UK Independence Team - Risk Management - Independence Associate (Personal Independence)

Within the professional services environment, appropriate risk management is fundamental to the successful delivery of our client services and promotion and protection of our brand. Within EY, the Risk Management (RM) group (which covers audit Independence, anti-bribery, anti-money laundering, data protection, enterprise and business risk, and other risk and regulatory areas), is responsible for the promotion, protection and support of risk management within the business. The group aims to uphold our business standards, maintain and enhance the value of the brand, and ensure that the firm complies with the rules and regulations imposed on it in relation to the conduct of its business.

The UK Independence Team forms part of the UK Risk Management Group (RM") which reports directly to senior management.

Job Summary:

The Personal Independence Team is responsible for supporting EY Partners and client facing professionals to ensure that their personal investments and relationships comply with EY's Independence policies, and the rules and regulations imposed by external regulatory bodies such as the UK Financial Reporting Council (FRC), US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA).

The Personal Independence Team is an experienced and well-established function, currently based in London. However, due to the continued growth of the firm the team is significantly expanding. This provides a very exciting opportunity to be part of a new function based in Belfast, that will enhance the overall UK Independence support provided to the business.

Due to the expansion of the UK Independence team, we are recruiting for several Associate roles within the Personal Independence area of the team.

The roles are permanent, full-time positions, based in Belfast, and some travel to London may be required. Prior Independence experience is desirable but not essential.

The Personal Independence Associates will report into the Personal Independence Manager in Belfast and the Senior Management in the existing team based in London.

Your key responsibilities

• Analysing individuals' financial holdings and relationships to determine if they and EY are independent under the relevant EY internal policy and external regulations.
• Operating key processes set out by our Global firm and assessing the Independence impact of certain financial and other relationships with EY audit clients.
• Ensuring completion of mandatory independence tasks by EY Partners and employees.
• Providing support to the senior members of the team with preparation of guidance and learning updates.
• Collaborate with the existing London-based Personal Independence team and be focused on great teaming.
• Assist with the training of new joiners to the team on the Personal Independence systems and processes.

• Have excellent communication skills and the confidence to deliver messages to EY Partners and employees at all levels.
• Be capable of working using own initiative, with excellent organisational skills.
• Have strong analytical and interpretation skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Be adaptable and flexible with good team working skills.
• Work to pre-determined deadlines and meet objectives under pressure.
• Have a desire to provide exceptional support to our Partners and employees using empathy where required.
• Be highly motivated individuals with a desire to seek new ways of improving our services to internal clients and stakeholders.

• An awareness of basic investment products (including ISAs, Pensions and Investment accounts). This is advantageous but not essential.