Global Audit Quality

Job Overview

Job Title

Director/Senior Manager– Global Audit Quality Methodology Lead

Local Job Level

Director or experienced Senior Manager

Global Job Level

Senior Manager

Global Group

Global Audit

Global Sub-Team

Global Audit Quality

KPMGI Cost Center

Location

1st Location preference

US

2nd Location preference

US

Reports To

First and Last Name

Lisa Hackard

Reports To

Email address / Job title

lhackard@kpmg.com/ Global SoQM Leader

Resource Type

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Type of Hire

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Expected return date (DD/MM/YYYY)

Required if not Permanent

About KPMG International

KPMG is a global organization of independent professional services firms providing Audit, Tax and Advisory services. We operate in 146 countries, have more than 220,000 people working in KPMG firms around the world.

KPMG International (KPMGI) acts as a coordinating entity, carrying out business activities for the benefit of KPMG firms. More than 2,500 talented colleagues make up the KPMGI team, with a focus on ensuring global consistency and providing expertise to support KPMG firms in the achievement of KPMG’s Trust and Growth ambition. KPMGI is comprised of a number of high-performing global teams, including: Global Advisory, Global Audit, Global Clients & Markets, Global Corporate Affairs, Global People, Global Quality and Risk Management, Global Tax & Legal, Global Technology and Knowledge, the International Office of General Counsel, and the Office of Chief Administrative Officer. Working together, our global team is changing the way our business operates, delivering value to our KPMG firms and driving positive change in the communities we serve.

About the team

The Global System of Quality Management (SoQM) and Root Cause Analysis (RCA) teams form part of the Global Audit Quality Group. Collectively the teams are comprised of circa 30 Partners, Directors and Senior Managers. The Global Audit Quality Group is critical in delivering on our Global Audit Quality Strategy to drive improvement and consistency in Audit Quality across the KPMG network. With the introduction of International Standard of Quality Management (ISQM 1) we have made significant investments to strengthen the consistency and robustness of our SoQM and RCA across the network. An integral and required element of KPMG firms' SoQM, the RCA program enables the identification and remediation of quality issues. As we are committed to continuously enhancing audit quality, it’s never been more important for KPMG firms to operate an effective RCA program to support the firm’s monitoring and remediation process.   

The Global SoQM team is responsible for prescribing the quality objectives, quality risks, process risk points and minimum controls required to be implemented, operated and tested within the KPMG firm processes to address the globally identified risks to meeting the ISQM 1 quality objectives. For each component in KPMG’s SoQM, there are controls that operate at the KPMGI level (“network controls”), at the regional level (“regional controls”), and controls that operate at the individual firm level (“member firm controls”).  The Global SoQM team is also responsible for maintaining the Global SoQM Methodology to support firms in meeting the requirements of ISQM1. The Global RCA Team drives consistency in the member firm’s conduct of root cause analysis to address recurring audit quality issues and identify those initiatives that can be driven globally to address common themes.

RCA is an integral and required element of a KPMG firm’s SoQM and explicitly required under ISQM 1. It is focused on monitoring and remediation, enabling KPMG firms to identify underlying root causes and effectively remediate quality issues. Regulators are also increasingly focused on firms’ root cause analysis of SoQM deficiencies to meet the requirements of International Standard on Quality Management (ISQM 1) and drive audit quality. The Global RCA Team drives consistency in the member firm’s conduct of root cause analysis to address recurring audit quality issues and identify those initiatives that can be driven globally to address common themes. Additionally, the Global RCA team is responsible for equipping firms with the KPMG RCA methodology which is a valuable tool for supporting firms in enhancing quality through identifying the right root causes of quality issues and designing appropriate remediation plans to prevent reoccurrence. 

Recently, the PCAOB adopted QC 1000 – a new standard related to PCAOB-registered firms’ system of quality control. The effective date is 15 December 2025, with first annual evaluation as of 30 September 2026, and first Form QC certification to be filed with the PCAOB by 30 November 2026.  This new standard is expected to apply to all PCAOB-registered firms and will result in certain incremental requirements over and above ISQM 1. Included in this are incremental requirements for Root Cause Analysis. Understanding, scoping, and supporting impacted KPMG firms and the network with preparing for, implementing and performing under this new standard will be a key initiative and priority of the Global SoQM team. 

Key responsibilities of the Global SoQM Team include:

• prescribing the quality objectives, quality risks, process risk points and minimum controls required to be implemented, operated and tested within the KPMG firm processes (at a network, regional and member firm level) to address the globally identified risks to meeting the ISQM 1 quality objectives (and eventually QC 1000).
• evaluating and identifying the key differences between ISQM1 and QC 1000.
• maintaining the Global SoQM Methodology to support firms in meeting the requirements of ISQM1 and QC 1000      
• development of baseline training courses around Global SoQM Methodology (ISQM1 and QC1000).

