Senior Associate, Independence

RSM US LLP

. Research and apply AICPA, SEC, PCAOB, and Firm independence requirements to assigned matters .

Posted 11/11/2026full-timeChicago • Illinois • United StatesSenior💰 $77,700 - $128,200 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in AICPA, SEC, and PCAOB independence requirements, with strong analytical and organizational skills to manage complex independence matters and stakeholder communications effectively. Proficient in utilizing Microsoft Office tools and emerging technologies to support independence training and documentation.

Highest-signal resume keywords

AICPA Independence RequirementsSEC CompliancePCAOB StandardsMicrosoft Excel ProficiencyAnalytical Skills

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Independence FrameworksRegulatory ResearchTechnical DocumentationTransaction MonitoringAffiliate AnalysisWorkpaper PreparationRisk ManagementAudit ComplianceStakeholder ManagementData Validation

Soft Skills

Strong Communication SkillsOrganizational SkillsCollaborationConfidentialityLearning Agility

Tools & Technologies

Microsoft WordMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft CopilotAlteryxInTrust

Industry Keywords

Public AccountingProfessional ServicesIndependence IssuesRisk AssessmentCapital Markets Activity

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Research and apply AICPA, SEC, PCAOB, and Firm independence requirements to assigned matters
Gather and document facts, assess applicable independence frameworks, prepare analyses and preliminary conclusions, and identify escalation issues
Perform initial triage of incoming requests and, after demonstrating proficiency, assigned initial technical review of established AICPA matters
Support Independence Managers and engagement teams serving private equity and other clients with complex organizational structures
Evaluate independence implications involving funds, portfolio companies, ownership and control relationships, affiliates, covered persons, service arrangements, acquisitions, prospective services, and capital markets activity
Coordinate information requests, prepare status updates, draft technical communications for approval, and support implementation of approved conclusions
Assist with AICPA, SEC, annual, and engagement-specific independence searches and transaction monitoring
Review and organize search results, investigate relationships, resolve missing information and open matters, and prepare supporting documentation
Assist with complex affiliate analyses and maintenance of affiliate trees and entity records
Prepare traceable workpapers and support reconciliations involving Form ADV, Alteryx, InTrust, master affiliate templates, and other approved tools
Manage assigned matters, deadlines, fact requests, open items, workpapers, status reporting, and handoff for review
Coordinate with US and India team members and communicate delivery risks and missing information to the accountable Manager
Assist with development and delivery of independence training, tools, templates, procedures, and guidance
Participate in testing and evaluating approved process, technology, automation, and documentation improvements
Validate outputs against source data, retain evidence, document exceptions, and escalate inconsistent results
Perform other National Office of Ethics and Independence or Office of Risk Management projects and duties as assigned

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree required; degree in accounting, finance, business or a related field preferred
3+ years of relevant public accounting, independence, risk, audit, compliance, or professional services experience required
Developing knowledge of AICPA, SEC, and PCAOB independence requirements
Ability to research and apply professional standards, regulatory requirements, and Firm policies
Strong analytical, organizational, documentation, and follow-through skills
Ability to identify potential independence issues and escalate appropriately
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
Ability to collaborate effectively across teams
Maintains confidentiality and professional discretion
Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
Effectively uses approved emerging technologies, including Microsoft Copilot
Experience researching and applying professional standards, regulatory requirements, or Firm policies
Experience managing multiple assignments, deadlines, and stakeholders
Business awareness of regulatory and independence requirements
Customer focus and ability to anticipate stakeholder needs
Learning agility, technical judgment, adaptability, and readiness for a broader view
RSM does not intend to hire entry-level candidates who require sponsorship now or in the future (i.e. F-1 visa holders)

Benefits

Comp & perks

Competitive benefits and compensation package
Discretionary bonus based on firm and individual performance
Hybrid workstyle with alignment to an RSM office and in-person connection when it best supports clients, teams, development or relationship-building
Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities