes, assess resourcing requirements and create SLAs to measure success of the process.
•    Manage customer outreach and identify business development opportunities to enhance service coverage

People Management:

•    Will be handling a team of approx. 20-50 team members.
•    Responsible for team performance along with his/her defined individual KPI for the role.
•    Responsible for hiring, talent and location expansion decisions.
•    Develop and implement performance management systems that supports setting goals, performance monitoring, accountability, and continuous improvement.
•    Build relationship across other service and sub service lines and seek opportunities to work together. 
•    Maintain open and transparent communication channels with team members to ensure clarity of expectations and foster a collaborative environment.
•    Address and resolve any team conflicts or issues promptly and effectively, maintaining a positive and productive work environment.
•    Foster a culture of engagement by recognizing and rewarding team members' contributions and encouraging their participation in decision-making processes.
•    Nurture the professional growth and development of team members through effective mentoring and identification of any training, skill development needs.
•    Create succession planning for critical and key roles and individuals and ensure business continuity.
•    Promote a healthy work-life balance by encouraging flexible working arrangements and supporting team members' well-being.
•    Champion diversity and inclusion initiatives to create a respectful and inclusive workplace where all team members feel valued
•    Ensure that individual goals are aligned with the overall objectives of the organization, fostering a sense of purpose and direction.

Skills and attributes for success
•    Must display executive presence and leadership skills to lead a team.
•    Global mindset and business acumen to help build client trust and value.
•    Must possess a collaborative, client- centric and enablement mindset.
•    Demonstrate strong problem-solving, critical-thinking and quick decision-making abilities to navigate complex situations.
•    Drive the team to consistently achieve and exceed team-level KPIs by fostering a high-performance culture, setting clear expectations and providing the necessary support and resources. 
•    Foster a diverse and inclusive team environment where all members feel valued and included. Spearhead business transformation initiatives by leveraging AI, automation, and emerging technologies to enhance efficiency and client enablement.
•    Uphold and drive the highest standards of ethics, integrity, and values
•    Participate in business resilience strategies including business continuity and impact analysis.
•    Be adaptable and agile in dynamic situations, driving change management.
•    Exhibit an innovative mindset with proficiency in using current technologies and a willingness to adapt to new digital tools to enhance efficiency.
•    Commit to continuous learning and professional development to stay updated with industry trends and best practices.

To qualify for the role, you must have
•    Masters/post-graduate degree (preferably in Finance) from a reputed institute.  
•    At least 10-12 years of professional experience, out of which minimum 5 years’ experience should have:
o    Compliance or secondary research functions in Big 4 or other professional service organizations
o    Managing reasonably mid-size teams (20 – 40 team members) 
o    Experience in Risk Management/Independence would be preferred
•    Proven expertise in stakeholder management, delivery excellence, and maintaining financial discipline.
•    Well-developed analytical, interpersonal, and communication (both verbal and written) skills in English
•    Good understanding of type of company structures, Ownership structures, audit and risk management concepts.
•    Good sector knowledge and understanding around various risk and Independence related trends and market dynamics will be an added advantage. 

Technologies and Tools 
•    Expert in MS Office (Outlook, MS Word, MS Excel, SharePoint etc.). Ability to independently create reports and deliver impactful presentations to larger executive groups, offering actionable insights.
•    Project management and Business analytics tool like Power-BI and experience in lean methodologies like Value stream mapping, 5S, Kanban, Kaizen would be preferred.
•    Knowledge of future technology- like Gen-AI.

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 which focuses on supporting its colleagues to excel in their respective domains and provides avenues to help acquire and demonstrate new skills.
•    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.

Work Location 
·    India (Kochi and Gurgaon)
·    Poland (Wroclaw)
·    Philippines (Manila)
·    Argentina (Buenos Aires) 

What we offer
EY Global Delivery Services (GDS) is a dynamic and truly global delivery network. We work across six locations – Argentina, China, 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. 

About EY
EY | Building a better working world

EY exists to build a better working world, helping to create long-term value for clients, people and society and build trust in the capital markets. 

 Enabled by data and technology, diverse EY teams in over 150 countries provide trust through assurance and help clients grow, transform and operate. 
 
Working across assurance, consulting, law, strategy, tax and transactions, EY teams ask better questions to find new answers for the complex issues facing our world today.

If you can demonstrate that you meet the criteria above, please contact us as soon as possible.

The exceptional EY experience. It’s yours to build.