Key responsibilities of the Global RCA team include:

• development and maintenance of Global RCA Methodology, tools and training;
• coaching and support for firms; and
• evaluation of firm RCA projects and performance of root causes analysis at a network level (as required).

We're looking for high-performing, experienced individuals for a 12-24 month rotation with the Global Audit Quality & SoQM teams, to deliver on some of our most critical Audit Quality priorities for the network. With the recent adoption of QC 1000, we’re looking for professionals with experience analysing auditing and / or regulatory standards and developing the methodology to support the standards.

Role Summary

This is a unique opportunity to work across both the Global SoQM and RCA teams to deliver on some of our most critical Audit Quality priorities for the network.  As the Global Audit Quality Methodology Lead, you will play a critical role in developing, enhancing, and maintaining both the Global SoQM and RCA Methodology Guides.  With the issuance of the new QC 1000 standard, you will have the opportunity to lead the gap assessment between ISQM1 and QC1000 to identify incremental requirements needed in our Global SoQM methodology, along with guidance, tools and training.   In addition, with both ISQM 1 and QC 1000 shining a spotlight on the importance of root cause analysis, it is important that we continue to strengthen our Global Root Cause Analysis (RCA) Methodology to meet the requirements of both standards.  

As part of this role, you will report directly to the Global SoQM Lead Partner and the Global Audit Quality Lead Partner.   You will have the opportunity to represent the Global SoQM and RCA teams in leadership forums, in particular with member firm and Regional SoQM and RCA leadership that form part of our key Global Governance Groups, responsible for SoQM and RCA. This includes the Global SoQM Leadership Team, Global SoQM Advisory Group and Global RCA Advisory Group. This role will also require significant interaction with key KPMGI stakeholders including Global Audit Leadership, Global QRM Leadership, Global Audit Methodology Group (GAMG) and International office of General Council (IOGC).  

Global SoQM Methodology Lead

• Lead gap analysis for certain components between current Global SoQM methodology under ISQM 1, and the proposed requirements of QC 1000, to identify key updates to be incorporated into the Global SoQM Methodology Guide. To the extent possible, identifying areas where the methodologies converge, but also identify areas where the standards diverge and there is a performance difference, aligning with the SoQM and QC 1000 Guiding Principles.     
• Develop methodology and guidance materials to support the application of QC 1000.  Responsible for drafting new methodology requirements in the Global SoQM Methodology Guide to conform to QC1000 (e.g. testing and evaluation methodology).         
• Identify and develop other annual enhancements to the Global SoQM Methodology Guide, based on updates to ISQM 1, feedback from member firms and the results of KQCE testing.  
• Work with key global stakeholders / SMEs as part of the methodology development process, including, but not limited to, Global Quality & Risk Management (GQRM); Global Audit Methodology Group (GAMG) and International Office of General Council (IOGC). 
• Support the Global SoQM Lead Partner in their interactions with Global SoQM Governance Groups, including the Global SoQM Leadership Team and Global SoQM Advisory Group.  Assist in preparing materials and presenting key methodology updates, including updates to the Global SoQM Methodology Guide, along with identifying other areas of methodology enhancements to drive operational excellence.  
• Working with the Global Audit Quality team to ensure key SoQM methodology updates are included in the KPMG Quality Compliance & Evaluation workflow (KQCEw), which is based on the KPMG Clara workflow platform.
• Respond to methodology queries that are submitted by KPMG firms and KPMGI global groups, involving appropriate colleagues in determining the response.
• Support KPMG firm implementation of the Global SoQM framework, through support, training, and guidance to the three Regional SoQM leaders.  
• Act as a SME in supporting the Global SoQM team in the development of baseline methodology training courses under ISQM1 and QC1000.  

Global RCA Methodology Lead

• Lead the annual enhancement process for updating the Global RCA Methodology Guide, based on QC 1000 and / or updates to ISQM 1. Also, considering feedback from other stakeholders including the Global RCA Advisory Group and feedback from members firms.  
• Responsible for drafting annual updates to the Global RCA Methodology Guide.       
• Support the Global Audit Quality Lead Partner in interactions with the Global RCA Advisory Group. Assist in preparing materials and presenting key methodology updates, including updates to the Global RCA Guide, along with identifying other areas of methodology enhancements to drive operational excellence.  
• Act as a SME in supporting the Global RCA team with annual enhancements to the baseline training course.  

The role requires some flexibility to work irregular work hours to accommodate multiple time-zones and manage in a global virtual environment. Some international travel may be required.

