A&O Shearman is a new global industry-leading law firm with offices in 29 countries worldwide. Our fluency in English law, US law, and the laws of the world’s most dynamic markets, enables us to provide unmatched insight and seamless delivery to clients. We work on challenging and important deals and disputes that have the potential to shape the future.
We offer exceptional opportunities for our people; opportunities to work for the world’s leading businesses; to transform the status quo, and to deliver your best work, helping you and your career to thrive, while delivering unparalleled outcomes for our clients.
Whether you're helping clients solve complex challenges, transforming the ways we manage our business, or ensuring the smooth-running of our operations, this is an environment where you can belong and excel. We provide first-rate training and development, we are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion and we provide support and ways of working that help you optimize your wellbeing.
What truly defines a career with us? We recruit the best and ask for the best of you. And together, we will redefine success.
Role Summary
Under the supervision of the Office of General Counsel the Audit Response Manager will oversee the firm’s response to audit response inquiries and will be responsible for managing the audit response process. The position entails supervisory and administrative duties required to support this area, including overseeing a staff of approximately 50 legal assistants acting in their capacity as audit response coordinators and liaising with partners, associates, and the Office of General Counsel. The Audit Response Manager must be exceptionally organized, detail-oriented, and proactive, willing, and able to take ownership of tasks, and must deliver work product of the highest quality.
Key Responsibilities-
Manage the firm’s audit response program by supporting the Office of General Counsel and the firm’s Audit Response Committee] in all related areas.
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Collaborate with partners and other lawyers on preparation of audit response letters to ensure proper responses to the firm clients’ auditors.
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Exercise independent judgment and discretion in dealing with issues that arise.
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Process annual and follow-up/update audit inquiries and prepare audit response letters in accordance with ABA and other applicable rules and firm policies.
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Manage retrieval, organization, and continuously assure consistency and accuracy, of audit response records, both with respect to master file repository and database.
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Manage calendar of audit response deadlines, including effective and due dates.
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Track most-recently reported loss contingencies.
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Maintain record of working folders for each audit inquiry to include documentation of audit inquiry letters and follow-ups, internal and external communications regarding completion of responses and work product, and the final responses.
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Resolve issues raised by attorneys, clients, and auditors in connection with audit inquiries and escalate to [General Counsel’s office and Audit Response Committee] as necessary.
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Provide guidance to colleagues at all levels. Address procedural questions and provide related recommendations.
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Prepare U.S. and non-U.S. audit response letters and coordinate with other offices’ designated personnel as needed.
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Provide ongoing assessment of process efficiencies and make improvement recommendations.
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Assess, plan, facilitate, and conduct training programs required for the preparation of audit responses.
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Review, revise and ensure availability of up-to-date resource and training audit response materials.
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Assist General Counsel with preparing material for annual CLE seminars.
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Utilize appropriate technology and software. Troubleshoot, conduct testing and identify solutions with timekeepers, internal technology group and vendor, as needed. Monitor software/database records for accuracy and completeness.
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Collaborate with Financial Services department in connection with reporting tool for unbilled/unpaid inventories relating to audit requests.
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Prepare and release daily diaries and weekly timesheets.
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Assist with special projects, e.g., monitor topics of interest, coordinate meetings, etc.
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Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills & Attributes-
Superior written and verbal communication skills.
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Excellent attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
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Ability to produce high-quality work product under pressure and tight deadlines.
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Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office.
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Ability to carefully and accurately follow instructions and prioritize work appropriately.
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Strong ability to multi-task and effectively communicate with personnel at all levels.
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Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion in a professional manner.
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Ability to take ownership of tasks and think creatively.
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Ability to work independently and as a team player.
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Ability to analyze information and solve problems.
Education & Experience
Essential-
BS/BA degree.
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Experience with preparation of audit response letters.
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At least 6 years’ experience as a law firm professional with managerial experience
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Experience and knowledge of Audit Trak system and strong computer skills.
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Well-developed proofreading skills
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Experience training and supervising staff
Physical Activity/Other Miscellaneous-
Flexibility to work outside standard business hours, including on short notice.
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Ability to lift/carry up to 15 pounds.
Additional information - External
For individuals assigned to or hired for this opportunity in New York, the estimated annualized base salary range for this position is $120,000 - $150,000. The actual base salary offered will depend on the overall qualifications of the individual applicant for the position and other job-related factors permitted by law.
Equal Employment Opportunity
A&O Shearman is an equal opportunity employer. Every individual has the right to work in a professional environment that promotes equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination and harassment. It is A&O Shearman’s policy to ensure equal employment opportunity for all individuals, without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, citizenship status or alienage, disability, pregnancy or related medical issue, military or qualified veteran status, familial status, marital status, partnership status, sexual orientation, gender, including gender identity, gender expression or transition status, genetic predisposition or carrier status, status as a victim of domestic violence, stalking and/or sex offenses, sexual and reproductive health decisions, unemployment status, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state and local laws. This policy applies to all aspects of an individual’s relationship with A&O Shearman, including, without limitation, recruitment, hiring, training and development, promotion, compensation, discipline, termination, and all other terms and conditions of employment.
If you are vision-impaired or have another disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act or similar law and wish to discuss accommodations related to applying for employment at A&O Shearman, please contact US HR Transactions at US-HRTransactions@aoshearman.com or call +1 212 610 6300 and ask for HR Transactions.