Ethics & Independence Director

Forvis Mazars

Forvis Mazars is an international network firm operating in the field of audit and consulting services in 100+ countries with 40.000+ staff. Forvis Mazars, a network composed of two firms, Forvis Mazars LLP in the US and Forvis Mazars Group in the rest of the world, is the sole integrated player in the audit and accounting profession, serving large corporations as well as prominent mid-size clients worldwide. Forvis Mazars differentiates itself through its unique organization and its innovative people strategy.

As part of Forvis Mazars Group’s continuous focus on promoting and enhancing a culture of quality to maintain our strong reputation for integrity, compliance, and ethical standards, we offer an exciting opportunity to join the expanding Quality & Risk Management (QRM) team within Group.  QRM is one of the key pillars of the Forvis Mazars Group’s strategic plan and we are looking for an experienced, internationally minded Director to build and drive the Group’s Ethics & Independence (E&I) strategy a step further.

The role will give you exposure to the senior leadership of the Forvis Mazars Group – at the Group and regional level and across the 100+ countries and territories within the Group. You will connect with relevant Group level committees, including the Group Independence & Acceptance Committee (GIAC) to deliver on critical Quality & Risk initiatives. Operating with a multi-location team primarily located in the UK and France, we embrace hybrid/flexible working arrangements, with flexibility across locations. The Group role does not directly include the US – though you can expect interaction and connection with your independence counterpart at Forvis Mazars US.

Role description

You will be a well-organized, and internationally minded professional with relevant experience in in an independence function at a professional services firm. You are encouraged to bring your experiences and new ideas, and to lead on innovating and developing original methods to deal with the challenges of increasing regulation.  You will serve as an ambassador for independence and focus on building a strong community of experts across the Group, in a role that will expand as required to address independence challenges as we grow.

You will be working as part of the Group Quality & Risk Management team which is responsible for quality management, risk management, acceptance, ethics & independence, quality culture initiatives and monitoring activities under the leadership of the Group Chief Quality & Risk Officer.

Your wide and varied portfolio of responsibilities will include leading on the expansion and further development of the Group’s independence policies, processes, systems, related implementation and change management activities and working with countries within Group to help navigate more complex independence topics, acting as a point of consultation as well as raising awareness and education.

This dynamic and quality-focused role provides an excellent opportunity to build valuable networks and relations across the Forvis Mazars Group – share your knowledge, showcase your expertise and build communities.

Specifically, the role will include:

• Designing, getting buy in to, and monitoring progress of, the Group’s Ethics & Independence strategic roadmap
• Chairing the Group Ethics & Independence sub-committee which includes oversight of change management activities, Group wide communications and training, and ensuring that development projects deliver to agreed timelines.
• Developing and maintaining Group Independence policies, procedures and systems – including design and execution of ISQM1 controls related to Group Independence
• Contributing to the design and execution of monitoring of compliance with Group’s Independence Policies and requirements
• Contributing to complex technical E&I consultations escalated to Group Independence from the country/business
• Tracking ethical standards issued by relevant international bodies (e.g. IESBA) and regulators to ensure the Group’s policies and procedures are updated accordingly
• A knowledge of the SEC rules is required though the Forvis Mazars US firm is not within scope of Forvis Mazars Group. However, you can expect interaction and connection with your independence counterpart at Forvis Mazars US. The role will also involve liaison with the Independence team within Forvis Mazars Group US Desk (based in Paris) on relevant independence topics
• Preparing comment letters on discussion papers and exposure drafts on E&I issues
• Leveraging our integrated partnership model to build a strong community within Forvis Mazars Group – countries and regions
• As needed contribution to network alignment initiatives alongside Forvis Mazars US
• Leading or contributing to relevant special E&I projects as required by Group Executive leadership

• Excellent deep knowledge of the IESBA Code, SEC and EU independence requirements and application in practice, including in complex cross border situations
• At least eight years’ experience in a senior role within an independence function at a professional services firm
• Policy management, including policy management tools
• Ability to drive and adapt to change and comfortable working in a dynamic environment
• Ability to strategically manage multiple projects involving multiple, international stakeholders
• International mindset - able to engage and collaborate with stakeholders across the integrated partnership of 100+ countries, with strong networking capabilities and good communication, listening and interpretation skills.
• Innovative thinking - with strong problem-solving skills and an interest in becoming a technical expert on quality management and risk assessment techniques.
• English required to a high standard - both written and oral. French and or other languages would be useful, though not required