Group Independence & Acceptance Officer

Forvis Mazars is a leader in audit, tax and advisory services, operating worldwide across 100+ countries and territories. Join our 40,000+ strong team to grow your career through global opportunities, diverse projects and continuous learning. Belong to a supportive environment where your unique perspective is valued and success comes from working together. Impact with your bold ideas and help drive us forward.

About the team

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

The appointee will be responsible for managing the day-to-day activities of the Independence and 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 (GIAC) committee, acceptance officers and risk managers from countries and be committed to providing an exceptional service.

Role & Responsibilities:

Operational excellence

• Review the acceptance group mailbox daily escalating more complex questions to the Independence and Acceptance Group manager
• Review acceptance cases submitted and escalate to GIAC members. Manage responses and report decisions taken to countries
• Prepare agenda for monthly GIAC meetings and take minutes of key matters discussed and decisions taken
• Coordinate the annual completeness audit ensuring that countries have complied with required GIAC approval procedures
• Supervise the following tasks performed by Independence and Acceptance Group administrator ensuring performed to high standard:
  • Country Acceptance Officers listing
  • Compilation of Restricted Client Listing
  • Annual Independence Declarations

Ensure on a recurring basis that controls identified as part of the International Standard on Quality Management 1 (ISQM 1) procedures operate effectively, liaising with internal audit and providing support for internal audit testing

Knowledge management

• Be primary source for updating acceptance content for Global Policy Manual and the Forvis Mazars’ Code of Conduct for Objectivity and Independence (CCOI),
• Prepare quarterly Independence and Acceptance Group newsletters for review
• Prepare source material for training sessions/webinars and be part of the presentation team
• Update annually the independence declaration forms which are issued to countries
• Update annually the acceptance questionnaire issued to countries
• Maintain up to date guidance on sanctions including current lists of sanctioned entities

Continuous improvement

• Identify opportunities for automating the acceptance processes and questionnaires

• 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

We offer:

• 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 Independence and Acceptance Group processes
• Contact with senior partners and decision makers in the Forvis Mazars Group