Senior Manager, Assurance Quality Risk Management (AQRM) - Remote Eligible

The Office of Risk Management (ORM) supports the implementation of programs, policies, and practices to manage the risk of RSM Canada LLP. Audit Quality & Risk Management (AQRM) within ORM, is responsible for monitoring the firm’s audit practice by executing such activities as the monitoring of the firm’s System of Quality Management (CSQM 1), facilitating the inspection of the firm by its regulators (including CPA bodies and CPAB), the firm’s internal monitoring, and other ad hoc projects. AQRM works closely with the National Professional Standards Group (NPSG) in assisting in the creation and monitoring of policies, tools, guidance, and training.

Reporting directly to the Audit Quality and Risk Leader in Canada, the Senior Manager’s primary responsibilities relate to overseeing the System of Quality Management (SOQM) ongoing monitoring and annual evaluation, specifically, the design and operational effectiveness risk-based controls testing in the SOQM. This role will also have exposure to working with RSM US LLP for certain projects. Relocation is not required. We have cultivated a flexible work environment where team members can work in-office, hybrid, or fully remote.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and oversee monitoring related to the firm’s SOQM and its implementation of CSQM1/ISQM1. More specifically, This position will:

  • Guide the AQRM team in implementing a monitoring program in accordance with the Quality standards and best practices

  • Assess design adequacy assessments and performing operation effectiveness testing including scoping, testing strategies, and rotation of controls

  • Liase between with engagement level monitoring and assist the SOQM evaluation team in evaluating the firm’s SOQM

  • Evaluate how quality risks are mitigated through the control environment and determine improvements to operating controls
     

• Work closely with other members of AQRM and assist with the annual evaluation of the SOQM to determine if it is achieving its objectives while aligning to the Quality standards with continuous improvements

• Lead and contribute to the performance of Root Cause Analysis on audit quality issues identified through annual evaluation, regulatory reviews, internal monitoring, and other monitoring programs and activities of the firm while Execution of formal functional monitoring activities

• Prepare and present status updates for leadership, prepare communications for senior executives related to the monitoring of the firm’s SOQM

• Analyze, design and implement requirements in monitoring and evaluation processes for SOQM in accordance with the PCAOB QC1000, A Firm's System of Quality Control standard

• Manage the SOQM team and other members of AQRM and act as performance manager

• Assist with the inspection of the firm by its regulatory bodies, including but not limited to CPAB, PCAOB, CPA Provincial bodies, and CIRO. This will require assessing root causes of findings and proposing risk management/action plans in support for any necessary remediations of regulatory requirements

• Responsible for other various assignments that arise through incident response or the Global Executive Office and regulatory compliance

• Participate in various quality initiatives including coaching Engagement Leaders and Teams on selected audit quality topics to assist in improving quality objectives

• Develop and deliver continuing professional education courses

• Perform other monitoring and quality initiatives as directed by the Quality Control Inquiry Committee, NORM Leader, and/or Audit Quality and Risk Leader

• Perform other ad hoc projects, as required

• Occasional business travel within Canada will be required

• Bachelor’s degree

• Active CPA license in good standing in principal place of business

• A minimum of 8 years’ post-qualification experience

• Working knowledge of CAS, IFRS and ASPE

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively generate high quality deliverables

• Robust performance history and demonstration of excellence

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively with all levels, as well as independently

• Ability to adapt quickly to change in the firm and regulatory environment

• Ability to communicate information clearly and concisely, verbally, and orally to diverse audiences across the firm and external professional contacts

• Ability to develop and maintain applicable professional and internal contacts, resources, and networks

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion with respect to internal information

• Strong attention to detail and proofreading skills

• Effective leadership skills, including the ability to guide, mentor and develop team members

• Strong analytical, organizational, and planning skills for multiple and/ or complex projects

• CPAB, CPA Provincial Regulatory Body or PCAOB inspection experience

• Experience with audit tools such as CaseWare, Idea, Data Snipper, Alteryx, or other similar tools

• Experience performing testing of controls (e.g.  external audit, internal audit, ISQM/CSQM1, SOX etc.)

• Experience auditing internal controls in a large professional services firm or similar environment would be an asset

• Experience managing teams to deliver control testing plans to set deadlines and performing the role of detailed reviewer

• Ability to positively support, affect, and implement change under changing circumstances and driving business improvement

• Ability to supervise, direct, and review the results of monitoring results, inspections, projects, and assignments, as well as lead by understanding team dynamics

• Ability to lead by understanding team dynamics