Associate Director Independence Leader

Career Family Risk Management Services

Role Type Associate Director

Associate Director - Independence - Risk Management Services

This role requires the candidate to build and demonstrate an in-depth technical knowledge of Independence support processes which are developed globally in accordance with the EY Global (EYG) Independence policies aimed towards safeguarding EY as an Independent auditor. These processes are standardized in nature and are performed by the RMS teams on behalf of EY engagement teams. The candidate will be responsible for managing a team size of more than 100 team members and working in a culturally diverse teaming environment. The candidate will be responsible for coaching mentoring and providing thought leadership to a group of Supervisors Managers and Senior Managers in the team. The role involves active engagement with Global Independence process owners stakeholders and end-users across various countries and regions to maintain seamless delivery and process operations. The candidate is also expected to Actively contribute to firm-wide priorities and initiatives aiming to enhance the professional experience for all EY team members and build a better working world.

The opportunity

Risk Management Services (RMS) is an internal function within EY GDS (Global Delivery services) responsible for protecting the organization from the risks that may arise from its professional practice. We work closely with all parts of the organization to identify and manage risks providing coordinated advice and assistance on suite of services like Independence Conflicts Compliance regulatory policy and security issues as well as dealing with claims and queries regarding ethics. Formed in 2007 the RMS team is growing rapidly as a Center of Excellence for all standardized quality/compliance related activities.

This role will be part of the largest sub-service functions i.e. Independence within Risk Management Services (RMS) and is a senior leadership level position in the team.

• Auditor Independence is a regulatory requirement that aims to create an arms length distance between the Accounting Firm its client serving employees and EYs audit clients. This is done to ensure that that EY Member Practices and their professionals should be (in fact) and should appear to be (in appearance) free from interests that might be regarded as being incompatible with objectivity integrity and impartiality of the audit.
• RMS Independence team is currently 1000 people strong operating from 3 countries and 5 centres: India (Gurugram Kochi Bengaluru) Poland (Wroclaw) Philippines (Manila). The team is closely integrated with Global Independence and has been involved in development of key Independence processes.
• The role offers opportunities to work in a dynamic growth-focused environment with a special emphasis on protecting EYs reputation as an independent auditor by providing support on niche profiles to EY member firm practices. It also involves close collaboration with global teams and stakeholders to strengthen the compliance framework and foster a mindset of continuous improvement and client enablement.

Your key responsibilities

The Associate Director will spearhead end-to-end service delivery ensuring seamless team and process this role you will lead a strong team of professionals dedicated to providing a high-quality delivery experience for our internal EY clients and end-users thereby enabling effective compliance with Independence-related risks and requirements. Your expertise in Independence concepts tools and databases will be crucial for clear communication with stakeholders and for providing technical guidance to your team. As a transformative leader you will act as a catalyst for change within the service function driving innovation and technological advancements. Your strategic vision will be instrumental in shaping the teams future direction nurturing a culture of continuous improvement and embedding leading-edge practices. Additionally you will champion new ideas build robust networks and relationships and engage in succession planning to prepare the organization for future leadership. Listed below are the details of the job responsibilities:

Technical Expertise:

• Expertise and Understanding of Independence Processes: Build and demonstrate a good understanding of various Independence support processes terms concepts and policies.
• Effective Management: Ensure seamless delivery of support services meeting performance objectives and metrics.
• Continuous Improvement: Promote adoption of AI-driven tools and emerging technologies to strengthen data integrity accelerate processes streamline workflows and improve overall process efficiency.
• Feedback Integration: Embrace feedback to enhance service delivery effectiveness.
• Quality Assurance: Implement protocols to maintain high standards in all outputs and deliverables.
• Compliance Monitoring: Oversee independence compliance identify areas for improvement and implement corrective actions.
• Training Needs: Frequently assess and address training needs to enhance team knowledge

Client Management:

• Stakeholder Relationships: Manage relationships with senior stakeholders across global locational and functional leadership.
• Primary Contact: Serve as the main point of contact for Global and Regional Leaders providing inputs on delivery and process-related matters.
• Collaboration: Develop and maintain strong working relationships with Audit engagement and other GDS teams.
• Trusted Advisor: Actively engage and build trusted relationships with stakeholder groups by demonstrating exceptional judgment in complex independence-related decisions ensuring compliance and enabling business agility.
• Clear Communication: Ensure clear and concise communication with stakeholder groups.
• Strategic Initiatives: Partner with Global Independence to co-lead strategic initiatives ensuring that process enhancements and technology initiatives deliver measurable value to engagement teams and global stakeholders.

