Manager, Risk Independence

Role overview

KPMG in Canada is looking for a Manager, Risk Independence to join its Independence Group in St. Catharines, Ontario. In this position, you will help the firm and its people stay aligned with professional, regulatory, and internal independence standards across Canada. The role involves close interaction with partners and staff across service lines on matters related to auditor independence and the application of rules and policies from the SEC, PCAOB, CPA Code of Professional Conduct, and IESBA Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants.

What you will be doing

• Use your technical background in Canadian, SEC, PCAOB, and IESBA independence requirements, along with KPMG global and local policies, to support client engagement teams.
• Support the creation and rollout of a review-and-approval process for determining whether services can be provided to audit clients.
• Use research, analysis, and sound judgment to assess the firm’s independence position and relationships with current and potential audit clients.
• Advise partners and teams across Canada on auditor independence and firm independence matters.
• Guide client engagement teams through engagement acceptance and other independence clearance steps.
• Help refine independence policies, procedures, tools, and internal risk systems so they continue to meet KPMG requirements and reflect best practices.
• Champion audit quality, risk management, and independence compliance throughout the firm.
• Contribute to technical alerts, guidance documents, training content, and other internal materials.
• Oversee team members handling independence requests and other assigned work.
• Lead projects both on a one-off and ongoing basis, while identifying opportunities to improve processes.

Working approach

The role may require occasional work beyond normal hours or the standard work week when business demands require it. At the same time, the organization supports flexibility so employees can also manage personal commitments.

What you need to bring

• At least five years of client service experience in independence, audit, or risk management within a professional services firm or a comparable environment.
• A CPA designation or another relevant risk-related qualification.
• A careful, self-driven, and dependable approach, with the ability to respond quickly and professionally to requests and questions.
• Strong research, analytical, and problem-solving ability, including the skill to apply frameworks to new and unusual situations.
• Proactive initiative and well-developed organizational skills.
• Experience handling complex questions, conducting research, analyzing information, identifying issues, forming conclusions, and documenting supporting findings.
• Excellent time management and prioritization skills, with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong business writing and communication skills, with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Confidence working in deadline-driven settings and dealing with senior leaders and difficult situations.
• Proven leadership and relationship-building skills, including coaching, building trust, and helping teams deliver results.
• The ability to manage sensitive and confidential information appropriately.
• Strong written and spoken English is required.

Compensation

The expected base pay range for this role in Ontario is CAD 74,000 to CAD 111,000. The same base salary range applies to the BC region as well. The role may also be eligible for bonus awards, and final pay will depend on location, skills, competencies, and overall qualifications. A comprehensive total rewards program is offered.

Equal opportunity and accommodations

KPMG in Canada is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to a respectful, inclusive, and barrier-free workplace. The company welcomes qualified candidates from all backgrounds and supports adjustments or accommodations during the hiring process, including informal requests such as extra preparation time or micro breaks, and formal needs such as accessible communication supports or assistive technology. Candidates may request support at any stage by contacting the Employee Relations Service team at 1-888-466-4778.

AI in hiring

KPMG uses artificial intelligence tools to support the recruitment experience and help organize applications, but hiring decisions are always made by human recruiters and hiring managers. Any AI used in the process is reviewed through detailed risk assessments covering security and privacy requirements and is aligned with KPMG’s Trusted AI framework.

Values

KPMG’s values emphasize integrity, continuous learning and improvement, bold action, respect for differences, and doing what matters. The firm highlights its commitment to a technology-first, people-driven approach.