At KPMG, you’ll join a team of diverse and dedicated problem solvers, connected by a common cause: turning insight into opportunity for clients and communities around the world.

Our Independence Group in Risk Management is looking for a Senior Manager in Personal Independence. Risk Management (RM) is responsible for assisting client service and non-client service personnel in both understanding, and implementing Global and Firm level risk policies, as well as legal and regulatory requirements, and in monitoring compliance with these policies. The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing a significant aspect of RM processes, running ad-hoc projects, and liaising with key internal and external stakeholders.

• Independence Expertise: Acquire and apply specialist-level knowledge of Canadian and international auditor independence regulations (CPA Code, SEC, PCAOB, IESBA) along with KPMG’s global and local independence policies. Serve as a subject matter expert and advisor on the interpretation and application of these requirements in complex scenarios.
• Guidance and Consultation: Provide prompt and authoritative independence policy guidance to partners and engagement teams across Canada. Address and resolve inquiries on personal independence matters (financial interests, employment relationships, outside business activities) and certain firm-level independence considerations (business relationships, permissible services and other relationships) in line with professional standards.
• Manage Personal Independence Processes: Oversee and continuously enhance the firm’s personal independence framework, including responsibility for processes supported by the KPMG Independence Compliance System (KICS). This includes leading the team that administers and monitors personal independence compliance, providing oversight of independence confirmations, investment and relationship monitoring, and related inquiries. Evaluate and resolve personal independence matters, identify emerging risks, and ensure processes, controls, and system usage remain effective, consistently applied, and aligned with evolving regulatory and firm requirements.
• Research and Risk Evaluation: Employ strong research, critical thinking and analytical skills to evaluate the personal independence. Analyze complex scenarios or relationship structures, identify potential independence risks, and recommend solutions or safeguards to leadership to maintain compliance.
• Policy Development: Develop, update, and enhance KPMG’s independence policies, procedures, and tools in alignment with evolving regulatory standards and KPMG Global policy requirements. Proactively identify and implement best practices to strengthen the firm’s system of quality controls related to auditor independence.
• Firm-wide Communication & Training: Prepare and contribute to firm-wide communications on independence and risk management. This includes drafting technical alerts, guidance documents, and practice updates, as well as assisting in the development and delivery of training materials and courses to educate partners and staff on independence requirements and any changes in standards.
• Consultation & Advisory: Act as a go-to consultant on personal independence issues. Provide seasoned advice to engagement leaders and teams, ensuring early identification of independence considerations.
• Team Leadership: Supervise and mentor members of the Personal Independence team who handle day-to-day independence consultations and monitoring. Review their work on independence clearance requests and other tasks, providing coaching and guidance to build the team’s expertise. Foster an inclusive, high-performance environment with a strong commitment to ethics and quality.
• Project Management and Improvement: Lead and manage projects and initiatives related to independence and risk management on both an ongoing and ad hoc basis. Identify opportunities for process enhancements, drive greater efficiency through technology or workflow improvements, and implement changes that reinforce compliance and service excellence.
• Quality and Compliance Promotion: Champion a strong culture of compliance, ethics, and risk management within the firm. Through your interactions and training efforts, promote awareness of independence obligations and demonstrate KPMG’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of professional integrity.

At times, business needs may require working beyond normal business hours to fulfill critical responsibilities. KPMG’s flexible work environment acknowledges this commitment and provides for reciprocal flexibility to help you balance personal commitments.

• Education & Experience: A CPA designation (Chartered Professional Accountant) or equivalent professional certification, is preferred. Extensive experience (typically 5+ years) in audit, independence, or risk management roles within a Big Four or large professional services environment. Proven track record of handling auditor independence matters or related regulatory compliance at a senior level.
• Technical Expertise: Deep knowledge of auditor independence standards and regulations – including CPA Canada rules, SEC and PCAOB independence requirements, and the IESBA Code of Ethics. Ability to interpret complex regulatory guidance and apply it to real-world client and firm scenarios.
• Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills: Exceptional research and analytical capabilities, with the judgement to evaluate nuanced situations against independence criteria. Skilled in identifying potential issues, developing practical solutions and documenting conclusions clearly.
• Communication Skills: Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. Able to distill complex independence concepts into clear advice for professionals at all levels. Experience preparing high-quality reports, policy documents, and delivering training or presentations to educate others.
• Leadership & Interpersonal Skills: Strong leadership and people management abilities. Demonstrated experience advising senior stakeholders (partners, directors) on sensitive issues and constructively influencing outcomes. Capable of coaching and mentoring staff, and collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Organization & Initiative: Superior organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. Self-motivated and proactive, with a knack for process improvement and a continuous improvement mindset.
• Professionalism: High ethical standards, integrity, and sound professional judgement. A commitment to maintaining confidentiality and handling sensitive information with care. Enthusiasm for fostering a culture of integrity, quality, and accountability.

KPMG Ontario Region Pay Range Information

The expected base salary range for this position is $104,00 to $156,500 and may be eligible for bonus awards. The determination of an applicant’s base salary within this range is based on the individual’s location, skills & competencies, and unique qualifications. In addition, KPMG offers a comprehensive and competitive Total Rewards program.

Providing you with the support you need to be at your best

This is a hybrid position. #li-hybrid

Integrity, we do what is right | Excellence, we never stop learning and improving | Courage, we think and act boldly | Together, we respect each other and draw strength from our differences | For Better, we do what matters

KPMG in Canada is a proud equal opportunities employer and we are committed to creating a respectful, inclusive and barrier-free workplace that allows all of our people to reach their full potential. A diverse workforce is key to our success and we believe in bringing your whole self to work. We welcome all qualified candidates to apply and hope you will choose KPMG in Canada as your employer of choice.

Adjustments and accommodations throughout the recruitment process

At KPMG, we are committed to fostering an inclusive recruitment process where all candidates can be themselves and excel. We aim to provide a positive experience and are prepared to offer adjustments or accommodations to help you perform at your best. Adjustments (informal requests), such as extra preparation time or the option for micro breaks during interviews, and accommodations (formal requests), such as accessible communication supports or technology aids, are tailored to individual needs and role requirements. You will have an opportunity to request an adjustment or accommodation at any point throughout the recruitment process. If you require support, please contact KPMG’s Employee Relations Service team by calling 1-888-466-4778.

AI Usage

We embrace the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the candidate experience and streamline our recruitment processes. AI tools may help with organizing applications or surfacing relevant qualifications. However, no hiring decisions are made using AI. Every hiring decision is made by our hiring managers and recruitment professionals, who are equipped with training that empowers them to use these tools responsibly. AI technologies used in our recruitment process undergo detailed risk assessments, including security and privacy requirements, that align with KPMG’s Trusted AI framework.

We believe technology should empower human judgment, not replace it. It’s one of the many ways we’re delivering on our vision of being a technology-first, people-driven firm.