Our client is a leading Top 10 audit and advisory firm known for its people‑centred culture, commitment to audit quality, and progressive approach to flexible working. With a strong UK presence and a growing global footprint, the firm supports a diverse portfolio of listed, regulated, privately owned businesses. Their Ethics & Independence function plays a critical role in safeguarding the firm’s reputation, ensuring compliance with professional standards, and supporting teams to deliver high‑quality, ethical work.
The Opportunity
The Ethics & Independence team is expanding and seeking talented professionals at Senior Executive and Manager level. These roles are ideal for individuals who enjoy navigating complex regulatory frameworks, advising senior stakeholders, and contributing to a culture of integrity across the firm.
You will work closely with Partners, Directors, and engagement teams, providing high‑quality guidance on ethical standards, independence requirements, and regulatory obligations. This is a high‑impact role with excellent visibility across the business.
Key Responsibilities
- Providing clear, timely, and commercially aware advice to Partners and engagement teams on Ethics and Independence matters, including the FRC Ethical Standard, ICAEW Code of Ethics, and relevant international standards.
- Reviewing and assessing potential threats to independence, including non‑audit services, business relationships, financial interests, and personal independence queries.
- Supporting the approval and monitoring of audit and non‑audit engagements, ensuring compliance with regulatory and internal policies.
- Conducting independence assessments for new clients, prospective engagements, and changes in scope.
- Preparing high‑quality documentation, analysis, and recommendations for senior stakeholders.
- Contributing to the development and enhancement of internal policies, processes, and training materials.
- Supporting internal and external regulatory inspections, including FRC, ICAEW, and internal quality reviews.
- Delivering training and awareness sessions to audit and non‑audit teams.
- Building strong relationships across service lines to promote a culture of ethical behaviour and high professional standards.
- (Manager level) Leading on more complex consultations, coaching junior team members, and contributing to strategic initiatives within the Ethics & Independence function.
Skills & Experience
Essential:
- Strong technical understanding of the FRC Ethical Standard, ICAEW Code of Ethics, and/or international independence standards.
- Experience in an ethics function within a professional services environment.
- Ability to interpret complex regulations and communicate them clearly to non‑specialists.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to assess risks, identify issues, and propose practical solutions.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with confidence advising senior stakeholders.
- High attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining the highest ethical standards.
- Right to work in the UK.
For Manager level:
- Demonstrable experience handling complex independence consultations.
- Ability to coach and mentor junior team members.
- Strong stakeholder management skills and experience influencing senior leaders.
- Experience contributing to policy development or regulatory responses is advantageous.
What’s on Offer
- Hybrid working with flexibility (typically one day per week in the London office).
- A supportive, collaborative culture with genuine commitment to professional development.
- Exposure to senior leadership
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- Clear progression pathways within the Ethics function.
Privacy Policy
CK Search Global carries out its business in strict accordance with our Privacy/GDPR policy which can be found at https://www.cksearchglobal.com/data-privacy-policy/ and by applying for this role you agree to our privacy policy.