Job DescriptionJob Summary:The Director, Quality Intelligence & Causal Analysis is responsible for supporting the day-to-day execution of the Firm's quality intelligence, root cause analysis, quality analytics, and predictive risk assessment activities in support of the Firm's System of Quality Management (SoQM). Working closely with the Partner and Managing Director responsible for the function, the Director leads the analysis of quality-related information to identify underlying causes of deficiencies, emerging risks, systemic trends, and opportunities to strengthen audit quality. The role is not responsible for concluding on the effectiveness of the System of Quality Management, assessing the severity and pervasiveness of deficiencies, or directing the Firm's monitoring program. Those responsibilities reside within the Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting function.
The Director assists in managing and coordinating quality intelligence activities across multiple sources, including monitoring results, inspection findings, root cause analyses and causal factor analysis, Audit Quality Indicators (AQIs), remediation outcomes, and other quality-related information. The role transforms data into actionable insights that support leadership decision-making, continuous improvement, and proactive risk management.
Job Duties:Quality Intelligence & Root Cause Analysis- Directs the day-to-day execution of the Firm's quality intelligence, root cause analysis, and quality analytics programs
- Leads and coordinates root cause analyses related to inspection findings, monitoring results, quality deficiencies, and other quality-related matters
- Evaluates underlying causes, contributing factors, and systemic drivers affecting audit quality and the Firm's SoQM
- Directs efforts to identify recurring themes, trends, and conditions that may impact the achievement of quality objectives
- Directs efforts to identify emerging quality risks, leading indicators, behavioral drivers, and organizational conditions that may affect the achievement of quality objectives
- Evaluates organizational behaviors, incentives, resource constraints, communication practices, and cultural factors contributing to quality outcomes
- Assesses relationships among findings, risks, controls, remediation activities, and organizational behaviors to identify opportunities for improvement
- Directs the development and enhancement of quality intelligence methodologies, analytical models, dashboards, data visualization tools, and emerging technologies used to identify and evaluate quality risks
Predictive Risk & Trend Analysis- Directs analyses designed to identify emerging quality risks and potential future areas of concern before deficiencies occur
- Oversees the collection, validation, and analysis of data from inspections, monitoring activities, AQIs, remediation programs, and other quality-related sources
- Analyzes complex firm and engagement level causes to drive systemic continuous improvement within the firm and documented within the firm level remediations
- Develops and maintains quality analytics, dashboards, scorecards, and predictive risk indicators
- Evaluates internal and external quality-related information to identify trends, conditions, and risk factors that could impact the Firm's quality objectives
- Supports the development of forward-looking analyses that assist leadership in prioritizing quality improvement efforts
Reporting & Strategic Insights- Directs the preparation of quality intelligence reports, root cause analyses, trend analyses, and other communications for Firm leadership
- Presents findings, observations, emerging risks, and recommendations to leadership and key stakeholders
- Supports development of annual quality evaluations and other quality management reporting requirements
- Assists in responding to PCAOB and other regulatory requests involving root cause analysis, quality trends, remediation effectiveness, and quality management activities
- Provides strategic insights and recommendations designed to support continuous improvement and proactive risk management
Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement- Develops trusted relationships with process owners, response owners, inspection teams, and other stakeholders across the Firm
- Facilitates constructive discussions regarding findings, quality risks, root causes, and remediation opportunities in a manner that promotes collaboration and shared accountability
- Partners with Monitoring & Evaluation, Inspections, Professional Practice, Learning, Independence, Technology, and other functions to develop integrated perspectives on quality risks and quality performance
- Balances professional skepticism and objectivity with a collaborative, solutions-oriented approach to problem-solving and quality improvement
- Influences stakeholders through data-driven insights, sound judgment, and strong communication skills
Program Leadership- Directs the execution of quality intelligence methodologies, analytical frameworks, reporting processes, and quality analytics tools
- Identifies opportunities to improve the effectiveness, efficiency, and scalability of quality intelligence activities
- Supports the Partner in establishing priorities, strategic objectives, and performance measures for the Quality Intelligence function
- Performs other duties as required
Supervisory Responsibilities- Directs managers, senior managers, directors, analysts, and project resources responsible for root cause analysis, quality analytics, trend analysis, and quality reporting activities
- Assigns work, establishes priorities, and monitors completion of quality intelligence initiatives and projects
- Provides coaching, mentoring, and technical guidance to team members
- Supports the development of team capabilities in root cause analysis, data analytics, critical thinking, and quality risk assessment
Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:Education:- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Economics, or Data Analytics, required
- Degree concentration in Economics or Data Analytics, preferred
Experience:- Eight (8) or more of public accounting, audit quality, inspections, professional practice, quality management, risk management, regulatory, or analytical experience, required
- Experience leading root cause analysis initiatives, quality-related investigations, or complex data analysis projects, required
- Experience identifying trends, emerging risks, and systemic issues through data analysis and professional judgment, required
- Experience preparing executive-level reporting and presentations, preferred
- Experience working with quality management standards, inspection programs, monitoring activities, or regulatory matters, preferred
License/Certifications:Software:- Advanced Excel skills, required
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook, preferred
- Experience with accounting research databases, preferred
Language:Other Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:- Strong knowledge of PCAOB QC 1000, IAASB ISQM 1, and AICPA SQMS 1 requirements
- Strong understanding of root cause analysis methodologies, causal factor analysis, remediation concepts, and continuous improvement principles
- Advanced analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
- Ability to synthesize complex information into practical, actionable recommendations
- Strong project management and organizational skills
- Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and facilitation skills
- Experience developing dashboards, scorecards, quality indicators, and analytical reporting
- Ability to build collaborative relationships while maintaining objectivity and professional skepticism
- Demonstrated ability to influence stakeholders, facilitate difficult conversations, and drive continuous improvement through data-driven insights
- Strong leadership skills with experience directing teams and managing complex initiatives
Individual salaries that are offered to a candidate are determined after consideration of numerous factors including but not limited to the candidate's qualifications, experience, skills, and geography.
National Range: $200,000 - $240,000
Maryland Range: $200,000 - $240,000
NYC/Long Island/Westchester Range: $200,000 - $240,000
