At EY, you’ll have the chance to build a career as unique as you are, with the global scale, support, inclusive culture and technology to become the best version of you. And we’re counting on your unique voice and perspective to help EY become even better, too. Join us and build an exceptional experience for yourself, and a better working world for all. 

 

 

 

 

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 an objective of 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 procedures as laid down in the EYG Independence policies along with attaining hands-on experience in research/analysis and making updates to various EY tools and databases, thereby helping client serving/audit 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

Demonstrate 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. Sound knowledge of flow of ownership to distinguish between the Asset Management and a private equity structure like fund’s investments as sub funds or portfolio companies. Ability to comprehend the relationship and linkages between different parties with ownership from multiple parents to have correct scope of services being offered under the independence rules. Perform and review the reconciliation, research and recommendations drafted as part of the procedures by Associate analysts/ analysts within the team. Perform and review secondary research performed by Associate analysts/analysts within the team on Capital IQ, FACTIVA, company filings, information available on SEC filings to identify the hierarchy and type of ownership flow. Develop technical expertise of Independence processes to assume subject matter expert responsibilities. Working knowledge of EY’s internal Independence and Finance tools and systems. Ability to comprehend interdependencies between systems to identify and fix discrepancies and bringing information in sync. Build strong credibility by sharing insights and technical acumen, while engaging in relevant discussions with internal and external stakeholders. Lead knowledge calibration sessions addressing process related questions from team members. Consistently assess current processes and suggest innovative solutions or ideas to enhance efficiency and drive improvements. Understand and work towards meeting and exceeding the defined individual and team KPIs for the role.

Client/Stakeholder Management 

Stay connected with the client serving/audit teams during project/request lifecycle.  Organize and lead calls and share regular status updates, address queries, perform follow ups and gather accurate information for timely system updates.  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. 

 

Teaming and Collaboration

Perform detailed reviews and provide feedback to Associate analysts/Analysts on projects/requests reviewed to drive highest delivery standards. Monitor and manage team performance by evaluating individuals against defined KPI’s and offering constructive feedback. Mentor team members by offering on-the-job coaching and knowledge sharing to foster career advancement and help identify learning opportunities to fill 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.  Foster a diverse and inclusive team environment where all members feel valued and included. Uphold the highest standards of ethics, integrity, and values. Must 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 in Finance Domain from a reputed institute.   3 - 5 years of experience in 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, awareness of auditor Independence and basic risk management concepts. Sound Knowledge of financial terminologies such as mutual funds, Broker Dealers, Investment Advisers, institutional investors, blocker companies, portfolio companies, Voting rights, Board representation and databases such as Capital-IQ , FACTIVA. Basic sector knowledge of Wealth and Asset Management and Private Equity complex would be an added advantage

 

Technologies and Tools 

Experience in MS office suites like Microsoft 365, MS excel, PowerPoint 

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, 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.   

 

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.

 

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