Key Accountabilities

% of time

Accountability

65%

Global SoQM

• Responsibilities: Defining, developing and delivering global requirements
• Team deliverables: global policies/requirements, guidance for implementation, monitoring
• Works collaboratively with: Other internal KPMGI global groups and KPMG firm leadership across the networks.  

25%

Root Cause Analysis (RCA)

• Developing RCA methodology enhancements linked to ISQM 1 and QC 1000

5%

Relationship Management

This role maintains ongoing, productive relationships with the following teams:

• Global SMEs, including Global Quality & Risk Management (GQRM); Global Audit Methodology Group (GAMG) and International Office of General Council (IOGC) 
• KPMG firm SoQM representatives and leadership, including Global SoQM Leadership Team, Global SoQM Advisory Group
• SoQM Regional Leaders (AMERICAS, EMA, and ASPAC) (and members of their teams)

5%

Team and Professional Leadership

• Actively participates in team meetings and workshops
• Provides input and feedback on individuals in terms of job accountabilities, annual goals and performance
• Participates in internal firm wide meetings and external conferences to identify emerging trends and best practices in Audit

100%

Total FTE (100% maximum)

Experience & knowledge

Education:

Relevant degree or professional qualification

The following skills are desirable and will be considered in totality:

• 12+ years of audit experience and / or Audit Quality or DPP role
• Experience evaluating auditing or accounting standards, including development of guidance and / or methodology (preferably auditing standards)
• Demonstrated, advanced working knowledge of PCAOB auditing standards
• Root Cause Analysis or Regulatory experience would be beneficial
• Excellent project management and leadership skills

The candidate should be able to consistently demonstrate the following skills and competencies:

Solutions Development and Stakeholder Management

• Thinking innovatively and with the ability to identify and drive the implementation of cohesive solutions to complex problems
• Approaching initiatives in a highly professional and culturally sensitive manner, including the ability to connect to and relate with individuals at all levels from different cultures
• Strong influencing skills, an ability to articulate clear, compelling ideas and to persuade others to take action, confident and effective interacting with senior business leaders

• Track record of establishing and building strong, collaborative professional relationships both internally and externally
• Strong client service orientation.
• The recognition for exceptional quality in work product and relationship building skills

Communication and Project Oversight

• Full professional written and verbal English language proficiency
• The ability to communicate effectively, concisely and confidently, leading meetings, calls, and group discussions with senior level audiences including global and regional board levels
• Project management experience including the ability to work cross border and virtually
• Willingness to travel internationally

Technical skills, abilities & qualifications

Technical Skills

• Good working knowledge of auditing standards is expected and an audit background
• Demonstrated, advanced working knowledge of PCAOB audit standards and firm guidance and methodology
• Exceptional communication, influencing and presentation skills
• Competent in Excel, PowerPoint, Word

The candidate should also demonstrate the following KPMG Global Behaviors:

• Delivers exceptional client experiences
• Seeks insights and perspectives
• Delivers relevant solutions
• Shares knowledge
• Maintains drive and resilience
• Plans for contingencies
• Understands the broader context
• Displays confidence and passion

The nature of this role requires the incumbent to demonstrate competency in the following strengths:

• Drives Quality: Delivers high-quality products and exceptional service that provide value and exceed client expectations
• Applies a strategic perspective: Uses diverse sets of inputs to develop a broad perspective on business and people issues
• Fosters innovation: Embraces a culture of innovation and experimentation to create value
• Builds collaborative relationships: Connects with individuals, teams and organizations to build lasting, collaborative relationships that enable global, firm-wide growth
• Makes sound decisions: Exercises sound ethical and business judgment when making decisions

     

Everyone a Leader compentencies required

Make sound decisions

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Foster innovation

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Apply a strategic perspective

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Build collaborative relationships

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Develop & motivate others

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Take opportunities to learn and adapt

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Advocate for equality

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Act ethically and responsibly

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Drive quality

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Intelligent Working

At KPMG International, we are supportive of helping you to achieve a balance between your home and work demands.  We are happy to discuss individual requirements and our range of flexible working arrangements could be of interest. Please ask to find out more.

KPMG International's commitment to inclusion & diversity

At KPMG International, we recognise that we need inclusion and diversity to be successful. We want to attract, retain and develop diverse talent at all levels. This means recruiting from the widest pool of talent across our network and beyond, removing barriers that can prevent our people from reaching their full potential, and fostering a fully inclusive environment which empowers everyone to bring their whole selves to work. 

Applying with a disability

KPMG International is proud to be an inclusive place to work and we are committed to ensuring that you are treated fairly throughout our recruitment process. Should you be successful after the initial application stage, please discuss any reasonable adjustments that you may require with your recruitment contact.

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