APAC Public Policy Director

During this period of immense change, this Public Policy role has never been more important. This role will seek to contribute to the debate on issues of high on the agenda of governments, regulators, investors and clients – such as the future of audit and corporate reporting, audit quality and governance of the new digital economy.

The opportunity
This is a replacement of an existing role that has been relocated to provide greater focus of north APAC countries (including Greater China, Korea and Japan). This is an Area role that provides wide exposure to the Public Policy agenda across more than 20 countries in the Asia-Pacific. It also has close connectivity with the Public Policy agenda in the Americas and EMEIA through a globally integrated EY network. The diversity of Public Policy priorities within Asia-Pacific, makes this role interesting and full of learning opportunities.

Your key responsibilities
This role will lead the EY Public Policy agenda across Asia-Pacific, while staying aligned with our global strategy. It is an Area function requiring coordination across service lines, functions and geographies.

Majority of time spent in this role will include monitoring of public policy, regulatory and geopolitical developments that affects EY and our clients; developing points of view on key public policy issues; engaging on productive debates either directly with stakeholders or other platforms such as roundtables and panels.

While the Public Policy function is highly valued within EY but unlike its client facing function, this role is unable to see immediate tangible results as its key responsibility of shaping public policies is a long-term strategic outcome. Thus, this individual must be extremely self-motivated to persevere in the cause.
Additionally, public policy changes can be difficult to influence, or reverse and policy contagion can happen unexpectedly fast. Hence, while this individual will try his or her utmost to shape public policies, he or she must also be able to react immediately to rapid public policy changes and leverage on global connectivity to support the Asia-Pacific member firms in dealing with changes, which can be drastic.

Being an Area role, this role requires flexibility in working with different cultures and time zones. Most work will be performed using technology-able communication tools and the individual has the flexibility to be based or working from another location. However, some travel around the area (when travel resumes post-pandemic) is required for about 3 to 5 times a year if face-to-face interaction is deemed critical. This role is also preferred to be based geographically favorably for close proximity to north APAC countries.

Skills and attributes for success
How your skills and experience will make an impact, followed by sub-headings:

To qualify for the role you must have

• Have a passion about public policy, regulation and geopolitics
• Possess deep knowledge of legal and regulatory environment, company law, professional codes, audit regulation and the business of the accounting profession
• Have an ability to develop strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders 

Ideally, you’ll also have

• Strong communication skills including being good at public speaking or engagement
• Project management skills and proficiency at driving projects to a close
• Experience working in a professional services firm

What we look for

• Ability to think strategically and know when and what to report to leadership
• High energy individual who can lead and provide analytical points of view
• High level of diplomacy and sensitivity to social and cultural subtleties
   

What working at EY offers
We offer a competitive remuneration package where you’ll be rewarded for your individual and team performance. We provide ample opportunities for career development and this Area role will also expose you to leadership interaction across Asia-Pacific and beyond. This role also supports flexible working arrangements so that you can build your career without sacrificing personal priorities.

About EY
As a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services, we’re using the finance products, expertise and systems we’ve developed to build a better working world. That starts with a culture that believes in giving you the training, opportunities and creative freedom to make things better. Whenever you join, however long you stay, the exceptional EY experience lasts a lifetime. And with a commitment to hiring and developing the most passionate people, we’ll make our ambition to be the best employer by 2020 a reality.