Projects Senior Manager

Job description

Grade:                 Senior Manager

Job Title:            SoQM Projects Senior Manager

Team:                 SoQM CoE

Locations:         Any KPMG UK office (Hybrid working

Capability:        Audit

Service line:      Audit

Contract type:  Permanent

Summary of role purpose:

These are really exciting times for KPMG Audit and the wider firm.  This is a new role to work within the newly established SoQM Centre of Excellence during a period of significant change for the SoQM.

Over the past 12 months, the management of the design of SoQM controls and their documentation has been transitioning from the SoQM Technical Team to the business.

The merger with KPMG Switzerland will require resource to lead the assessment and consideration of whether we can better align the approach to the SoQM in both the UK and Switzerland and if so, to oversee the design and implementation these changes.

QC1000 is a new quality control standard from the PCAOB which has to be implemented by 15 December 2025. While the assessment of the incremental requirements of QC1000 and the differences from ISQM1 are being led globally, further detailed assessment of the differences and implementation of additional changes will be required at the UK level and are likely to result in the implementation of new or amended controls, but also system and/or operational changes. This new role will be pivotal in managing the business activities in the comprehensive preparations required to meet the QC1000 requirements.

It is critical that SoQM considerations are embedded into the project management and decision-making of the many transformation projects within the firm, which requires more central oversight.

What will you get from the role?

Strategic influence – you will have the opportunity to shape and influence the SoQM of the entire firm

Diverse and challenging work - the role involves tackling complex quality issues, including assessing and mitigating risks, which keeps the work challenging and intellectually stimulating.

Collaboration - you will have organisational exposure to senior management and subject matter experts primarily across Audit and KBS. The successful candidate will need to collaborate effectively with other members of the SoQM CoE and stakeholders across the 1st and 2nd line to achieve the common goal of implementing and operating an effective SoQM.

Driving innovation - you will have the opportunity to lead initiatives that improve firm-wide processes and enhance efficiency

Public trust and accountability - you will play a crucial role in ensuring that the firm meets the highest standards of quality, ethics, and compliance, directly impacting the firm's reputation and the trust of audited entities and clients.

Description of the role:

We are looking for a highly motivated, proactive, and diligent individual to join KPMG Audit and support the SoQM Projects Director and manage a portfolio of strategic SoQM transformation projects. The successful candidate will be expected to undertake the following responsibilities:

Stakeholder Management

Maintain regular dialogue across Audit and the wider business to assess ISQM1 impacts of new programmes and other business changes and to embed appropriate quality controls in new systems and process

Build strong and collaborative relationships with the relevant stakeholders within Audit and the wider business who are responsible for operating the SoQM

Strategic Planning and Project Management:

Develop and execute comprehensive project plans aligned with the vision and strategy for SoQM

Lead and manage projects from initiation through completion.

Coordinate cross-functional teams

Establish timelines, milestones, and deliverables to track progress and ensure timely completion.

Report on risks, issues and overall progress against plans

Change Management:

Implement change management strategies to support colleagues and stakeholders

Communicate effectively to ensure understanding and buy-in from key stakeholders.

Develop training plans and support to facilitate adaptation to new processes and systems.

Resource Management:

Identify and allocate necessary resources (personnel, technology, budget) to support project activities.

Manage budgets and ensure cost-effective execution of projects.

Continuous Improvement:

Implement leading practices and continuous improvement methodologies to enhance processes.

Conduct reviews to identify lessons learned and areas for improvement.

Report on project outcomes and provide recommendations for future projects.

Specific priority projects:

QC1000

Work with the SoQM Technical and Design teams on the proposed approach/changes emanating from QC1000 including influencing and providing critical challenge

Conduct more thorough gap/impact analyses (from a UK perspective) in response to any proposed changes to the SoQM in the UK from the Global SoQM team

Manage a comprehensive UK project plan for QC1000

The merger with KPMG Switzerland

Support (alongside Swiss counterparts) the SoQM workstream of the integration project on New Horizon to better align (where possible) the approach in both the UK and Switzerland and help to design and implement these changes

Work with other New Horizon workstreams to ensure that potential SoQM impacts are being considered by those workstreams, conducting gap/impact analysis of any changes to SoQM controls resulting from integration activities (i.e. changes to A&C, EP, HR or IT processes etc. following integration UK/Swiss processes).

