UK Independence Team - Risk Management - Independence Manager - Personal Independence

EY; Leeds; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A global professional services firm is seeking an Independence Manager for their Personal Independence team based in Leeds. This position entails ensuring compliance with Independence policies and responding to regulatory requests. Applicants should have significant experience in risk management and team leadership. The role offers an opportunity to work in a dynamic environment with a focus on maintaining the firm's standards. Opportunities for career development and a competitive remuneration package are included.

Benefits

Competitive remuneration package

Support for flexible working

Career development opportunities

Discounts, offers, and promotions

Qualifications

• Working knowledge and experience as an Independence professional, ideally at Manager rank.
• Experience in managing a team with the ability to lead, coach, and guide junior team members.
• Strong project management skills to meet objectives under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Managing systems and procedures to ensure quality control.
• Responding to regulatory requests and preparing reports.
• Analyzing and resolving potential Independence breaches.

Skills

Independence knowledge

Team management

Project management

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Job description

At EY, we’re all in to shape your future with confidence.

We’ll help you succeed in a globally connected powerhouse of diverse teams and take your career wherever you want it to go.

Join EY and help to build a better working world.

UK Independence Team – Risk Management – Independence Manager (Personal Independence)

Within the professional services environment, appropriate risk management is fundamental to the successful delivery of our client services and promotion and protection of our brand. Within EY, the Risk Management (RM) group (which covers audit Independence, anti‑bribery, anti‑money laundering, data protection, enterprise and business risk, and other risk and regulatory areas), is responsible for the promotion, protection and support of risk management within the business. The group aims to uphold our business standards, maintain and enhance the value of the brand, and ensure that the firm complies with the rules and regulations imposed on it in relation to the conduct of its business.

The UK Independence Team forms part of the UK&I Risk Management Group (“RM”) which reports directly to senior management

The opportunity

Independence is an area of continued scrutiny by regulators and EY Risk Management now has a vacancy for a new Independence Manager within the Personal Independence area of the team.

This is a permanent, full‑time position based in London or Leeds.

The Personal Independence Team is responsible for supporting our partners and client‑facing professionals to ensure that their personal investments and relationships comply with the firm’s Independence policies and the rules and regulations imposed by external regulatory bodies such as the UK Financial Reporting Council, US Securities and Exchange Commission, The Irish Auditing & Accounting Supervisory Authority and the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants.

Your key responsibilities

Working alongside the existing Personal Independence Managers, your day‑to‑day role will include:

• Managing our systems, processes and procedures ensuring that we are meeting the requirements of our systems of quality control under ISQM1 and delivering quality at the highest levels

• Responding to regulatory requests and findings from practice reviews by preparing appropriate reports and action plans, followed by implementation of the proposed actions
• Analysing and resolving potential Independence breaches
• Handling a broad range of personal independence, investment product and pension consultations

• Working directly with new Partner level hires to ensure they are compliant with Independence requirements prior to joining the firm

• Supporting Independence Partners and Directors on Independence related activities
• Liaising and collaborating with the other Managers and Senior Managers in Personal Independence as well as the broader Independence team to ensure compliance within relevant deadlines
• Setting clear targets and monitoring performance and progress against timetable. Managing and developing members of the personal independence team

To qualify for the role, you must

• Have working knowledge and experience as an Independence professional, ideally at Manager rank
• Have experience in managing a team with the ability to lead, coach and guide junior team members.

• Take a proactive and commercial approach to resolving complex and difficult independence challenges while ensuring compliance with the internal/external regulations

• Have strong project management skills and proficiency at driving projects to a close working to pre‑determined deadlines and meeting objectives under pressure
• Be capable of using own initiative,
• Have excellent communication skills and be able to communicate effectively with colleagues at all levels particularly delivering sensitive messages to senior leaders within the firm
• Have strong analytical and interpretation skills, with an ability to think strategically and handle complex concepts
• Be adaptable and flexible with a desire to provide exceptional support

Ideally, you’ll also have:

• A strong working knowledge of the concept of Ethics and Independence, in particular under the UK FRC Ethical Standard, IESBA Code of Ethics and US SEC regulations (not essential).
• An understanding of working in a Risk Management environment.

Applications from Independence professionals will be prioritised, however, we will also consider applicants with wider risk management experience, if they are able to demonstrate sufficient transferable skills and a desire to form a career within Independence.

What we offer

We offer a competitive remuneration package where you’ll be rewarded for your individual and team performance. Our comprehensive Total Rewards package includes support for flexible working and career development, and with FlexEY you can select benefits that suit your needs, covering holidays, health and well‑being, insurance, savings and a wide range of discounts, offers and promotions. Plus, we offer:

• 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.

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.

Apply now.

EY | Building a better working world

EY is building a better working world by creating new value for clients, people, society and the planet, while building trust in capital markets.

Enabled by data, AI and advanced technology, EY teams help clients shape the future with confidence and develop answers for the most pressing issues of today and tomorrow.

EY teams work across a full spectrum of services in assurance, consulting, tax, strategy and transactions. Fueled by sector insights, a globally connected, multi‑disciplinary network and diverse ecosystem partners, EY teams can provide services in more than 150 countries and territories.