Audit Compliance Manager – Independence Manager

I’m working with a global professional services firm. They are looking for an audit manager to join a specialised team that provides compliance and regulatory advice to the business in like with accounting best practice. If you are working in an independence team at a smaller firm or even an audit manager at a big 4 firm looking for a new role, please contact me.
Overview of the Role & Team
• The role is newly created due to team expansion within the Global Independence Team
• The team acts as the head office for independence-related matters, supporting member firms globally.
• When independence teams at member firms have questions, they escalate them to the team for guidance.
• The position will manage two associates, providing oversight and coaching.

Key Responsibilities
• Independence Compliance & Advisory:
• Ensuring that policies and procedures are correctly interpreted and applied operationally.
• Advising on ISBA (IESBA) Code of Ethics, FRC rules, and other audit independence regulations.
• Assisting member firms in determining the permissibility of services and relationships under independence rules.
• Acting as a bridge between associates and senior leaders
• Entity Management System & New System Development:
• Familiarity with entity management systems, where all client relationships are recorded.
• The firm is developing a new services and authorisation system, which will interact directly with clients.
• The manager should ideally have experience working with such systems in a Big Four firm.
• Global Mailbox & Query Handling:
• The team manages a global mailbox where member firms send independence-related queries.
• Common queries include interpretation of the IESBA Code, specific entity management system issues, and questions on auditor-client relationships.
• While firms ultimately make their own decisions, the team provides guidance and best practices.
• Quality & Risk Management:
• Role involves aspects of audit technical advisory, quality management standards, and risk controls.

Ideal Candidate Profile
• Big Four experience is preferred, ideally within an independence compliance team.
• Technical knowledge of independence regulations (IESBA, FRC rules).
• Strong understanding of entity management systems and experience working with audit compliance tools.
• Previous management or coaching experience would be beneficial.
• Ability to translate policy and procedures into operational processes.
• Comfortable with stakeholder engagement and advisory work.
• Preference for someone who has worked on both operational and advisory independence matters.
• Ideally a chartered accountant.

Salary

£60,000 – £70,000

2 days a week in the central London office.

Please send your CV to me directly ne@barclaysimpson.com