Senior - Acceptance & Independence

Forvis Mazars

Forvis Mazars is an international network firm operating in the field of audit and consulting services in 100+ countries with 40.000+ staff. Forvis Mazars, a network composed of two firms, Forvis Mazars LLP in the US and Forvis Mazars Group in the rest of the world, is the sole integrated player in the audit and accounting profession, serving large corporations as well as prominent mid-size clients worldwide. Forvis Mazars differentiates itself through its unique organization and its innovative people strategy.

About the team

Our Acceptance Group team is responsible for setting group policies for acceptance and continuance of client relationships, independence and ethics. The group is committed to implementing and monitoring robust processes which contribute to the sustainable growth of Forvis Mazars, while minimising reputational risk faced and ensuring compliance with all relevant professional standards and regulatory requirements relating to independence and ethical behaviour. The team works closely with acceptance and risk management teams in over 100 countries and with other members of Forvis Mazars Group Quality & Risk Management teams.

About the role

Our Acceptance Group team is looking to hire a Senior Acceptance & Independence Officer. This is a Global role and as such can be based out of the UK or France.

The appointee will be responsible for managing the day to day-to-day activities of Acceptance Group reporting directly to the manager and director in charge of the group. You will work closely with partners who are members of the Group Acceptance & Independence committee, acceptance officers and risk managers from countries and be committed to providing an exceptional service.

Role & Responsibilities:

• Review the acceptance group mailbox daily  escalating more complex questions  to manager of Acceptance Group.
• Prepare source material for training sessions/webinars and be part of the presentation team
• Supervise the following tasks performed by Acceptance Group administrator ensuring performed to high standard:
  • Country Acceptance Officers listing
  • Compilation of Restricted Client Listing
  • Annual Independence Declarations and SEC Independence Declarations
• Review acceptance cases submitted  and escalate to GIAC members. Manage responses and report decisions taken to countries
• Coordinate the annual completeness audit ensuring that countries have complied with required GIAC approval procedures
• Maintain up to date guidance on sanctions including current lists of sanctioned entities
• Be primary source for updating acceptance content for Global Policy Manual and the Forvis Mazars’ Code of Conduct for Objectivity and Independence (CCOI),
• Prepare agenda for monthly GIAC meetings and take minutes of key matters discussed and decisions taken
• Prepare quarterly newsletters from Acceptance Group for review
• Ensure on recurring basis that controls identified as part of the International Standard on Quality Management 1 (ISQM 1) procedures are operating effectively liaising with internal audit and providing support for internal audit testing
• Update on annual basis the independence declaration forms which are issued to countries
• Update on annual basis the acceptance questionnaire issued to countries
• Review opportunities for automating the acceptance questionnaire
• Participate in key projects launched by Acceptance Group

• University/College Graduate
• Up to 2-3 years experience with knowledge of Acceptance & Independence issues in professional or financial services firms
• Ability to work independently and exercise sound independent judgment including knowing when to escalate concerns. 
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Fluent in English both written and verbal, and other language will be an advantage
• Ability to prioritise and organise work, with strong attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office  tools
• Ability to work on multiple projects
• Flexible: easily adapt to a fast-growing Group
• Organized and proactive with problem solver/innovation attitude

• 100% international environment (contact with approx. 100 countries)
• Opportunity to use your experience talents within the technical functions at group level.
• Great variety of assignments in fast moving environment
• Opportunity to participate in the further automation of existing Acceptance Group processes
• Contact with senior partners and decision makers in the Forvis Mazars Group