Operations Management

• Budget and Financial Planning: Ensure financial targets and SLAs are met through effective planning and resource allocation.
• Zero-Surprise Delivery Model: Utilize data modelling and analysis tools to maintain consistent and reliable service delivery.
• Go-to-Market Strategy: Develop and execute strategies to drive business development and market penetration and adjust tactics based on performance3.
• Forecasting Initiatives: Accurately predict business trends resource needs and financial performance to plan for future growth.
• Strategic Priorities: Lead key service function and global priorities to align with organizational goals

People Management:

• Oversee a global team of 80-100 members ensuring high performance engagement and professional development. Implement effective people management strategies that align with organizational goals and foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
• Coordinate with team managers across all locations to ensure consistency in our operate and delivery model and standards across all locations.
• Conduct regular performance evaluations provide constructive feedback and support career advancement opportunities.
• Develop and maintain a robust talent pipeline through strategic hiring training programs and succession planning.
• Champion diversity and inclusion initiatives ensuring a respectful and supportive workplace.
• Manage and resolve interpersonal or professional conflicts promptly and effectively.
• Provide leadership and guidance to direct reports including coaching and mentoring.
• Ensure the team is equipped with necessary tools resources and training.
• Plan and oversee team-building activities to enhance cohesion and morale.
• Stay attuned to individual aspirations and career paths offering opportunities for skill enhancement and leadership development

Skills and attributes for success

• Leadership and Organizational Skills: Inspire and motivate a large diverse team.
• Strategic Vision: Anticipate industry trends and adapt strategies accordingly.
• Business Acumen: Understand global markets to drive growth and operational excellence.
• Problem-Solving: Deliver practical and innovative solutions.
• Emotional Intelligence: Navigate complex interpersonal dynamics and build consensus.
• Communication: Articulate complex concepts clearly and persuasively.
• Resilience: Adapt to challenges and maintain a positive attitude.
• Continuous Learning: Commit to professional development for self and team.
• Collaboration: Foster a culture of teamwork and shared success.
• Integrity: Ensure compliance with independence policies and regulatory standards

To qualify for the role you must have

• A masters or post-graduate degree from a reputed institute.
• At least 12-14 years of professional experience including:
• Minimum 5 years in compliance or research functions in Big 4 or other professional service organizations
• Managing large teams (80 100 team members)
• Experience in managing global Teams
• Experience in Risk Management/Independence would be preferred
• Prior experience or knowledge of SQM requirements and applicability

Proven ability to develop and execute Go-to-Market strategies.

• Strong people management skills including talent development and performance management.
• Excellent analytical forecasting and decision-making skills.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience in change management and leading organizational transformations.
• Deep understanding of industry regulations and compliance.
• Strategic thinking and results-oriented mindset.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities.

Technologies and Tools

• Familiarity with Scrum and agile frameworks and any project management certifications such as PMP Prince 2 or Agile/Scrum will be an added advantage.
• Basic data analytics / visualization skillset (Tableau/ PowerBI) will be an added advantage.
• Knowledge and inclination to implement future and upcoming technologies such as AI GenAI etc.

What we offer

EY Global Delivery Services (GDS) is a dynamic and truly global delivery network. We work across six locations Argentina China India the Philippines Poland and the UK and with teams from all EY service lines geographies and sectors playing a vital role in the delivery of the EY growth strategy. From accountants to coders to advisory consultants we offer a wide variety of fulfilling career opportunities that span all business GDS you will collaborate with EY teams on exciting projects and work with well-known brands from across the globe. Well introduce you to an ever-expanding ecosystem of people learning skills and insights that will stay with you throughout your career.

• Continuous learning: Youll develop the mindset and skills to navigate whatever comes next.
• Success as defined by you: Well provide the tools and flexibility so you can make a meaningful impact your way.
• Transformative leadership: Well give you the insights coaching and confidence to be the leader the world needs.
• Diverse and inclusive culture: Youll be embraced for who you are and empowered to use your voice to help others find theirs.