KDN Audit - ESG Assurance Director

Job Description

KPMG is focused on achieving significant growth ambitions. For Audit, this requires a relentless focus on key initiatives that drive Audit Quality and achieve Operational Excellence through standardization, centralization, automation, and innovation.
The establishment of a global delivery model, the KPMG Delivery Network for Audit (KDN Audit), will help make significant strides in all these focus areas. We envision a network of global, regional, and specialty focused delivery centers that provide standardized services to engagement teams in all member firms. 

We are seeking a strong and established Leader to serve as the KDN Head of ESG Assurance (Director) to partner with global leaders to build profile, provide credibility for ESG sales pitches and develop and lead the delivery of assurance services.  Through this work, you will have the opportunity to help shape a more sustainable future, as well as work with fantastic colleagues and the brightest minds in KPMG. 

Your Opportunity

To be successful, KDN ESG Assurance aims to amplify existing investments in ESG knowledge, experience and processes to deliver best in class services across the KPMG network.  The role therefore focuses on defining the strategy for the practice and subsequently leading and executing on this, as well as leading the team to build a framework and solutions that are innovative, purposeful, and fit for adoption across the network.

Key activities will include:

• Designing and shaping the KDN ESG Assurance strategy for Audit, as well as execution plans
• Leading and driving engagement with Leadership groups
• Leading business planning, management reporting and budget activities with relevant stakeholders and functional Leaders
• Supporting the Audit KDN Solutions Lead with establishing and managing an effective operating and governance model
• Representing KPMG and building the assurance brand from an international perspective
• Supporting and partially managing ESG assurance engagements, including report assurance, readiness services and other assurance related activities with an emphasis on applying the knowledge and expertise of international reporting frameworks and legislation, including CSRD, EU Taxonomy, ISSB, GRI and SASB.
• Building capacity within the member firms through training and knowledge sharing
• Enabling member firm teams to work in compliance with the latest legislation and frameworks
• Ensuring teams are up to date on developments on frameworks and requirements
• Developing and rolling-out training for sustainability and audit team
• Identifying opportunities for KDN process improvement and standardisation including
• Work paper development and explore ways to make the process more effective 
• Supporting the development of methodology and (standardized) working papers
• Enabling the successful deployment and adoption of each new service and solution
• Serving as a champion for the KDN ESG Assurance program
• Communicating effectively with executive partners to engender support and excitement for the benefits of KDN ESG Assurance while addressing potential roadblocks
• Helping direct the development of country activation programs to drive adoption and change

What We Are Looking For

• Strong leadership and team management skills
• Significant experience in sustainability assurance or a related field 
• Experience of assurance/audit work and the ability to apply this expertise from this perspective
• In-depth technical knowledge of relevant frameworks and the international regulatory and policy context, specifically knowledge of the CSRD, EU Taxonomy, ISSB, TCFD, GRI, SASB, and other relevant frameworks
• Extensive experience applying your knowledge and expertise in a variety of sectors
• Ability to make quick, sound decisions and work in an agile way
• Excellent stakeholder and client management skills. The position requires you to work with multiple teams and clients in an international context, meaning easy adaption to different international and cultural environments is required
• Experience working with offshore teams and/or collaborating on special initiatives
• Good interpersonal, presentation and communication skills with the ability to move between listening to, guiding, and coaching with impact. You will need these skills for training team members, networking events and preparing and launching thought leadership. 
• As firm policy permits, willingness to travel domestically or internationally (up to 25%)
• Willingness to work flexible hours to accommodate global team schedules

Additional Information

• Our people are focused on creating a diverse and dynamic environment that embraces and values differences.