Director of Research - CAQ at AICPA in Washington, Washington DC

Job Description:

About CAQ

The  Center for Audit Quality (CAQ) is an autonomous, nonpartisan, professional association dedicated to enhancing investor confidence and public trust in the global capital markets. It is affiliated with the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (AICPA). At the CAQ, they share a core belief in working together to leverage the skills and strength of their team and collaborate to deliver meaningful results and impact those they serve through experience, diligence, and creativity.

 

Summary of Role

Reporting to the Vice President, Research and Anti-Fraud Initiatives, the Director of Research will lead and expand CAQ’s research function to advance the public company auditing profession and foster an increase in engagement between auditors and the academic community. They will direct programs, projects, timelines, and budgets related to the successful operation of the Research Team. Additionally, the Director will support the strategic objectives and initiatives of the CAQ by working cross-functionally on project teams to help develop and implement actionable recommendations to advance member priorities.

 

Accountabilities & Responsibilities

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  Chart the strategic direction for CAQ’s research agenda and direct research activities.

  
  


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  Drive and support engagement between professional and academic communities and stakeholders.        

  
  

Technical Content: Research and Application

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  Manage the commissioned research supported by the Research Advisory Board (RAB), including the development of scope of work, identification and selection of research team(s), and monitoring progress through to the publication of study findings.

  
  


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  Collaborate with professional practice subject matter experts to identify topics and develop content and discussion guides for panel sessions at American Accounting Association meetings. Recruit partners from CAQ Governing Board firms to participate on the panel, manage all coordination and preparation necessary to execute a successful panel session. etc.

  
  


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  Oversee the CAQ Symposium program, including the development of Symposium content such as discussion guides and breakout session questions, summarize notes from breakout discussions, work closely with CAQ’s Events Manager and the Symposium host firm’s RAB member, and other tasks as identified.

  
  


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  Oversee the CAQ research grant programs. Develop requests for proposals, maintain and revise the online proposal submission processes, and implement review assignment and distribution processes.

  
  


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  Support grant awardees according to established CAQ procedures, which includes coordinating with CAQ Governing Board firm representatives to secure study participants for grantees conducting experimental research projects.

  
  


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  Develop and implement quality control procedures for all CAQ sponsored and/or published research.

  
  


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  Present research updates and study proposals to the CAQ’s Research Advisory Board comprised of senior practitioners from member firms and non-practitioner members.

  
  


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  Other duties as required.                   

  
  

Task Force/Project Management

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  Identify key emerging issues facing member auditing firms; manage resulting task force and project deliverables. Where required, craft or evaluate research proposals, studies, and projects to provide relevant insights and recommendations.

  
  


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  Develop technical content, tools and webcasts for auditors of public companies using a variety of resources and experts.

  
  


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  Assist in the development of projects in support of the Anti-Fraud Collaboration, including webcasts, fraud case studies, panel discussions, meetings with regulators.

  
  


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  Ensure timely updates to the CAQ website.

  
  

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required

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  Exceptional organizational and project management skills with the ability to work well under tight time constraints to meet established deadlines.

  
  


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  Proven ability to manage assignments involving primary and secondary research methodologies, analysis, and synthesis.

  
  


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  Excellent writing and editing skills, with an unfailing dedication to quality and accuracy.

  
  


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  Strong, positive interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate openly and effectively to CAQ staff, members’ staff, and other key stakeholders including AAA, ECI, NACD, FEI, and IIA.

  
  


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  Able to work both independently and collaboratively with a diverse group of individuals across organizations (e.g., CAQ team members, academics, stakeholders, and other policy and regulatory organizations).

  
  


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  Results-orientation with flexibility and openness to quickly adapt to changes in priorities.

  
  


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  Self-motivated and objective, with a bias toward action. Embrace an entrepreneurial environment and spirit.

  
  

Required Experience, Qualifications & Education

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  Minimum 15 years academic, technical, or similar relevant experience.

  
  


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  Proven experience managing complex research projects with full budgetary responsibility.

  
  


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  BS required.

  
  

Preferred Experience, Qualifications & Education

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  Advanced/Technical degree emphasizing research and project skills preferred.

  
  


• A background in accounting a plus.

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