Personal Independence Reporting Assessment Associate

Personal Independence Reporting Assistance, Associate

Risk Management supports our people in managing the risks that arise during our daily working lives. We work closely with all parts of the organization to identify, manage, and monitor risk, providing coordinated advice and assistance on independence, conflicts, compliance, regulatory, policy, security issues, as well as dealing with claims and any queries regarding ethics.

The opportunity 

We are operating in an increasingly connected world which is changing how to manage risk. With fast-paced technological advancements, new innovations in emerging technologies, and an ever-challenging regulatory environment, it is business critical for our organization to identify not only the risks but the opportunities these present to us.  As an Independence Associate, you'll be responsible for reviewing and conducting assessments of the personal financial independence of EY personnel thereby helping to mitigate this area of risk for the firm.

This position requires a general understanding of audit principles; and is responsible for learning Quality and Risk Management (Q&RM) policies, determining required actions in standard situations and making recommendations based on firm guidance and professional standards. As the work product may be subject to review and scrutiny by outside regulators, you'll be responsible for reviewing and analyzing highly sensitive information and documenting the diligence with which tasks were performed and the conclusions reached.

• As an Independence Associate you must be prepared to communicate with team members at all levels. Interaction with EY personnel of all ranks, up to and including partners, is a regular facet of the role. In addition, this position requires knowledge that has been expanded through exposure to diverse standard Q&RM situations and requires the ability to provide counsel or guidance on standard issues and contributes to discussions on highly complex matters that deviate substantially from the norm. 
• This position works independently with periodic feedback, taking responsibility for Independence related reviews/assessments and conducting necessary research or reviewee outreach. You'll be expected to be prepared to interface with EY personnel at all levels and must be able to demonstrate knowledge, communicate processes, identify issues and provide solutions for mitigating risk. 
• The Personal Independence Associate position requires independent decision-making skills in deciding whether investments are allowable or not. This position responds to or works on standard to highly complex non-standard matters that deviate substantially from the norm. You will gain the knowledge and experience to appropriately determine when to escalate issues that require additional review by more senior team members to obtain the correct answer or solution. 
• This position requires judgment on initial or escalated Personal Independence related matters and an understanding of key requirements of firm Independence policies and regulator's independence rules. You'll reference existing policies and knowledge and experience to review situations, investigate matters through consultation and through inquiry of the reviewee and propose solutions to issues.

Your key responsibilities

• Understand and apply knowledge of key requirements of firm and regulators' independence rules and policies
• Perform Independence related reviews of the personal financial information of EY personnel, including line partners and senior firm executives, using an established audit program for compliance with reporting requirements, EY policies and regulatory pronouncements regarding personal financial independence of proscribed entities
• Review information provided by reviewees including supporting documentation and information entered firm monitoring databases
• Conduct necessary research to resolve whether a personal financial relationship is permitted or prohibited
• Document work processes and findings appropriately
• Communicate effectively and appropriately with auditees to clarify and/or obtain additional information. Express needs clearly, provide guidance, answer questions, and listen to their needs/concerns
• Facilitate and drive the process to completion by following up on requests to reviewees
• Propose suggestions and solutions for improvements and/or develop deliverables by leveraging personal independence assessment knowledge, firm experience, and existing Q&RM processes
• Manage tasks and activities in a timely manner, support colleagues to meet their deadlines and be responsible for specific outcomes
• Maintain and expand current knowledge of field and communicate new developments and resulting impacts to clients and team members
• Develop relationships and build a network of people within Q&RM and across the firm through regular interaction
• Meet monthly productivity requirements in addition to contributing to additional projects to support the needs and goals of the team
• Exercise judgment in how to accomplish the objectives of designated projects or parts of projects
• Overtime will be required throughout the year and will vary based on volume of work in the pipeline

Skills and attributes for success

• Good interpersonal and responsive customer service skills
• Strong oral and written communications skills
• Able to develop a broad knowledge of the firm and its practices
• Able to successfully handle multiple tasks
• Good working knowledge of computers and common software packages
• Experience performing internal or external audits
• Organizational skills and attention to detail
• Problem solving and research skills
• Exercise high levels of discretion as entrusted with highly sensitive and confidential data
• Flexibility
• General knowledge of different financial relationships and investments
• Basic understanding of tax forms (i.e. Forms 1099-DIV, 1099-INT, 1099-R, Schedule K-1, etc.) and the financial relationships they represent

To qualify, you must have

• 0 to 3 plus years related work experience is preferred
• Bachelor's degree; or equivalent work experience

What we look for 

We’re interested in people that will take responsibility for complex Risk Management/Independence projects or significant aspects of highly complex projects.