Your opportunity

The Head of Compliance is responsible for overseeing all regulatory and ethical compliance matters within the firm, ensuring adherence to the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) regulations. This role includes monitoring and enforcing compliance policies, developing risk management frameworks, and fostering a culture of ethical behaviour across the organisation. The ideal candidate will act as a key advisor to the leadership team, providing insights and guidance on regulatory compliance and ethical standards.

How you will make a difference 

Key Responsibilities

Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure the firm’s full compliance with ICAEW regulations, standards, and guidelines.
• Stay informed on changes to ICAEW regulations and communicate relevant updates to the firm’s leadership and teams.
• Oversee and conduct regular internal audits to ensure adherence to ICAEW regulations, identifying and rectifying any areas of non-compliance.
• Develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive compliance framework in line with ICAEW standards.
• Manage the completion of all ICAEW Annual Returns.
• Serve as the primary contact for all ICAEW and FRC regulatory reviews.
• Ultimately be named as the Group’s Audit Compliance Partner, Practice Assurance Partner, Ethics Partner and Bribery Officer.
• Ensure compliance with Designated Professional Body (DPB) regulations
• Oversight of client money including compliance with the ICAEW Client Money Regulations.

Ethical Compliance

• Establish and promote ethical policies and procedures to maintain high standards of integrity and professional conduct.
• Advise and train staff on ethical best practices, helping them navigate complex ethical issues in client engagements.
• Investigate any potential breaches of ethical standards and recommend corrective actions and improvements.
• Act as a trusted resource for employees on ethical issues, offering guidance on dilemmas and encouraging open dialogue on ethical concerns.

Risk Management

• Identify compliance risks and develop proactive strategies to mitigate potential issues, safeguarding the firm’s reputation and client relationships.
• Regularly assess compliance risks across all departments and update risk management strategies as needed.
• Involvement with any potential acquisitions and newly integrated businesses to assess and minimise any identified areas of risk.
• Collaborate with teams to implement corrective actions for any compliance risks or issues identified, tracking progress and ensuring resolution.

Policy Development and Enforcement

• Create, maintain, and update compliance policies, procedures, and documentation in line with ICAEW requirements and best practices.
• Conduct annual DPB reviews and report to the DPB contact partner
• Ensure all employees are aware of compliance policies and procedures, providing regular training sessions and resources.
• Enforce compliance policies, addressing any non-compliance promptly and effectively to minimise risk to the firm.

Training

• Develop and deliver training programs on ICAEW regulations, ethical standards, and compliance best practices.
• Foster a culture of compliance through ongoing education and awareness initiatives for all staff.
• Ensure all staff understand their regulatory and ethical responsibilities and how these principles apply to their daily roles.

Reporting and Communication

• Report on compliance matters to the leadership team, including updates on regulatory changes, compliance activities, and risk assessments.
• Serve as the main point of contact for compliance-related inquiries from external regulators.
• Prepare and present reports on compliance and ethical practices for internal and external stakeholders as required.

Qualifications and experience

Education: Degree in Accounting, Finance, Law, or a related field.

Professional Qualifications: Qualified Chartered Accountant (ACA, ACCA) or similar, with ICAEW membership preferred.

Experience: Substantial experience in senior compliance, risk management, or a related field within an accountancy practice or professional services firm. Audit qualification or equivalent experience, with RI status preferred.

Skills and Knowledge:

• In-depth knowledge of ICAEW regulations and ethical standards.

• Strong understanding of regulatory compliance, audit, and risk management processes.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships at all levels of the firm.
• Analytical mindset with attention to detail and problem-solving abilities.
• Proven leadership and team management skills, capable of promoting a culture of compliance and ethical behaviour.

Personal Attributes

• Ethical and professional approach, with a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of integrity.
• Forward thinking and self-motivated, with a strategic mindset and the ability to handle complex regulatory issues.
• Personable, Pragmatic, diplomatic and approachable, capable of handling sensitive situations with discretion and tact. 

We know you have a lot to offer, which is why we want to give you the freedom to thrive no matter who you are or what your background is. You will have every opportunity to use your creativity in how you approach your work and the support to innovate.

Inclusion, diversity, and talent development are a fundamental aspect of who we are, and we welcome applications from candidates who share and champion these values. You will play an integral part in helping to make BKL a great place to work with a sense of belonging for everyone.

High challenge, high support

If you enjoy problem-solving and a fast-changing environment, you will thrive in this role.

As in all BKL roles, you will be able to take a flexible approach: balancing independent work with teamwork, and remote working with time in the office with colleagues.

You can get an insight into life at BKL here.

We’re proud to be one of the few Certified B Corporations in the accountancy sector. In joining us, you’ll become part of a business that’s committed to balancing profit and purpose.

Take your next step

If this sounds like the role for you, we’d be delighted to discuss the career you could build at BKL.

Part of how we’ll get to know you, and make sure we’d work well together, is aptitude and psychometric testing during our selection process.