Astrum Search Engagement Hub

Risk & Controls Analyst

London, UK

Permanent

Full-time

Job ID:

35361

Published date:

04-06-2025

Summary

Alpha Group

Risk and Control Analyst

About Us

We are Alpha – an award-winning FTSE 250 financial services firm. Recognised by the Financial Times as one of the fastest growing companies in Europe, we are a team of 500, and have achieved this by placing people and culture at the heart of our business. With a high-quality client base and the backing of some of the world’s most respected investors, we pride ourselves on not only providing the best service but also the best career opportunities.

Now operating across multiple overseas jurisdictions, and servicing clients in over 40 countries, the opportunity for career growth and development is greater than ever before. We’re only just getting started too, so if you’re an ambitious individual who’s ready to make an impact, we’d like to hear from you.

The Opportunity

We are looking for a passionate and enthusiastic individual who is seeking a new challenge in an exciting and high-growth business. Alpha Group International plc (AIM: AFX) is a leading provider of FX risk management, accounts and payments solutions dedicated to global corporates and institutions.

The successful candidate will join our ambitious and motivated Risk team as a Risk & Control Analyst and support with the management of the enterprise risk framework across the whole Group. The ideal candidate will be proactive, able to multitask and enjoy a fast-paced, high-performing environment. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn and develop in a dynamic and changing environment, where every day is unique.

This role is primarily office-based in Alpha’s London Head Office, Paddington. Alpha also has offices in Canada, Malta, Australia, Netherlands, Spain, Germany, and Italy, with further locations planned.

Key Responsibilities

The key roles and responsibilities will be inclusive of but not limited to the following:

Supporting with the Risk & Control Self-Assessment (RCSA) process, ensuring alignment with internal methodologies.
Assisting in the implementation, management, and development of Alpha’s risk and control framework including, evaluating the effectiveness of internal controls, identifying any existing gaps and working with stakeholders across the business to enhance the framework.
Risk identification on an ongoing basis, including providing views on new and emerging risks.
Reviewing and challenging the first-line functions in their risk event investigations, managing and fostering positive relationships with stakeholders across the business.
Identification, development and implementation of new risk metrics and risk reporting.
Drafting weekly and periodic risk reports/papers to the Senior Stakeholders and Risk Committee.
Providing input to policies and procedures, including challenging the first-line functions on risk and control aspects.

Skills and Experience Required

Experience in internal or external audit, evaluating the design and operational effectiveness of internal controls, enterprise risk management, regulatory compliance or governance.
Strong risk and controls awareness including an understanding of risk assessment methodologies, and internal control frameworks (e.g., COSO, SOX, ISO 31000).
Bachelor’s Degree, or similar advanced equivalent qualification in finance, economics, or related discipline is required. The ideal candidate will have additional professional qualifications.
Excellent written, and verbal communication skills.
Ability to identify and communicate control deficiencies and understand the root cause and significance of such deficiencies.
Capacity to support the department in identifying problems and proposing solutions to help the business and wider Risk and Audit function continuously improve.
Detail orientated mindset.
Strong organisation skills and ability to prioritise workload to meet tight deadlines.
Ability to adapt to new challenges and thrive outside of your comfort zone.
Working knowledge and understanding of the financial markets, infrastructure, products and regulations, - would be beneficial.

What We Offer - UK

Private health insurance covering all employees and their families following voluntary opt in.
Enhanced maternity and paternity policies.
Cycle-to-work Scheme and Electric Vehicle Scheme.
Workplace Nursery Benefit.
Pension scheme with Aegon.
Sponsored learning and development.
Work from home budget for equipment.
Office fitted out with:
- Access to state-of-the-art gym.
- Onsite PT.
- Free breakfast.
- Free bar for Friday drinks.

