Audit and Regulatory Due Diligence Advisor (Private Equity Acquisition)

Job Description: Audit and Regulatory Due Diligence Advisor (Private Equity Acquisition)

Role Overview

• The ReachX advisor will support a private equity (PE) firm in assessing the audit and compliance risks associated with a potential acquisition.
• The advisor’s core responsibility is to evaluate the plausibility and potential impact of an ICAEW investigation on an alleged audit breach, including the likelihood of licence removal and the adequacy of provisions made in the target’s accounts.

Key Responsibilities

• Review all available reports and documentation relating to the ICAEW investigation, including the claim, correspondence, and the target’s internal assessments and provisions.
• Conduct Q&A sessions with the target’s management and relevant personnel to clarify facts, timelines, and the basis for provisions and risk assessments.
• Analyse the target’s compliance with audit and ethics regulations, referencing ICAEW audit standards, ethical rules, and relevant Financial Reporting Council (FRC) guidance.
• Assess the likelihood of the ICAEW removing the target’s audit licence, drawing on regulatory precedent, disciplinary processes, and the specifics of the alleged breach.
• Evaluate the sufficiency and appropriateness of the amounts provided for in the target’s accounts in relation to the ongoing investigation and potential liabilities.
• Prepare a comprehensive due diligence report summarizing findings, key risks, and recommendations, with a particular focus on the risk of licence removal and its impact on the business’s value and ongoing operations.
• Advise the PE firm on mitigation strategies and deal structuring options to address identified risks, including possible warranties, indemnities, or price adjustments.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Qualified Chartered Accountant with significant experience in audit practice, regulatory compliance, and professional ethics.
• Deep knowledge of ICAEW regulations, audit licensing requirements, and the disciplinary process for audit breaches.
• Demonstrated experience in due diligence for private equity or M&A transactions, with a focus on regulated professional services firms.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret complex regulatory and financial information.
• Excellent communication skills for conducting interviews, presenting findings, and advising senior stakeholders.
• Ability to provide clear, evidence-based opinions on regulatory risk and financial adequacy of provisions.

Desirable Attributes

• Experience liaising with regulatory bodies such as the ICAEW or FRC.
• Background in legal or compliance advisory roles within the audit or financial services sector.
• Track record of advising on transactions involving regulated entities and/or professional services firms.

Activity: Analyst, Other Specialist, Investor Relations Professional, Risk Manager, Compliance Specialist, Corporate Finance Advisor, Strategy Consultant

Sector: Regtech, Financial Services, Fintech, Generalist, Business Services

Skills: Corporate Finance, Regulatory Reporting, Due Diligence , Fundraising, Accounting, Reporting Systems, Financial Modelling, Audits (for IR), Risk Management, Mergers and Acquisitions

Years of Experience: 5-9 years, 10-14 years, 15+ years, 0-4 years

Region: EU, UK, Other