Director - Accounting Advisory Services

Client facing Director in the Accounting Advisory Services team to lead the sustainability reporting services provided to clients, advising on how to develop and improve internal and external reporting on ESG matters, as well as effectively integrating non-financial information into mainstream corporate reports.
We are seeking additional leaders to drive the growth of the team and provide deep relevant subject matter experience and insight, both from working in a UK environment, but also with good awareness of the international sustainability reporting landscape.

Role and Responsibilities:

• Operational accountability and responsibility for the delivery of sustainability reporting advisory engagements. Demonstrates a strong tone and culture supporting quality through communication, consultations, engagement support and commitment to maintain objectivity, professional scepticism, ethics and integrity. This includes leading KPMG engagements with clients and AAS input into larger, multi-disciplinary teams.
• Providing sustainability reporting and accounting support including reports and presentations to client issues relating to key reporting frameworks, principles and standards including but not limited to TCFD, SASB, GRI, Integrated Reporting, UN SDGs, UN PRI and CDP. This may include:
o Providing training up to Board level on the importance of ESG to the business and the reporting landscape, both in the UK and internationally;
o Undertaking wide scope reporting advisory engagements to support clients with their reporting journey, from understanding desired maturity and materiality to producing good practice reports and being ready for assurance of key metrics.
o Undertaking advisory work with major FTSE listed businesses to enhance and improve their reporting quality and credibility.
o Supporting the adoption of new sustainability or integrated reporting frameworks, such as those mentioned above;
o Working alongside multidisciplinary KPMG teams to advise clients on ESG strategy design and implementation, data management and control, and through capital and debt market transactions.
• Ownership and delivery of quality, efficient and profitable engagements.
• Subject matter expert / thought leader on sustainability topics, including up to date awareness of the development of the field.
• Participate in KPMG and external international working groups on emerging ESG reporting standards, including having an active role in KPMG's Global ESG team (KPMG Impact).
• Lead and be accountable for driving business development effort in the Corporate Reporting service line.
• Build and maintain excellent relationship with senior client staff.
• Build and maintain excellent relationship with other departments with whom AAS works closely e.g. Climate Change and Decarbonisation Strategy, ESG strategy, Audit, Assurance, Valuations, Deal Advisory.
• Deliver compelling engagement proposals which result in winning engagements.
• Development and delivery of sustainability and integrated reporting training to clients and internal KPMG teams
• Contributing to practice and risk management, including thought leadership and business development activities
• Motivate and generate commitment from team members.
• Demonstrate continuous self-development and commitment to others development through coaching and leadership.
• Share knowledge with the team.
• Oversight and lead key pillars of AAS strategy, take accountability for overall team management and other non-delivery aspects of the role.

Experience and Background

• Strong technical experience with key reporting frameworks, principles and standards including but not limited to TCFD, SASB, GRI, Integrated Reporting, UN SDGs, UN PRI and CDP
• Knowledge or experience with UK listed company reporting as well as UK statutory reporting requirements (e.g Strategic Report requirements, other Companies Act disclosure requirements, Listing Rules) desirable
• Up to date knowledge of recent developments in reporting both in the UK and internationally
• Qualified accountant (Chartered Accountant or international equivalent) desirable
• Experience in leading and developing client relationships
• Experience of developing and presenting accounting training courses
• Experience of oversight of teams
• Experience of coaching and mentoring colleagues of all levels
• Experience working as an Advisory Director in a Top 10 Audit firm working within large corporate sectors preferred
• Business development experience including generating sales with new clients and developing internal networks
• Analytical ability and attention to detail
• Problem solving attitude and proven ability to apply accounting concepts to unusual one-off situations
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.