ALPHA GROUP INTERNATIONAL PLC

LONDON (CORPORATE HQ)

Brunel Building

2 Canalside Walk

London W2 1DG, UK

LONDON (INSTITUTIONAL)

The Point

37 North Wharf Road

London W2 1AF, UK

AMSTERDAM

Egelantiersgracht 390

1015 RR, Amsterdam, Netherlands

LUXEMBOURG

46A Avenue JFK

L-1855 Luxembourg, Luxembourg

MADRID

Paseo de la Castellana,

85, 28046 Madrid, Spain

MALTA

Avenue 77, Level 4

Triq in-Negozju, Zone 3

Birkirkara, CBD3010, Malta

MILAN

Via Giuseppe Mazzini 9

20123, Milan, Italy

MUNICH

Design Offices

Luise-Ullrich-Straße 20

80636, Munich, Germany

SYDNEY

HUB Customs House

31 Alfred St, Sydney

NSW 2000, Australia

TORONTO

181 Bay Street, Suite 4210

Toronto ON, M5J 2T3, Canada

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Finance Manager - Governance, Risk and Control

London, UK

Permanent

Full-time

Job ID:

34700

Published date:

03-06-2025

Summary

Job Profile

Job title	Finance Manager - Governance, Risk and Control – Clothing & Home
Business area	Finance
Reward level and salary	D
Reporting to	Sophie Carton – Senior Finance Manager, Change & Controls
Scope of the role	You will be the day-to-day contact within our C&H business unit helping to deliver against the group risk and controls strategy. You will provide support to C&H teams (first line of defence) in identifying and monitoring risks, and in maintaining a strong control environment, through ongoing partnering and provision of effective guidance and training. This role requires excellent stakeholder management and communication skills to discuss risk, process and controls with senior finance and non-finance colleagues, supporting consistency and compliance across the function. Whilst the role reports into Finance, you will be expected to work across both the Finance function and the wider C&H business to support initiatives and projects that improve the control environment.

Key accountabilities, responsibilities, and measures

M&S is an iconic British retailer focused primarily on own label businesses within Food and Clothing & Home (C&H), as well as M&S Bank. We operate as a family of businesses, selling high-quality, great-value products in the UK and in 71 international markets. Together our 64,000 colleagues across our stores, support centres, warehouses and supply chain serve around 32 million customers each year. Our vision is to be the most trusted retailer, doing the right thing for our customers, with quality products at the heart of everything we do.

Our C&H business is in an exciting period of growth, with significant transformation programmes underway to reset the function and set it up to deliver long-term, sustainable, profitable growth for our investors, colleagues, and wider communities. C&H delivers c.48% of M&S group operating profit, selling product across Womenswear, Menswear, Lingerie, Kidswear, Home and Beauty, in stores and through the M&S.com website and app. While primarily an own-brand business, we have a growing external brands department selling some of the nation’s favourite clothing, home and beauty brands – delivered through a mix of brand acquisitions (e.g. Jaeger) and brand partnerships (e.g. Early Learning Centre).

Facilitating risk management across all areas of C&H to identify and assess key risks and controls, and drive forward mitigation plans, working with risk leads across all functions including logistics, sourcing, finance and commercial teams. This will include bi-annual updates to the Group Risk team, to support disclosures within M&S’ external reporting.
Providing risk, process and controls expertise at the business unit level, including:
- controls support for new business processes, projects and integration of acquisitions.
- leading process reviews / projects that challenge existing ways of working and drive business unit level control improvements.
- increasing awareness and knowledge of risk management and controls throughout C&H, driving an improved controls culture across the function.
Liaising closely with Internal and External audit and the relevant C&H teams to help support effective and efficient planning and scoping of audits, and timely closure of audit actions.
Tracking of open Risk, Internal Audit and Finance Change & Control actions in a timely manner and providing reporting of this to C&H leadership.
Chairing quarterly risk & control updates at C&H Leadership Team meetings, and monthly risk & control meetings with the C&H Finance Director.
Reporting into the Audit & Risk Committee annually on the C&H risk and control environment.
Providing ad hoc support for central projects delivered by the Group Change & Control team e.g. enhancing controls around non-financial ESG disclosures.

Key skills

Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalant)
Strong experience in an audit / risk / compliance / strategy function of a large international company or Big 4 in the areas of governance, risk management and internal audit
Proven record of successfully leading the design and implementation of risk management frameworks and / or internal controls; excellent knowledge and understanding of best-practice frameworks for risk and controls.
Ability to lead the implementation of new ways of working and drive change
Strong project management skills
Strong organisation skills and ability to coordinate across multiple stakeholders
Confidence in challenging senior stakeholders and existing ways of working and holding stakeholders accountable for compliance and action plan delivery
Influencing and leadership skills: proven experience of building, developing and sustaining relationships with key stakeholders at all levels
Excellent analytical skills
Structured and logical problem solver; ability to communicate effectively at all levels, written and verbal. Ability to provide risk reporting tailored to the audience
Self-starter who possesses the ability and drive to operate independently; high energy level, intellectual curiosity and strong work ethic with a commitment to continuous improvement in a dynamic and changing environment
Experience within Clothing, Home or Beauty retail would be highly desirable but not essential

OUR M&S CULTURE & BEHAVIOURS

Culture is the result of consistent behaviours. It’s what you see week in, week out, in how we work.

