Supervising Associate / Assistant Director, Independence and Risk Management

At EY, we're all in to shape your future with confidence. We'll help you succeed in a globally connected powerhouse of diverse teams and take your career wherever you want it to go. Join EY and help to build a better working world.

The opportunity

Independence is fundamental to the trust that clients, regulators and stakeholders place in EY. As part of the MENA Independence team, you will help support the operation and maintenance of independence policies, procedures and compliance activities across the region.

This role provides the opportunity to work with senior leaders, professionals across service lines and global Independence stakeholders on complex matters. You will combine regulatory awareness, sound professional judgment and practical business understanding to advise on independence requirements, resolve complex issues and strengthen the firm's culture of compliance.

Your key responsibilities

• Support the operation, implementation and continuous maintenance of EY's Independence policies, procedures and compliance framework across the MENA region.
• Lead complex projects, assignments and key workstreams, including full-country compliance reviews and the resolution of issues arising from complex business or other relationships.
• Use knowledge gained through client service or infrastructure experience to analyze and resolve Independence policy and procedure questions, violations and concerns.
• Provide coordinated advice and assistance on highly complex situations, consulting with Global Independence, IFAC Centre executives and other specialists where appropriate.
• Respond to policy interpretation and Independence queries from management and employees on a day-to-day basis, providing clear, practical and timely guidance.
• Provide technical support on Independence tools and processes, helping professionals understand and adopt the controls designed to meet the firm's compliance responsibilities.
• Develop a strong understanding of key regulatory Independence requirements and EY policies, and apply that knowledge to business situations across service lines and industries.
• Partner with stakeholders across service lines, sectors and Areas to develop strategies, programs and awareness initiatives that improve understanding and reduce Independence policy violations.
• Design and deliver training sessions and presentations on new developments, policy changes and their potential impact on the business.
• Identify emerging Independence and compliance risks and recommend practical measures to address or mitigate them.
• Maintain a high level of technical knowledge and stay current with emerging trends, leading practices and lessons learned in Independence and related areas.
• Build effective relationships and a strong professional network across the firm to proactively identify potential issues and facilitate timely resolution.
• Exercise significant independent judgment and discretion when assessing complex issues and risks across industries and service lines.
• Apply EY's Independence policies and relevant regulations to identify appropriate solutions and, directly or through Independence leaders, make recommendations to service line, Area and industry executives.
• Develop a broad understanding of EY's business, operating model and practices to ensure advice is commercially aware while remaining fully compliant.
• Where applicable, lead and support team members carrying out Independence activities and reviews, including allocating work, reviewing outputs, providing technical direction, and researching or verifying information related to consultations.

Skills and attributes for success

• Strong understanding of compliance, governance, risk management or regulatory frameworks.
• Ability to interpret policies and regulations and apply them to complex, sensitive and sometimes ambiguous business situations.
• Strong analytical, research and problem-solving capabilities, with a high level of attention to detail.
• Sound professional judgment, discretion and confidence in making well-reasoned recommendations.
• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills, including the ability to engage credibly with senior leaders.
• Ability to communicate technical or policy-related information clearly, concisely and practically.
• Strong organization and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Strong presentation, facilitation and training capabilities.
• A collaborative mindset and the ability to build trusted relationships across countries, functions and service lines.
• A proactive approach to identifying risk, improving processes and supporting a strong culture of compliance.

Ideally, you'll also

• Experience in Independence, Ethics and Compliance, Risk Management, Regulatory Compliance, Internal Audit, Governance or a related function.
• Experience within a professional services, Big Four, consulting, legal, regulatory or complex multinational environment.
• Exposure to professional standards, audit independence requirements or regulatory obligations relevant to professional services firms.
• Experience leading complex reviews, consultations or cross-functional projects across multiple jurisdictions.
• Experience coaching or overseeing colleagues and reviewing technical work.
• Arabic language capability and prior exposure to the MENA region would be advantageous.

To qualify for the role, you must have

• A bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Law, Business Administration, Risk Management or another relevant discipline.
• Relevant professional experience in independence, compliance, governance, risk, audit, legal, regulatory or advisory work, with the final level determined by the depth and scope of experience.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex assignments, analyze technical issues and work with limited supervision.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and the ability to work confidently with compliance tools, data and reporting processes.

What we look for

We are looking for a trusted and commercially aware risk professional who combines technical credibility with sound judgment and strong stakeholder skills. The successful candidate will be comfortable navigating complex regulatory and business environments, advising senior stakeholders, and balancing the need for practical solutions with the firm's independence and compliance obligations.

What we offer you

At EY, we'll develop you with future-focused skills and equip you with world-class experiences. We'll empower you in a flexible environment and support your extraordinary talents through a diverse and inclusive culture of globally connected teams.

Are you ready to shape your future with confidence? Apply today.

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EY | Building a better working world

EY is building a better working world by creating new value for clients, people, society and the planet, while building trust in capital markets.

Enabled by data, AI and advanced technology, EY teams help clients shape the future with confidence and develop answers for the most pressing issues of today and tomorrow. EY teams work across a full spectrum of services in assurance, consulting, tax, strategy and transactions. Fueled by sector insights, a globally connected, multidisciplinary network and diverse ecosystem partners, EY teams can provide services in more than 150 countries and territories.