Forensics - Crisis and Investigations - Senior Manager - Chicago

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Despite the best efforts of compliance, legal, risk, security and information technology departments, organizations in crisis face uncertainty when disruption occurs. Clients call upon EY to deploy multidisciplinary teams of former law enforcement officers, forensic accountants, compliance professionals and technology specialists to coordinate response activities and timelines, collect critical information and business intelligence, investigate suspicious activity, summarize procedures and outcomes, and streamline communications and reporting during critical business events.

The opportunity

EY’s Forensic & Integrity Services practice advises corporations and government clients on complex matters requiring crisis management, fact-based and digital investigations, insider threat services, crisis and incident preparedness, and threat intelligence. As a Senior Manager, you will play a key role in the growth of the Crisis & Investigations solution by leading multidisciplinary teams, directing complex engagements and helping clients navigate high-stakes events. You will work across industries and with clients’ legal counsel, internal audit, compliance, security and executive stakeholders, applying deep subject-matter knowledge and broad sector experience to deliver practical, actionable outcomes.

Your key responsibilities

• Lead the strategy, planning, execution and quality of a portfolio of complex forensic, crisis management and investigative engagements.
• Direct multidisciplinary teams responding to allegations of fraud, corruption, regulatory noncompliance, accounting irregularities, cyber incidents, insider threats and other critical business events.
• Work with client legal counsel and internal audit, compliance, risk, security, human resources and technology functions to define scope, develop workplans, assess evidence and resolve operational challenges.
• Oversee information gathering, interviews, transaction or control testing, document review, digital investigative procedures, business intelligence and analysis of relevant facts.
• Communicate progress, emerging risks, preliminary observations and escalation matters clearly and promptly to senior client and engagement stakeholders.
• Review and deliver high-quality work products, including investigation plans, executive updates, summaries of procedures, findings and observations, recommendations and final reports.
• Apply relevant EY methodologies, professional standards and quality and risk management requirements throughout the engagement lifecycle.
• Identify trends, risks and opportunities within clients’ industries and translate complex information into practical, actionable insights.
• Develop trusted, long-term relationships across a network of existing and prospective clients and contribute to proposals, market activity and business development.
• Lead, coach and develop team members through timely feedback, challenging assignments and opportunities that build technical, commercial and leadership capability.
• Promote collaboration across EY’s global multidisciplinary network and use data, AI and advanced technology appropriately to improve engagement delivery and client outcomes.

Skills and attributes for success

• Manage the key components of a portfolio of forensic projects, including strategy, planning and execution.
• Develop long-term relationships across a network of existing and potential clients to maximize business development opportunities.
• Continually deepen your understanding of clients’ industries and identify trends, risks and opportunities for improvement.
• Develop your team through ongoing coaching and feedback, setting challenging goals and ensuring team members have the skills, knowledge and opportunities to grow.

To qualify for the role, you must have

• A bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Law, Finance or a related field,
• 8+ years of significant, related work experience.
• Exceptional financial, analytical and technical skills.
• Significant experience managing large, complex engagements.
• At least one professional designation, such as CPA, CFA or CFE, or the commitment to obtain an approved certification within the first year of employment.
• Strong negotiation and influencing skills, with the confidence to communicate complex technical concepts to a wide range of audiences.
• A quantifiable history of business development success.
• The ability and willingness to travel and work in excess of standard hours when necessary
• Access to reliable transportation to and from the EY office and client sites. A driver’s license is strongly recommended because ride-share and public transportation options may not be available in all locations

Ideally, you’ll also have

• Master’s degree
• Relevant crisis management or investigations leadership experience at the Senior Manager level, preferably with a professional services firm.

What we look for

We are looking for passionate, resilient leaders with the intellectual curiosity to pursue new knowledge in the rapidly changing fields of investigations and crisis management. Successful candidates combine a strong technical foundation with sound judgment, commercial awareness and the ability to translate complex information into meaningful, actionable insights. They build trust, nurture internal and external relationships, understand client needs and remain composed and responsive in sensitive, high-pressure situations. This role is suited to someone who wants to lead teams, grow the practice and make a measurable difference for organizations facing their most consequential challenges.

What we offer you
At EY, we’ll develop you with future-focused skills and equip you with world-class experiences. We’ll empower you in a flexible environment, and fuel you and your extraordinary talents in a diverse and inclusive culture of globally connected teams. Learn more.

• We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to the business. The base salary range for this job in all geographic locations in the US is $134,000 to $305,900. The base salary range for New York City Metro Area, Washington State and California (excluding Sacramento) is $160,800 to $347,700. Individual salaries within those ranges are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge, skills and geography. In addition, our Total Rewards package includes medical and dental coverage, pension and 401(k) plans, and a wide range of paid time off options.
• Join us in our team-led and leader-enabled hybrid model. Our expectation is for most people in external, client serving roles to work together in person 40-60% of the time over the course of an engagement, project or year.
• Under our flexible vacation policy, you’ll decide how much vacation time you need based on your own personal circumstances. You’ll also be granted time off for designated EY Paid Holidays, Winter/Summer breaks, Personal/Family Care, and other leaves of absence when needed to support your physical, financial, and emotional well-being.

Are you ready to shape your future with confidence? Apply today.
EY accepts applications for this position on an on-going basis.

For those living in California, please click here for additional information.

EY focuses on high-ethical standards and integrity among its employees and expects all candidates to demonstrate these qualities.

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