Ensure the development of necessary SoQM action plans and monitor their implementation.

People & Culture

• Embrace and embed our culture ambition of high challenge, high support which is grounded in Our Values.
• Operate with a curious and sceptical mindset ensuring that this is embedded in your everyday work.
• Actively lead and embed a coaching culture to get the best out of others in an environment where everyone in the team feels empowered to speak up or challenge where appropriate.
• Be accountable, professional and act in the public interest, working for the benefit of shareholders of audited entities and wider society.
• Be inclusive and embrace the opportunity to work with other teams within Audit and across the firm in an integrated way. Have a sense of community, purpose and fun.

The person:

Experience and knowledge requirements:

• External or internal audit or compliance background, including experience of designing, documenting and testing non-financial controls. (E)
• Expertise in quality management systems, including their implementation and continuous monitoring would be an advantage.  (E)
• Strong understanding of ethical standards in the firm, including independence requirements and how to manage potential conflicts of interest. (E)
• Awareness of the current and emerging regulatory landscape affecting the professional services industry, including national and international regulations.(E)

D = Desirable

E = Essential

Behavioural Attributes and Skills:

• Strategic thinking - strong strategic planning skills to align quality management initiatives with the firm’s overall objectives. (E)
• Risk management - proficiency in identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks related to audit quality and regulatory compliance. (E)
• Experience in transformation and ability to manage a portfolio of projects with expertise in change management and ability to manage organizational change. (E)
• Stakeholder management - comfortable liaising with stakeholders across KPMG at varying levels of seniority, acknowledging varying levels of understanding and experience of control design and/or quality management systems. (E)
• Negotiation skills - strong negotiation skills to manage expectations and resolve conflicts both within the firm and with Global stakeholders. (E)
• Critical thinking - strong analytical skills to assess SoQM processes and identify areas for improvement. (E)
• Problem-solving - expertise in developing solutions to complex quality management challenges, including process optimisation and innovation. (E)
• Project management skills - ability to manage multiple quality-related projects simultaneously, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget. (E)
• Attention to detail – strong track record of commitment to quality and high attention to detail to ensure thorough planning and execution of project activities. (E)
• Communication – ability to communicate key messages clearly and succinctly to the firms senior leadership and other stakeholders. (E)

D = Desirable

E = Essential

KPMG overview:

KPMG in the UK is part of a global network of firms that offers Audit, Legal, Tax and Advisory services. Through the talent of over 16,000 colleagues, we bring our creativity, insight and experience to solve our clients’ and communities’ biggest problems. We’ve been doing this for more than 150 years.

We aim to be universally recognised as a place for great people to do their best work. A firm known for our collaborative and inclusive culture, using technology to empower and equip our people to deliver outstanding work with real flexibility – through inspiring workspaces, innovative ways to collaborate and hybrid ways of working.

With offices across the UK, we work with everyone from small start- ups and individuals to major multinationals, in virtually every industry imaginable. Our work is often complex, yet our mission is simple: To support the UK in a connected world. It guides everything we do, underpinned by our values: Courage, Integrity, Excellence, Together and For Better.

KPMG are proud to be an inclusive, equal opportunity employer and we seek to attract and retain the best people from the widest possible talent pool.

As a member of the Business Disability Forum we're committed to ensuring that all candidates are treated fairly throughout the Recruitment Process.

We pride ourselves on being a place where your individuality is valued; you can be yourself and still achieve your potential. We believe that your individuality helps us to deliver the best results to our clients. Diversity of background, diversity of experience, diversity of perspective - that's the KPMG difference.