Director, Sustainability Center of Excellence

Job Summary:

Working under the authority of a Practice Leader or Managing Director, the Director, Sustainability Center of Excellence is responsible for managing and delivering high value solutions to multiple clients in the areas of ESG related regulations, Internal Auditing and internal control, including business risk assessment and Enterprise Risk Management, business process improvement, Sarbanes-Oxley compliance, information technology audit & control, financial and operational audit, business conduct and fraud/forensic investigations. This role is charged with working with a team of RAS and other professionals through all stages of internal audit or advisory engagements to include planning, field work, engagement wrap up and report composition, along with providing recommendations regarding engagement economics and legal risks to the Firm. The Director is responsible for ensuring exceptional client service and high-quality engagement deliverables. This position is also responsible for developing new business with existing clients and prospects of the Firm. The Director, Sustainability Center of Excellence, in conjunction with the Practice Leader or Managing Director, is responsible for all aspects of project administration including time entry, client contract administration, billings, collections and adjustments to engagement realization when needed.

Job Duties:

• Maintains deep subject matter expertise of existing and proposed ESG related regulations, reporting standards (both domestic and international)
• Supports client service engagement teams and directly advises clients as needed with interpreting ESG regulations, reporting standards related matters
• Participates in the execution of the firm's sustainability thought leadership, eminence and marketing strategies
• Engages in expanding sustainability knowledge, keeping current on:
  
  
  
  • US and global reporting standards, regulatory requirements
  • US advisory, reporting, attestation, and consulting landscape
  • Middle market trends, demand shifts, hot spots, what's next
  
  
• Acts as a high-level contact for clients regarding all questions and information, including engagement progress, challenges, and issues
• Conducts informational interviews and facilitates meetings with client management members during the engagement process, as needed
• Works closely with the engagement Practice Leader or Managing Director to ensure effective communication of control gaps and suggested improvements to processes, controls, and overall risk management to client Audit Committee and management
• Ensures the client service team appropriately analyzes client's processes, risk, and controls
• Ensures the client service team provides exceptional client service and develops advanced level deliverables and/or solutions to client issues
• Oversees the development of risk-based audit plans and ensures the development of efficient and effective project plans
• Reviews, approves and seeks Practice Leader or Managing Director approval of engagement budgets and identifies opportunities to improve engagement efficiencies where possible
• Ensures the preparation of periodic and timely billings, collections, and makes timely recommendations to the engagement Leader or Managing Director of adjustments to engagement realization, as needed
• Identifies and directs managers and staff to utilize all available research aids (as practical), including databases and trade publications, to develop understanding of client's industry
• Identifies, grows, and maintains strategic relationships with client personnel, including members of client management
• Oversees preparation of high quality formal and informal presentations for client meetings
• Collaborates with RAS Practice Leader or Managing Directors to service clients and expand our presence in the marketplace, as well as other BDO practice leaders to bring the best solutions to our clients and prospects
• Identifies new business opportunities to expand the RAS practice and communicates opportunities to practice Partner or Managing Director
• Works directly with the Practice Leader or Managing Director to develop draft proposals and reports, and completes research, as needed
• Works under the supervision of the Practice Leader to manage marketing and business development activities within practice, including but not limited to refreshing marketing materials and website content, as needed
• Develops thought leadership for the RAS practice by developing whitepapers and presentations on topics relevant to clients and the profession
• Fosters a positive demeanor, learning attitude and client service mentality with managers, seniors and staff
• Meets business development targets established by the Practice Leader
• Travels 25% to 75% of the time, as needed
• Other duties as required

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Leads teams to generate a vision, establish direction, and motivate members, creates an atmosphere of trust, leverages diverse views, and encourages continuous improvement and innovation
• Supervises the workload of RAS Managers, Senior Associates and Associates on assigned engagements and reviews work product as needed
• Ensures select RAS Managers, Senior Associates and Associates are trained on all relevant software
• Acts as mentor to RAS Managers, Senior Associates and Associates, as appropriate
• Acts as a leader and projects a professional, positive attitude toward client and firm personnel

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Sustainability, Accounting, Finance, Management Information Systems, or Business Intelligence, required
• MBA or other relevant advanced degree, preferred

Experience:

• Ten (10) years of experience in sustainability consulting within a public accounting firm performing Risk Assessments, internal audits, Sarbanes-Oxley Readiness services, internal control assessments, required
• Seven (7) years supervisory experience, required
• Experience in client marketing and successfully participating in multiple client pursuits and proposal efforts, required
• Experience in management consulting as a Financial, Operational or in Information Technology Subject Matter Expert, preferred
• Experience in a public accounting environment, preferred

License/Certifications:

• CIA, CPA, CFE, CISA, or equivalent certifications, preferred

Software:

• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, required
• Experience with ACL and/or IDEA, Power BI and MS Access, preferred

Other Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Able to adapt style and messaging to effectively communicate with professionals at all levels both within the client organization and the firm
• Able to successfully multi-task while working independently and within a group environment
• Able to collaborate with Principals, Managing Directors and Directors within other service lines and industries, as well as RAS leaders
• Superior analytical and diagnostic skills and ability to break down complex issues and implementing appropriate resolutions
• Capable of working in a demanding, deadline driven environment with a focus on details and accuracy
• Solid project management skills
• Experience in the use of various assurance applications and research tools as is appropriate for this level