Associate Director

As the Associate Director - Climate Risk & Assurance, you will serve in a pivotal role by combining technical expertise in climate risk, carbon management, and sustainability assurance to help our clients navigate the challenges, risks, and opportunities of climate change. This role will involve leading a multidisciplinary approach to climate-related risk management, decarbonisation strategies, and sustainability assurance to create value for businesses, enhance resilience, and support the transition to a low-carbon economy.

You will work with leading organisations across industries such as financial services, energy, retail, manufacturing, infrastructure, government, and more, while collaborating with a dynamic team of experts to deliver innovative solutions and actionable insights for our clients.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and advise on comprehensive climate-related risk assessments, scenario analysis, and financial quantification of climate risks, including climate hazard modelling.
• Develop bespoke climate finance strategies, managing carbon baselines and operational boundaries for Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions (including financed emissions), in compliance with frameworks such as the Greenhouse Gas Protocol and PCAF standards.
• Guide clients in setting science-based targets, decarbonisation plans, and Net Zero strategies, leveraging frameworks like SBTi, Climate Active, and Net Zero alliances.
• Provide strategic support around operationalising climate strategies by embedding sustainability policies, risk management frameworks, and climate action plans across organisations.
• Manage and report on sustainability metrics and GHG data, integrating climate KPIs and supporting accurate emissions inventories and disclosures.
• Oversee and lead assurance of non-financial performance, including sustainability and climate-related disclosures, ensuring alignment with international standards such as ASRS, TCFD, IFRS S1 & S2, ASAE and ISAE standards, as well as GRI and SASB.
• Be a trusted advisor for senior clients, such as sustainability leaders and heads of departments, by building strategic relationships and delivering innovative climate and sustainability insights.
• Collaborate with teams to deliver high-quality sustainability assurance work, project-managing engagements from scoping and risk assessment to reporting and client debriefs.
• Train, lead, and mentor junior team members to build expertise within the practise and ensure consistent quality across climate and sustainability projects.
• Help develop client-focused solutions to enhance resilience against climate challenges and take full advantage of opportunities in a low-carbon economy.

How Are You Extraordinary?

• You are a skilled communicator who thrives on building strong relationships with diverse stakeholders, ranging from technical experts to senior leaders.
• You are a problem solver with the ability to deliver actionable solutions to complex issues, supported by robust data analysis and clear strategic frameworks.
• You are enthusiastic about leading multiple projects and teams simultaneously to deliver exceptional client outcomes.

Qualifications, Skills & Experience:

• Significant experience (8-9+ years) in climate risk management, carbon and emissions accounting, decarbonisation strategy, and/or sustainability assurance.
• Advanced technical expertise in delivering GHG emissions assessments, particularly for Scope 1, 2, and 3, including operational and financed emissions.
• Proven track record in developing and operationalising Net Zero and decarbonisation strategies, alongside experience in target-setting using international standards like SBTi, NZ Alliances, and Climate Active.
• Knowledge of climate-related financial disclosure frameworks, including TCFD, ISSB, IFRS S1 & S2, and related standards or guidelines such as IPCC, UNFCCC, NGERs, Safeguard Mechanism, SDGs, and SASB.
• Demonstrated experience leading sustainability or GHG assurance engagements, including risk assessments, evaluation of ESG data, compliance audits, and reporting.
• Strong applied knowledge of International and Australian auditing and assurance standards (ISAE and ASAE).
• Technical grounding in sustainability technology platforms, carbon accounting tools, and software solutions.
• An appropriate tertiary qualification in science, engineering, environmental economics, sustainability, or carbon management, with a Master's degree preferred.
• Exceptional writing, verbal communication, leadership, and project management skills.

This is an exciting opportunity for a driven and passionate professional who thrives in a culture of collaboration, innovation, and purpose. By joining our ESG Assurance & Advisory practice, you will play a key role in driving sustainable and climate-resilient change in some of the most influential organisations, shaping the future of communities, businesses, and the planet.

KPMG is a professional services firm with global outreach and deep sector experience. We work with clients across an array of industries to solve complex challenges, steer change and enable growth.

Our people are what make KPMG the thriving workplace that it is and what sets us apart is that we know great minds think differently. Collaborate with a team of passionate, highly skilled professionals who've got your back. You'll build relationships with unique and diverse colleagues who will provide you with the support you need to be your best and produce meaningful and impactful work in an inclusive, equitable culture.

At KPMG, you'll take control over how you work. We're embracing a new way of working in many ways, from offering flexible hours and locations to generous paid parental leave and career breaks. Our people enjoy a variety of exciting perks, including retail discounts, health and wellbeing initiatives, learning and growth opportunities, salary packaging options and more.

Diverse candidates have diverse needs. During your recruitment journey, information will be provided about adjustment requests. If you require additional support before submitting your application, please contact the Talent Attraction Support Team.

At KPMG every career is different, and we look forward to seeing how you grow with us.