Corporate Governance - Senior Associate

The opportunity

EY’s Corporate Governance team provides governance and corporate (narrative) reporting guidance and expertise to listed and large private companies. We are looking for two seniors interested in developing their skills and knowledge on corporate governance, reporting and issues impacting boardrooms today.

The CG team:

• Develops points of view on the practical application of governance requirements.
• Contributes to EY’s Assurance brand by producing thought leadership, publications, and other collateral on CG matters to help engage with our audit clients (existing and prospective). All our thought leadership reports can be found at ey.com/corporate governance.
• Engages with some of our largest clients to discuss corporate governance developments and share insights and best practices.
• Raises EY’s profile by speaking at and/or hosting events and conferences on corporate governance and narrative matters.

Your key responsibilities

• Point contact and end-to-end involvement in the team’s reporting publications analysing FTSE 350 annual reports and accounts - concept phase, research methodology, conducting research of annual reports, report writing, creative design input and project managing the launch. EY’s most recent analysis of FTSE 350 narrative reporting from a governance lens can be found here: Soaring to New Heights and you will be part of the project team for an equivalent publications.
• Help prepare materials for internal and client meetings.
• Perform a review of narrative report within listed/large private company annual reports and accounts
• Other research and analysis on CG matters, including on ESG reporting trends.
• Contribute to stakeholder communications and thought leadership throughout the year e.g., the team publishes a monthly e-bulletin – Governance Spotlight – which is distributed to over 1000 external stakeholders.
• Ensuring our website and internal SharePoint is regularly updated
• Horizon scanning relevant to corporate governance and narrative reporting developments

You will ultimately report to a Director in the CG team.

Skills and attributes for success

• Ability to write concisely and clearly or a keen desire to learn this based on feedback and coaching.
• Proven ability to be a team player while retaining ability to work independently.
• Ability to apply a systematic approach to work.
• An aptitude to think laterally.
• Ability to manage time, prioritise tasks and work under deadlines.
• A self-starting mind-set and motivation to succeed.
• Excellent attention to detail and an analytical mind-set.
• Aptitude for and interest in learning the rules/requirements within the corporate governance and narrative reporting fields and then developing thoughts on practical application of these.

While not pre-requisites, the following are desirable:

• Previous experience on PLCs e.g., working on a listed company audits, working on a PLC’s annual report (narrative content)
• Power point skills
• Relevant qualification (part qualified or full)
  • CSQS (company secretary qualifying scheme) – part qualified will be considered
  • Diploma in Legal Practice or LLB
  • Accounting and auditing – e.g., ACCA, CIMA, ACA
  • Certificate in Investor Relations
  • Degree in corporate governance or law – undergraduate or post-graduate

What will you gain from this role;

With the current regulatory interest in corporate governance and the government’s agenda to reform audit and corporate governance, the next 18 months represent an exciting time that will herald significant change to UK’s corporate governance and narrative frameworks. If you join you will be at the forefront of these developments and will gain:

• A deep understanding of the changes that will be implemented in the next 18-24 months to the UK’s governance and reporting frameworks as a result of recent government announcements to reform audit and corporate governance.
• An excellent technical grounding on the corporate governance and narrative reporting framework in the UK and an ability to apply rules and requirements practically
• An understanding of climate change reporting which will soon extend to large private companies. Our analysis of listed company climate change reporting can be found here: What companies should consider when making climate-related disclosures | EY UK
• The ability to critique and review the narrative within annual reports from a qualitative and strategic perspective – broader than a compliance-based review
• The opportunity to contribute to the team’s thought leadership and publications – a key aspect of EY’s Assurance brand and market presence. This will be through performing the underlying research as well as gaining exposure to how we develop our points of view.
• The opportunity to improve/enhance your presentation and writing skills.
• Exposure to a variety of internal EY stakeholders including audit, marketing, the wider Governance and public policy team etc.

What we offer

We offer a competitive remuneration package where you’ll be rewarded for your individual and team performance. Our comprehensive Total Rewards package includes support for flexible working and career development, and with FlexEY you can select benefits that suit your needs, covering holidays, health and well-being, insurance, savings, and a wide range of discounts, offers and promotions. Plus, we offer:

• Continuous learning: You’ll develop the mindset and skills to navigate whatever comes next.
• Success as defined by you: We’ll provide the tools and flexibility, so you can make a meaningful impact, your way.
• Transformative leadership: We’ll give you the insights, coaching and confidence to be the leader the world needs.
• Diverse and inclusive culture: You’ll be embraced for who you are and empowered to use your voice to help others find theirs.

Please note

Prior to finalizing your application, you will be asked to provide personal information across several dimensions of diversity and inclusiveness. The information you provide is kept entirely confidential and will not be used to evaluate your candidacy. We collect this data to help us analyse our recruitment process holistically and implement actions that promote diversity and inclusiveness. While optional, we encourage you to provide this information to hold us accountable towards our goal of building a better working world. Read more about our commitment to diversity & inclusiveness here. We ask because it matters!

If you can demonstrate that you meet the criteria above, please contact us as soon as possible.

The exceptional EY experience. It’s yours to build.

For further information, and to apply, please visit our website via the “Apply” button below.