Description:

Role Overview:

The Risk Management Manager - Independence will lead the Independence function, ensuring compliance with professional standards, regulatory requirements, and firm policies. This role is responsible for managing day-to-day independence operations, overseeing complex independence assessments, supporting firm combinations, and acting as a key liaison with U.S. based Risk Management leadership and global member firms.

Key Responsibilities:

Independence Operations & Oversight

- Lead the Independence team by managing daily workflows, setting clear expectations, and ensuring high-quality, timely delivery of independence assessments.

- Oversee the BTI database, ensuring accurate and timely completion of all incoming and outgoing independence checks with global Baker Tilly member firms.

- Maintain and continuously enhance the restricted entity list, ensuring ongoing accuracy and regulatory compliance.

Independence Reviews & Risk Assessment

- Review and evaluate complex independence checks, identifying potential independence risks and determining appropriate mitigation or resolution actions.

- Conduct advanced research on entities to validate client matches and support accurate independence evaluations.

- Escalate identified independence risks and collaborate closely with U.S.-based principals and member firm partners to resolve issues efficiently and appropriately.

Firm Combinations & Strategic Initiatives

- Lead independence workstreams related to firm combinations, mergers, and acquisitions, including:

a. Vetting client and vendor lists

b. Facilitating BTI independence checks

c. Supporting data extraction, validation, and analysis

- Ensure independence considerations are proactively addressed during strategic transactions and integrations.

Stakeholder Management & Communication

- Serve as a primary liaison with U.S. Risk Management, ensuring clear communication, timely updates, and proactive issue resolution.

- Coordinate with global member firms to address cross-border independence matters and ensure alignment with firm policies.

Team Leadership & Capability Development

- Develop team capability through coaching, mentoring, and quality reviews, strengthening both technical knowledge and operational effectiveness.

- Foster a culture of accountability, continuous learning, and high performance within the team.

Process Improvement & Controls

- Drive process improvement initiatives by identifying gaps, strengthening controls, and enhancing efficiency, consistency, and scalability across independence operations.

- Support the development and refinement of independence policies, procedures, and training materials.

Qualifications & Experience:

Education

- Bachelors degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, Law, or a related field (required)

Experience

- 8-12+ years of experience in independence, risk management, compliance, audit, or professional practice risk within a large accounting or professional services firm.

- Strong experience managing complex independence matters and working with global member firm networks.

- Prior experience leading teams and managing stakeholders across geographies is required.

Key Skills & Competencies

- Deep understanding of independence rules, professional standards, and regulatory requirements

- Strong analytical and research skills with excellent attention to detail

- Proven people leadership and stakeholder management capabilities

- Ability to assess risk, exercise sound judgment, and escalate issues appropriately

- Excellent written and verbal communication skills

- Process-oriented mindset with a focus on efficiency and quality