Client Audit Associate Advisor

About Ashurst

Ashurst is a leading progressive global law firm with a rich history spanning more than 200 years. We are proud of our history and are future-focused, having expanded into new technologies through our NewLaw division, Ashurst Advance, and our consulting arm. Our in-depth understanding of our clients and commitment to providing excellent standards of service have seen us become a trusted adviser to local and global corporates, financial institutions and governments in all areas of commercial law. To find out more please visit www.ashurst.com.

Department/Role overview

This role involves responding to client third party risk assessments ("Client Audits") and any associated remediation activities globally. This role involves liaising with a number of functions across the Firm to ensure all necessary input is obtained. The position is by its nature a global role; it will also involve working to local regulatory requirements as required.

The Risk & Compliance function is commercially minded and focuses on adding value to the business as well as clients.

The successful candidate will:

• successfully plan, prepare and respond to Client Audits;
• coordinate (and, where applicable, carry out) any associated remediation activities to ensure such activities are actioned as required;
• work closely with the Client Audits Lead to assist in developing and improving the Client Audit process for the Firm;
• be able to communicate technical jargon (particularly common in relation to information security) to non-technical stakeholders (partners, clients and other business functions); and
• be tasked to further develop relationships with our stakeholders on a continuous basis.

Main responsibilities

• Respond to Client Audits being undertaken on the Firm with the input of other required functions. This may be an onsite assessment, a remote assessment or a combination of both.
• Ensure all aspects of responding to a Client Audit are dealt with in a timely manner. This includes completing any questionnaires, obtaining any evidence necessary and ensuring this is prepared in an agreed way for evidence validation sessions with the client.
• Work closely with other departments of the Firm, in particular IT and information security, to understand how Ashurst functions as a business and how our infrastructure is set-up. Ensure such knowledge is provided to clients without relaying sensitive information.
• Liaise with a range of other departments to ensure that they understand what is required of them when responding to Client Audits, including when engaging with a client directly as part of an audit.
• Be a contact point with Ashurst for any Client Audits undertaken. This includes coordinating schedules and agendas with the client and everyone at the Firm involved in the Client Audit.
• Build good working relationships with and work on an ongoing basis with counterparts at clients to bring Client Audits to a successful and satisfactory conclusion.
• Work closely with client relationship partners at Ashurst to keep them up to date about any developments before, during and after audits. Provide them with talking points and further insights where necessary. Lead discussions with them about remediation items that will impact their working practices.
• Work on any Client Audit remediation items that need to be addressed. These can involve being part of projects of strategic importance to the Firm, assisting with the set-up of inhouse systems or ensuring that those working for a client adhere to internal policies.
• Keep the other members of the Client Commitments team informed about any discussions on Client Audits findings to enable them to ensure this is considered in contracts with the client.
• Risk and Control: Ensure that all activities and duties are carried out in full compliance with our regulatory requirements and internal policies.

Essential skills and experience

• Ability to manage large volumes of information and transferring this to a required format.
• Strong written and oral communication skills with the ability to put a position forward in a clear, articulate way to different stakeholders.
• Ability to execute tasks and meet deadlines whilst working in a high pressure environment.
• Ability to adapt to new situations, processes and technology.
• Ability to work with attention to detail whilst staying focused on ultimate objectives.
• Demonstrated background of strategic decision making and negotiation.
• An understanding of a wide range of risk management issues faced by global international (law) Firms.
• Discrete and professional in handling sensitive and confidential situations.
• Strong interpersonal skills, able to liaise effectively at all levels across the Firm and offices.
• Commitment to supporting the team as a global function and ability to strengthen those connections globally.

Desired skills and experience

• Previous experience responding to Client Audits or being involved in third party risk management.
• Ideally experience in third party/supplier risk management either supporting supplier assessments/audits or involvement in any remediations with the relevant risk owners.

Background checks

In order to comply with regulatory and client requirements, Ashurst will undertake appropriate vetting of staff. When applicants accept a job offer, Ashurst, alongside a specialist provider, will undertake professional verification and background checks. These checks are only undertaken with consent, and in accordance with our legal and regulatory obligations.