Risk Management Associate Manager / Manager - Firm Independence

Role Overview

As a vital member of the Firm Independence team based in Riyadh or Jeddah, you will play a critical role in supporting the company's Risk Management functions. Your role involves providing expert advice to partners and engagement teams on complex independence-related matters, ensuring compliance with regulatory obligations while facilitating high-quality client service delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct independence assessments during audit client onboarding, focusing primarily on Public Interest Entities (PIEs) to identify and manage potential risks.
• Address conflict of interest scenarios by recognizing threats, assessing suitable safeguards, and guiding engagement teams toward compliant resolutions.
• Evaluate proposed non-audit services for compliance with independence standards, collaborating closely with teams to develop client-satisfactory and compliant solutions.
• Partner with Advisory teams to define and adjust engagement scopes while applying independence rules to support permissible service delivery.
• Review and assess business relationships, strategic alliances, financial interests, and other arrangements for their influence on the firm's independence.
• Resolve complex independence challenges through professional judgment and risk-centered recommendations.
• Offer advisory support on Firm Independence policies, the IESBA Code of Ethics, SOCPA requirements, and other regulations to partners and teams.
• Prepare and maintain technical documentation, policies, and communication related to Firm Independence.
• Stay abreast of regulatory changes and support updating of independence-related policies, procedures, and guidance.
• Develop and conduct training and awareness programs to ensure consistent application of independence requirements across the firm.
• Lead initiatives aimed at continuous process, technological, and automation improvements within Firm Independence.

Experience & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Accounting, Finance, Law, or a related field.
• Prior experience in a Big Four accounting firm is mandatory.
• Deep understanding of the IESBA Code of Ethics, SOCPA regulations, and audit independence criteria.
• Background in Firm Independence, Risk Management, Professional Practice, or Audit functions.
• Direct experience working within a dedicated Firm Independence team is highly valued.
• Professional certifications such as CPA, ACCA, ACA, or CA preferred.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with capacity to interpret technical standards and exercise sound judgment.
• Excellent communication skills for explaining technical subjects clearly to diverse stakeholders.
• Solid stakeholder management skills to build trusted relationships at all corporate levels.
• Ability to handle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while maintaining high work quality.
• Arabic language skills are considered an advantage.

Benefits of Joining

• Engage with high-profile projects across various industries.
• Advise senior leadership on complex independence and regulatory matters.
• Collaborate within a technically proficient and supportive team influencing strategic decisions.
• Gain exposure to regional and international engagements throughout the Middle East.
• Contribute to the development and enhancement of the firm's Firm Independence framework including policies, processes, and technologies.