Independence Manager (Location Flexible)

We are the leading provider of professional services to the middle market globally, our purpose is to instill confidence in a world of change, empowering our clients and people to realize their full potential. Our exceptional people are the key to our unrivaled, culture and talent experience and our ability to be compelling to our clients. You’ll find an environment that inspires and empowers you to thrive both personally and professionally. There’s no one like you and that’s why there’s nowhere like RSM.

The Independence Manager assists with managing risk to the Firm regarding independence requirements of regulatory bodies including the Securities Exchange Commission, Public Accounting Oversight Board and American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. As a member of the National Office of Ethics & Independence, this position serves as a strategic advisor to client service teams on auditor independence matters, providing consultation on the application of independence rules, standards and policies to complex client relationships, private equity structures, capital markets transactions, engagement-specific matters, and the maintenance of accurate affiliate and entity data. Relocation is not required.

Essential Duties

• Serve as primary independence contact/advisor for private equity and other client engagement teams. Advise client service teams, client relationship leaders and business developers on independence matters regarding current engagements, prospective opportunities, and evolving client relationships. Assess immediate and anticipated independence implications arising from complex private equity and other high-risk organizational structures, including ownership relationships, affiliates, portfolio companies, service arrangements, and other components of the Firm’s relationship with the client organization.

• Advise teams on the independence implications of client relationship and business decisions, including prospective services, vendor and resale arrangements, the application or election of SEC independence requirements across an organizational structure, and other decisions that may affect the Firm’s current or future ability to provide services.

• Consult with and advise engagement teams serving clients that are pursuing or considering capital markets transactions, including initial public offerings and other public-company transactions. Assist teams in understanding and navigating applicable independence requirements and processes as well as assisting in the identification and evaluation of independence considerations throughout transaction planning and execution.

• Assist with the required independence search processes for client relationships including evaluating the independence search results, coordinate with appropriate stakeholders to resolve identified matters, and provide engagement teams with clear documentation supporting independence conclusions.

• Assist in complex affiliate analyses and maintenance of affiliate trees in the firm’s entity management system. Includes gathering data and information about affiliates from structure charts and public resources and establishing relationships with external clients to facilitate the receipt of such information.

• Supervise 4 – 7 individuals in US and India. May serve as a performance advisor.

• Evaluate existing processes and recommend innovative solutions to improve effectiveness, scalability, and user experience.

EDUCATION/CERTIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related degree

TECHNICAL/SOFT SKILLS

• Proficient computer skills with Microsoft Office Products; Excel, Word, and PowerPoint 

• Effectively utilizes emerging technologies, including AI-powered tools such as Microsoft Copilot, to streamline processes, enhance insights, improve stakeholder experiences, and identify opportunities for continuous improvement

• Ability to read, interpret and apply rules, regulations, policies and procedures to complex and nuanced circumstances

• Ability to communicate information clearly and concisely, in writing to diverse audiences across the firm and to outside professional contacts

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion

• Strong understanding of SEC, PCAOB and AICPA Independence rules and ability to recognize the potential impact of changes to firm policies, processes and personnel (preferred)

EXPERIENCE

• Experienced manager with a minimum of seven years of experience in public accounting professional

• Experience with the application of the AICPA and/or SEC independence rules

• Experience with and understanding of private equity structures (preferred)

LEADERSHIP SKILLS

• Business Awareness: Demonstrates an understanding of how regulatory requirements and independence considerations influence business decisions, client relationships, and service delivery

• Customer Focus: Acts as a trusted advisor by anticipating stakeholder needs, delivering value-added guidance, and collaborating with supervisors and other specialists to address complex matters effectively

At RSM, we offer a competitive benefits and compensation package for all our people. We offer flexibility in your schedule, empowering you to balance life’s demands, while also maintaining your ability to serve clients. Learn more about our total rewards at https://rsmus.com/careers/working-at-rsm/benefits.

All applicants will receive consideration for employment as RSM does not tolerate discrimination and/or harassment based on race; color; creed; sincerely held religious beliefs, practices or observances; sex (including pregnancy or disabilities related to nursing); gender; sexual orientation; HIV Status; national origin; ancestry; familial or marital status; age; physical or mental disability; citizenship; political affiliation; medical condition (including family and medical leave); domestic violence victim status; past, current or prospective service in the US uniformed service; US Military/Veteran status; pre-disposing genetic characteristics or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state or local law. 

Accommodation for applicants with disabilities is available upon request in connection with the recruitment process and/or employment/partnership. RSM is committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application, interview, or otherwise participate in the recruiting process, please call us at 800-274-3978 or send us an email at [email protected].

RSM does not intend to hire entry level candidates who will require sponsorship now OR in the future (i.e. F-1 visa holders). If you are a recent U.S. college / university graduate possessing 1-2 years of progressive and relevant work experience in a same or similar role to the one for which you are applying, excluding internships, you may be eligible for hire as an experienced associate.

RSM will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records. For those living in California or applying to a position in California, please click here for additional information.

At RSM, an employee’s pay at any point in their career is intended to reflect their experiences, performance, and skills for their current role. The salary range (or starting rate for interns and associates) for this role represents numerous factors considered in the hiring decisions including, but not limited to, education, skills, work experience, certifications, location, etc. As such, pay for the successful candidate(s) could fall anywhere within the stated range.