National Director, Independence - Premier Private Equity
BDO USA
Job Summary:
The National Director, Independence – Premier Private Equity Services supports the Firm’s Premier Private Equity (PE) Practice in relation to the maintenance of the firm’s independence for Premier PE clients. The Director works closely with the PE Premier Lead Relationship Partners (LRP) and engagement partners of the Premier PE clients to evaluate the independence impact of proposed engagements by BDO member firms and US engagement teams and advise appropriately. The Director also works closely with BDO member firms, Premier PE Account Management team, and the National Independence Private Equity Conflicts teams.
Job Duties:
For select Private Equity (PE) Premier Accounts:
- Provides exceptional support for the Lead Relationship Partner (LRP) and engagement partners by responding to incoming conflict checks and questions from BDO member firms and US engagement teams with respect to the permissibility of engagements (and other relationships) for the PE firm and its portfolio companies
- Attends and participates on client calls with LRP, as requested
- Evaluates proposed engagements (and other relationships) under the applicable independence standards (e.g., AICPA, SEC, PCAOB, IESBA) to determine whether they would create threats to (i.e., impair) the firm’s independence
- Works with the Private Equity Conflicts Team and LRPs to keep the firm’s corporate tree for each Account as complete, accurate and up to date as possible
- Develops effective working relationships with the Premier PE Accounts team, and with the BDO firms servicing the PE firm’s portfolio companies
- Assists the Private Equity Conflicts Team with evaluating responses from BDO member firms for PE Premier Accounts’ annual conflict checks and collaborates with them on other matters, as needed
- Develops independence guidance and/or tools for PE practice, as needed
- Identifies opportunities for process improvement, where appropriate
- Other duties, as required
Supervisory Responsibilities:
- Trains and oversee manager(s) who will assist with execution of above job duties
- Acts as a Career Advisor to manager(s)
- Provides verbal and written performance reviews to manager(s)
Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree, required; focus in Accounting or Business, preferred
Experience:
- Three (3) or more years of audit experience in a public accounting firm, required
- Ten (10) or more years of experience working with the AICPA, IESBA and/or SEC/PCAOB independence/ethics rules required, including application of such rules to private equity structures
- Supervisory experience, preferred
License/Certifications:
- CPA license (or equivalent), preferred
Software:
- Advanced level of proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Outlook, Excel, and Word, required
Other Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
- Exception customer/engagement team support
- Excellent understanding and knowledge of the profession’s independence and ethics standards, including AICPA, SEC and/or PCAOB independence rules and regulations; Basic understanding and knowledge of IESBA independence standards
- Excellent understanding of application of aforementioned rules to private equity structures
- Ability to work in a deadline driven environment, and handle multiple projects/tasks with an attention to detail
- Ability to successfully multi-task while working independently or in coordination with other professionals
- Able to understand and maintain the confidentiality of all information
- Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to relate with diverse personalities in a tactful and mature manner
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to respond tactfully and professionally in high demand situations
Individual salaries that are offered to a candidate are determined after consideration of numerous factors including but not limited to the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and geography.
National Range: $170,000 - $250,000
Maryland Range: $170,000 - $250,000
NYC/Long Island/Westchester Range: $170,000 - $250,000
Join us at BDO, where you will find more than a career, you’ll find a place where your work is impactful, and you are valued for your individuality. We offer flexibility and opportunities for advancement. Our culture is centered around making meaningful connections, approaching interactions with curiosity, and being true to yourself, all while making a positive difference in the world.
At BDO, our purpose of helping people thrive every day is at the heart of everything we do. Together, we are focused on delivering exceptional and sustainable outcomes and value for our people, our clients, and our communities. BDO is proud to be an ESOP company, reflecting a culture that puts people first, by sharing financially in our growth in value with our U.S. team. BDO professionals provide assurance, tax and advisory services for a diverse range of clients across the U.S. and in over 160 countries through our global organization.
BDO is the first large accounting and advisory organization to implement an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). A qualified retirement plan, the ESOP offers participants a stake in the firm’s success through beneficial ownership and a unique opportunity to enhance their financial well-being. The ESOP stands as a compelling addition to our comprehensive compensation and Total Rewards benefits* offerings. The annual allocation to the ESOP is fully funded by BDO through investments in company stock and grants employees the chance to grow their wealth over time as their shares vest and grow in value with the firm’s success, with no employee contributions.
We are committed to delivering exceptional experiences to middle market leaders by sharing insight-driven perspectives, helping companies take business as usual to better than usual. With industry knowledge and experience, a breadth and depth of resources, and unwavering commitment to quality, we pride ourselves on:
- Welcoming diverse perspectives and understanding the experience of our professionals and clients
- Empowering team members to explore their full potential
- Our talented team who brings varying skills, knowledge and experience to proactively help our clients navigate an expanding array of complex challenges and opportunities
- Celebrating ingenuity and innovation to transform our business and help our clients transform theirs
- Focus on resilience and sustainability to positively impact our people, clients, and communities
- BDO Total Rewards that encompass so much more than traditional “benefits.” Click here to find out more!
*Benefits may be subject to eligibility requirements.
Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets