ME Independence - Senior Manager

PwC - United Arab Emirates; Dubai; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global professional services firm in Dubai is seeking a Senior Manager to oversee independence policies and compliance. The role includes conducting risk assessments, advising on service permissibility, and leading training initiatives. Ideal candidates will have over 7 years of experience, including 3 years in leadership, and professional qualifications such as CPA or ACCA. Strong communication and analytical skills are essential, along with a command of English and preferred Arabic proficiency.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7+ years of relevant experience, with 3+ years in a leadership role.
• Strong command of English; Arabic proficiency is an advantage.
• Experience in professional services, ideally within a Big 4 audit firm.

Responsibilities

• Perform detailed reviews on services and draft engagement letters for clients.
• Lead complex independence consultations and reviews.
• Enhance policies and procedures supporting independence monitoring.
• Design and deliver independence training across Lines of Service.
• Supervise regional independence reviews and evaluations.
• Embed independence awareness in business strategy.
• Oversee the preparation of regulatory reports and quality management submissions.
• Identify efficiency opportunities through process automation.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Understanding of global independence regulations

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Coaching capabilities

Education

Professional qualifications (e.g., CPA, ACCA, CA)

Job description

Established in the region for 40 years, PwC has around 12,000 people in 12 countries across the region: Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Oman, the Palestinian territories, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Our regional team operates across the Middle East bringing international experience delivered within the context of the region and its culture. We can bring the collective knowledge and experience of more than 370,000 people across the entire global PwC network in advisory, assurance and tax to help you find the value you are looking for.

A career in Middle East Independence offers a unique opportunity to drive integrity-led decision-making across PwC. As a Senior Manager, you will serve as a subject matter expert on SEC (US Securities and Exchange Commission) independence matters, taking a leadership role in upholding and advancing compliance with both external auditor independence regulations and PwC’s internal independence policies.

In this capacity, you will act as a trusted advisor to engagement teams, senior leadership, and key stakeholders guiding them to identify, assess, and mitigate independence risks while promoting a culture of transparency, objectivity, and trust across the firm.

Position Summary

As a Senior Manager, you will oversee the strategic execution of PwC’s independence policies and guidance across all Lines of Service. Your primary role will include review of non-assurance scope of services for audit clients subject to SEC (US Securities and Exchange Commission) independence rules and advising business teams on permissibility.

You will review, interpret and update independence policies to align with evolving regulatory requirements. Your role includes leading risk assessments, overseeing complex scope of service consultations, and ensuring consistency and efficiency in independence practices across the Middle East region.

You will collaborate closely with Partners and Directors to anticipate potential independence issues, develop practical solutions, and maintain a commercial yet compliant outlook. Additionally, you will mentor and coach team members, driving excellence in technical capability and professional judgment.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform detailed reviews on services and draft engagement letters proposed to clients subject to SEC independence rules.
• Lead complex independence consultations, reviews, and scope of service assessments.
• Oversee and enhance policies, procedures, and digital tools supporting independence monitoring.
• Drive the design and delivery of independence training across Lines of Service.
• Supervise regional independence reviews and scope of service permissibility evaluations that includes complex service offerings for SEC independence restricted clients.
• Partner with leadership to embed independence awareness in business strategy and client engagements.
• Provide oversight on the preparation of regulatory reports, communications, and quality management submissions.
• Identify efficiency opportunities through process automation and continuous improvement.

Skills and Attributes

• Proven ability to balance commercial needs with risk management/ independence requirements.
• Strong stakeholder management and leadership skills.
• Deep understanding of global independence regulations (IFAC, SEC, PCAOB, IESBA).
• Excellent analytical, communication, and coaching capabilities.
• Ability to work autonomously while providing strategic guidance to teams.
• Experience managing multidisciplinary and cross-border engagements.

Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum 7+ years of relevant experience, including 3+ years in a leadership role within Independence, Risk, or Regulatory Compliance.
• Professional qualifications (e.g., CPA, ACCA, CA, or equivalent) preferred.
• Strong command of English (Arabic proficiency is an advantage).
• Demonstrated experience in professional services, ideally within a Big 4 audit firms.

For further information, and to apply, please visit our website via the “Apply” button below.