Risk Management Associate Manager / Manager

KPMG Middle East; Riyadh; On-site; SAR 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

KPMG Middle East is seeking an Assistant Manager / Manager to support the Firm Independence function in Riyadh or Jeddah, advising partners and engagement teams on complex independence matters and regulatory requirements.

You will collaborate with Audit, Advisory, Tax and Legal teams on onboarding, conflicts, non-audit services, and policy development, delivering practical, risk-based solutions that protect the firm's independence and reputation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, accounting, finance or law or related field.
• Experience in Firm Independence, Risk Management, Professional Practice or Audit is preferred.
• CPA, ACCA, ACA or CA qualification is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Support audit client onboarding by performing independence assessments and identifying risks.
• Manage conflict of interest situations and advise engagement teams on compliant solutions.
• Assess non-audit service proposals for independence compliance and client needs.
• Collaborate with Advisory to refine engagement scopes and apply independence requirements.
• Review business relationships and arrangements for impact on independence.
• Provide practical, risk-based recommendations and apply professional judgment.
• Advise on interpretation of Firm Independence policies, IESBA, SOCPA standards.
• Draft and maintain independence guidance, policies and communications.
• Monitor regulatory developments and update internal guidance accordingly.
• Develop and deliver technical training to promote consistent independence practices.
• Drive process improvements and technology enhancements in Firm Independence.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Stakeholder management

Regulatory knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in business, Accounting, Finance, Law or a related field

Job description

Location: Riyadh or Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

About the Role:

Join our Firm Independence team and play a key role in supporting the firm's Risk Management function. As an Assistant Manager / Manager, you will advise partners and engagement teams on complex independence matters, helping the firm navigate regulatory requirements while enabling the delivery of high-quality client services.

This role offers exposure to a broad range of independence matters, including audit client onboarding, non-audit service assessments, business relationships, business conflicts and emerging regulatory developments. You will work closely with senior stakeholders across Audit, Advisory, Tax and Legal teams, applying sound professional judgment to complex scenarios and providing practical, commercially balanced solutions that protect the firm's independence and reputation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the onboarding of audit clients, primarily Public Interest Entities (PIEs), by performing independence assessments and identifying potential risks.
• Manage conflict of interest situations by identifying potential threats, evaluating appropriate safeguards, and advising engagement teams on compliant solutions.
• Assess the permissibility of proposed non-audit services in accordance with applicable independence requirements and work closely with engagement teams to identify compliant solutions that meet client needs while maintaining the firm's independence.
• Partner with Advisory teams to structure and refine engagement scopes, providing practical guidance on the application of independence requirements to enable service delivery where permissible.
• Review business relationships, strategic alliances, financial interests and other arrangements to assess their impact on the firm's independence.
• Identify, evaluate and resolve complex independence matters by applying sound professional judgment and providing practical, risk-based recommendations.
• Advise partners and engagement teams on the interpretation and application of Firm Independence policies, the IESBA Code of Ethics, SOCPA requirements and other applicable regulatory standards.
• Draft and maintain technical guidance, policies and communications relating to Firm Independence.
• Monitor regulatory developments and support the implementation of changes to independence policies, procedures and internal guidance.
• Develop and deliver technical training and awareness sessions to promote the consistent application of Firm Independence requirements across the firm.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives by enhancing Firm Independence processes, technology and automation.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in business, Accounting, Finance, Law or a related field.
• Previous experience within a Big Four firm is required.
• Strong knowledge of the IESBA Code of Ethics, SOCPA and audit independence requirements.
• Previous experience in Firm Independence, Risk Management, Professional Practice or Audit.
• Direct experience within a Firm Independence function is considered a strong advantage.
• Professional qualification such as CPA, ACCA, ACA or CA is preferred.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret technical standards and exercise sound professional judgment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to a broad range of stakeholders.
• Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to build trusted relationships across all levels of the firm.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver high-quality work in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in Arabic is considered an advantage.

Why Join Us?

• Work on high-profile engagements across a diverse portfolio of industries.
• Advise partners and senior leadership on complex independence and regulatory matters.
• Be part of a collaborative and technically strong team that supports strategic business decisions.
• Gain exposure to regional and cross-border engagements across the Middle East.
• Contribute to shaping the firm's Firm Independence framework through policy development, process improvements and technology initiatives.