Implementation Manager - ISQM1

Job description

Our Business Services team is a collective of creative, strategic, forward-thinking business enablers. Together the People & Culture, Marketing & Communications, IT, Operations, Finance and Quality & Risk Management teams make it their mission to ensure Mazars has the right tools, technology, strategies and services in place to deliver exceptional client service and future-proof our growing business.

This is an exciting opportunity to join Mazars and take a key role in the successful implementation of ISQM (UK) 1 to provide a quality framework which supports the delivery of quality service offerings to our clients and ensures we support our people to be the best they can be.

ISQM (UK)1 is currently a draft standard which is expected to be issued in final form in the summer of 2021. When finalised it will put in place a framework which requires a cohesive and holistic approach to quality owned by those who lead the firm. ISQM (UK) 1 will apply to all firms carrying out audits or reviews of financial statements, other assurance or related services engagements and its objective is to require firms to make a risk-based assessment of its quality control processes and embed a system of controls.

The ISQM (UK) 1 implementation project within Mazars offers a unique opportunity to understand and influence how we look at quality and identify and manage associated risks. We are using this to revisit and challenge everything associated with quality – from how we define it to looking at IT tools to help us monitor controls that support quality.

This ISQM1 implementation team is being led by a director in our quality team and reports to the Head of Quality and Executive. We have a project plan in place and are looking to expand the team required to deliver that to include a senior manager and manager.

This is a high profile role within the firm bringing opportunities to influence how we implement aspects of the standard and interact with a number of leadership groups around the firm.

There are also opportunities to become involved in the Mazars international ISQM1 project.

After initial implementation there will be an ongoing role to support the continued monitoring, remediation and evaluation required.

The roles would ideally suit those with experience in risk assessments and control implementation. This might be from working in an advisory role or from an audit and assurance background with experience of auditing controls in large or PIE clients.

• Detailed knowledge of ISMQ (UK) 1 and understanding of its requirements
• Some knowledge of governance structures and control environments
• Able to run/ participate in of workshops with key stakeholders around the firm to identify potential risks and appropriate responses to risks to quality
• An ability to identify gaps in the current control structure and supporting the design and implementation of new controls to address these
• Able to engage with stakeholders across the UK firm
• Develop an ongoing compliance plan for ISQM1
• Experience in GRC and project management software would be useful

As well as the skills and knowledge above, we are looking for people with a passion for quality and able to deliver results.

A successful candidate will be well organised, able to work to deadline and be comfortable in leading discussions with key stakeholders around the firm.

This is a new role within the firm and as such will be high profile around the firm, so strong interpersonal skills are essential.

ACA or equivalent professional qualification required.

In summary we are looking for

• Excellent project management skills
• Interpersonal and communication skills
• Experience working in a control/compliance environment

At Mazars inclusion and diversity are central to our values. We recognise that being an inclusive and diverse organisation makes us stronger as a business.

We seek to attract and recruit people who reflect the diverse nature of our clients and communities, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, nationality, faith or belief, social background, age and disability. Mazars selects candidates based on skills, knowledge, qualifications and experience.