UK Independence Team Risk Management Manager

Ernst & Young Advisory Services Sdn Bhd; Leeds; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A global professional services firm is looking for an Independence Manager (Assistant Director) based in Leeds. This full-time role entails overseeing compliance with Independence regulations, conducting regulatory inspections, preparing annual reports, and managing junior staff. Candidates should have significant experience in Risk Management functions and demonstrate strong analytical skills, communication, and organizational abilities. Enjoy a competitive remuneration package and career development opportunities in a diverse culture.

Benefits

Competitive remuneration package

Flexible working options

Career development support

Total Rewards package including health and well-being benefits

Qualifications

• Experience working in an Independence function.
• Working knowledge of the FRC Ethical Standard.
• Significant experience in a Risk Management function.

Responsibilities

• Execution of key Independence detect controls for compliance.
• Support regulatory inspections and oversight of Independence breaches.
• Preparation of reports and development of presentation materials.
• Maintain the UK Independence SharePoint site.
• Management of junior staff and contribution to quality improvement.

Skills

Proven ability in the design and development of internal controls

Strong analytical and interpretive skills

Excellent organisational skills

Adaptability and flexibility

Strong communication skills

Job description

Other locations: Primary Location Only

Date: 2 Feb 2026

Requisition ID: 1677305

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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 UK Risk Management group (which covers audit independence/ethics, conflicts, 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 external/internal rules and regulations imposed on the firm in relation to the conduct of its business.

The UK Independence Team forms part of the UK Risk Management Group which reports directly to senior leadership.

The opportunity

A vacancy exists for an Independence Manager (Assistant Director) within the regulatory, reporting and operations area of the UK Independence team.

The regulatory, reporting and operations sub function is responsible for oversight of the control environment that governs the UK Independence team. This includes supporting with ISQM documentation /implementation/reviews, internal audit reviews and external regulatory inspections (FRC/PCAOB). In addition, the sub function deals with process and resource optimisation across the UK Independence team providing a wide lens focus on improvement initiatives and data insights for monitoring and performance.

This is a permanent, full-time position based in Leeds.

Your Key Responsibility

The role is the following responsibilities:

• Execution of key Independence detect controls to ensure the firm’s ongoing compliance with Independence regulations.
• Support to the Independence Associate Director and Director, including:
  • Regulatory inspections (FRC and PCAOB).
  • Oversight of Independence breaches owned by the UK practice, ensuring timely logging of matters, completion of memos, and accurate recording within the Independence Consultation Database in preparation for regulatory reporting.
  • Preparation of a twice‑yearly UK Independence breach report for submission to the UK Independence Leader.
  • Development of presentation materials for Independence leadership.
• Support with the customisation of a UK Independence web‑based learning tool.
• Coordination of annual Independence processes, such as:
  • Providing feedback on EY Partners compliance with EY Independence Policy.
  • Preparing an annual report for EY Global on EY UK’s compliance with EY Global and UK Independence Policies.
• Maintenance of the UK Independence SharePoint site.
• Contribution to quality improvement initiatives - including data analytics, risk management, knowledge management, firmwide training, and communications.
• Creation of Independence analysis and management information (MI) reports for Independence leadership.
• Management of junior staff and offshore colleagues involved in associated projects.
• Acting as Counsellor to Independence Associates and Senior Associates.

Experience

• Experience working in an Independence function
• Working knowledge of the FRC Ethical Standard

Required

• Significant experience working in a Risk Management function e.g. AML/KYC, Conflicts
• Currently operating as a Manager or an experienced Senior Associate with the capability and readiness to step into a Manager role.

Skills

Candidates must demonstrate the following skills and experience:

• Proven ability in the design and development of internal controls and process documentation.
• Strong analytical and interpretive skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage and prioritise complex projects.
• Adaptability and flexibility, with strong teamwork capabilities and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to work to strict deadlines and meet objectives under pressure.
• Strategic thinking skills and the ability to interpret and communicate complex concepts.
• Proactive mindset with the ability to work independently and drive tasks forward.
• Experience managing, mentoring, or coaching junior team members.
• Strong communication skills, with the to engage effectively with colleagues at all levels, including delivering difficult messages to senior leaders.

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.

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