Manager, Risk Independence

Role summary

KPMG in Canada is looking for a Manager, Risk Independence in Kingston, Ontario. This role sits within the Independence Group, whose mandate is to help the firm and its people meet professional, regulatory, and global/local independence requirements. The position works closely with partners and staff across service lines on how independence standards and policies should be applied, including requirements under the SEC, PCAOB, CPA Code of Professional Conduct, and the IESBA Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants.

What you'll do

• Use specialized knowledge of Canadian, SEC, PCAOB, and IESBA auditor independence rules, along with KPMG Global and local independence policies, to advise engagement teams.
• Support the planning and rollout of a review-and-approval process used to determine whether services can be provided to audit clients.
• Research, analyze, and apply sound judgment to assess the firm’s independence posture and relationships with current and prospective audit clients.
• Advise partners and teams across Canada on independence matters related to the firm’s audit and risk obligations.
• Guide engagement teams through client acceptance and other required independence clearance steps.
• Help improve independence policies, procedures, tools, and internal risk systems so they stay aligned with KPMG Global and local requirements and reflect better practices.
• Champion audit quality, risk management, and compliance with independence procedures across the organization.
• Contribute to technical updates, guidance notes, training resources, and similar materials for distribution across the firm.
• Lead and oversee team members handling independence requests and related assignments.
• Manage both one-time and ongoing projects while identifying opportunities to improve processes.

Work expectations

The role may occasionally require work beyond the standard workday or workweek when business demands require it. At the same time, the organization recognizes the importance of flexibility for personal commitments.

What you bring

• At least five years of client service experience in an independence, audit, or risk management role within a professional services firm or a similar environment.
• A CPA designation or another relevant risk-related qualification.
• Strong attention to detail, self-direction, diligence, and the ability to respond quickly and professionally to inquiries.
• Well-developed research, reasoning, and problem-solving abilities, including the capacity to apply principles to unusual or unfamiliar situations.
• A proactive approach with strong organizational skills.
• Experience handling complex questions, conducting research, analyzing information, spotting issues, drawing conclusions, and documenting the supporting rationale.
• Excellent prioritization and time management skills, plus the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Strong business writing and communication skills with a high degree of accuracy and polish in deliverables.
• Confidence working in deadline-driven settings, including interactions with senior executives and difficult situations.
• Leadership and relationship-building capability, with a coaching mindset and the ability to earn trust and drive team outcomes.
• Discretion when dealing with sensitive and confidential information.
• Fluency in written and spoken English is required.

Compensation

The anticipated base pay for this role is $74,000 to $111,000, with potential eligibility for bonus awards. Placement within the range depends on the candidate’s location, skills, competencies, and overall qualifications. A comprehensive and competitive total rewards program is also offered.

Pay range information

The stated base salary range applies to both the Ontario region and the BC region.

Values and culture

KPMG’s values emphasize integrity, continuous learning, courage, respect for differences, and doing what matters. The firm is committed to an inclusive, barrier-free workplace where all employees can contribute fully and be supported to succeed.

Accommodation and recruitment support

KPMG provides adjustments and accommodations throughout the hiring process so candidates can participate comfortably and perform at their best. Support may include extra preparation time, micro breaks during interviews, accessible communication tools, or other role-appropriate assistance. Requests can be made at any point during recruitment. Candidates needing support can contact KPMG’s Employee Relations Service team at 1-888-466-4778.

AI in hiring

KPMG uses artificial intelligence to improve the candidate experience and make parts of recruitment more efficient, such as organizing applications or highlighting relevant qualifications. AI is not used to make hiring decisions; those decisions are made by trained hiring managers and recruitment professionals. The AI tools used in recruitment are reviewed through risk assessments that address security and privacy and align with KPMG’s Trusted AI framework. The firm’s approach is that technology should support human judgment rather than replace it.