EY Independence Compliance Audit Associate 

United States, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 

417433278

We are operating in an increasingly connected world which is changing how to manage risk. With fast-paced technology advancements, new innovations in emerging technologies, and an ever-challenging regulatory environment, it is business critical for our organization to identify not only the risks but the opportunities these present to us. As Independence Compliance Audit Associate, you'll be responsible for auditing the personal financial independence of EY personnel thereby helping to mitigate this area of risk for the firm.

This position requires a general understanding of audit principles; and is responsible for learning Quality and Risk Management (Q&RM) policies, determining required actions to standard situations and making recommendations based on firm guidance and professional standards. As the work product may be subject to review and scrutiny by outside regulators, you'll be responsible for reviewing and analyzing highly sensitive information and documenting the diligence with which tasks were performed and the conclusions reached.

• As Independence Compliance Associate you must be prepared to communicate with team members at all levels. Interaction with auditees of all ranks, up to and including partners, is a regular facet of the role. In addition, this position requires knowledge that has been expanded through exposure to diverse standard Q&RM situations and requires the ability to provide counsel or guidance on standard issues and contributes to discussions on highly complex matters that deviate substantially from the norm.
• This position works independently with periodic feedback, taking responsibility for audits conducting necessary research or auditee outreach. You'll be expected to be prepared to interface with EY personnel at all levels and must be able to demonstrate knowledge of area of operations and communicate processes, identifying issues and providing solutions for mitigating risk.
• The Independence Compliance Associate position requires independent decision-making skills in deciding whether investments are allowable or not. This position responds to or works on standard to highly complex non-standard matters that deviate substantially from the norm. You will gain the knowledge and experience to appropriately determine when to escalate issues that require additional review by more senior team members to obtain the correct answer or solution.
• This position requires judgment on initial or escalated audit matters and an understanding of key requirements of firm Independence policies and regulator's independence rules. You'll reference existing policies and knowledge and experience to review situations, investigate matters through consultation and through inquiry of the auditee and propose solutions to issues.

Your key responsibilities

• Understand and apply knowledge of key requirements of firm and regulators' independence rules and policies
• Perform audits of the personal financial information of EY personnel, including line partners and senior firm executives, using an established audit program for compliance with reporting requirements, EY policies and regulatory pronouncements with regard to personal financial independence of proscribed entities
• Review information provided by auditees including supporting documentation and information entered firm monitoring databases
• Conduct necessary research to resolve whether a personal financial relationship is permitted or prohibited
• Document work processes and findings appropriately
• Communicate effectively and appropriately with auditees to clarify and/or obtain additional information. Express needs clearly, provide guidance, answer questions, and listen to their needs/concerns
• Facilitate and drive the process to completion by following up on requests to auditees
• Propose suggestions and solutions for improvements and/or develop deliverables by leveraging audit knowledge, firm experience, and existing Q&RM processes
• Manage tasks and activities in a timely manner, support colleagues to meet their deadlines and responsible for specific outcomes
• Maintain and expand current knowledge of field and communicates new developments and resulting impacts to clients and team members
• Develop relationships and build a network of people within Q&RM and across the firm through regular interaction
• Monthly audit productivity requirements, contribute to additional projects to support the needs and goals of the team
• Exercise judgment in how to accomplish the objectives of designated projects or parts of projects
• Overtime will be required throughout the year and will vary based on volume of work in the pipeline

Skills and attributes for success

• Good interpersonal and responsive customer service skills
• Strong oral and written communications skills
• Able to develop a broad knowledge of the firm and its practices
• Able to successfully handle multiple tasks
• Good working knowledge of computers and common software packages
• Experience performing internal or external audits
• Organizational skills and attention to detail
• Problem solving and research skills
• Exercise high levels of discretion as entrusted with highly sensitive and confidential data

To qualify, you must have

• 1 to 3 plus years related work experience but will consider recent graduates as well

• Bachelor's degree; or equivalent work experience

What we look for

We’re interested in people that willtake responsibility for complex Risk Management/Independence projects or significant aspects of highly complex projects.

• 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.