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Senior Controls Analyst

London, UK

Permanent

Full-time

Job ID:

35327

Published date:

03-06-2025

Summary

Support Centre Job Description - 2025

Job Title:

Senior Controls Analyst

Brand/ Function:

Whitbread PLC-Finance

Job Holder: Vacant Reports to: Martina Walker-Finance Manager Controls

JD Completed By: Martina Walker Date: 15.04.2025

What is the main

purpose of the job? Should be one or two

sentences, the WHY of the job.

Primary second line of defence for Whitbread in ensuring AP, AR, Banking, Treasury, Finance system user access and Accounting & Control are well-controlled. Responsible for ensuring segregation of duties across financial transactions through monthly review of access conflicts and technical lead of SOFY system. Leads internal review on fraud vulnerability and response framework. Responsible for agenda and key presenter at Fraud Steering Committee on quarterly basis. Key contact for external auditors on IT General Controls. Testing of monthly controls and preparation of monthly controls pack for Group Financial Controller. To support the wider Financial Control team to provide assurance to the business on the adequacy and effectiveness of key financial controls by gaining a good understanding of financial and business processes through performance of walkthroughs, assessing the design and operational effectiveness of financial controls the business has self-assessed on, and documentation of reliable and accurate testing results. Support the quarterly Financial Control Framework (FCF) control self-assessments, asserting that the business has a robust financial controls framework in place. Track action plans for control deficiencies identified, support rolling out training and providing guidance to the business, help embed internal controls as BAU and undertaking ad hoc tasks or projects, as required. To lead the Whitbread response to the change in corporate governance as proposed by BEIS Paper; Restoring trust in audit and corporate governance . Monitor timely and full implementation of recommended control improvements; maintain and report on the effectiveness of, and compliance with Policies and Procedures

Who are the Job holder’s main stakeholders?

Director Financial Reporting & Control Head of Finance-Control & SSC Audit Committee Wider finance team Finance Business Partners Operational Teams External auditors Internal Audit

Scale & Authority (e.g. size of budget

/ team etc):

Financial Control within Whitbread plc [FTSE 100] Support to UK, Germany & Chain

No direct reports

Org Chart:

What are the main Key Tasks & Activities

• Fraud reviews and controls to mitigate fraud, including the continued development and maintenance of the fraud risk register.

• Lead the COSO activity in response to the BEIS Paper on audit effectiveness and the implementation of the UK corporate governance code.

• Monthly Controls testing through performance of process and control walkthroughs and/or carrying out sample controls testing.

• SOFY systems controls and monthly segregation of duty controls

• IT General controls and service auditor report and controls review in line with report

• Adequate and accurate documentation of the controls validation results carried out, maintaining a complete set of working papers to support resulting outcomes.

• Track the progress of any identified control deficiencies and Internal audit actions, in order to report to the Controls Steering Group.

• Period end reviews that link into SOFY (Controls System)/ FCF sign off on Systems access controls, segregation of duties and assurance analysis for areas of focus

• Assisting the Finance Manager-Controls UK in preparing and rolling out training and awareness workshops to control owners and their teams, capturing feedback to continuously improve the overall FCF process.

• Building effective relationships with key stakeholders, in order to work better together and identifying opportunities for improving or strengthening existing processes or controls.

• Disaster recovery coordination

• Engage with external auditors (Deloitte) to ensure that the controls work is positively reflected in their audit plans.

• Develop an appropriate culture for the financial control environment throughout the business

What Key Performance Indicators will be measured to evaluate success?

• Quarterly Whitbread Controls Steering Group, minutes and actions issued

• Monthly systems controls pack /SAR reviews /SoD reviews

• Fraud FCF & Fraud Risk Register

• Disaster recovery procedures for Financial Reporting

• Quarterly FCF review process

• Ensuring the FCF control points are improved YOY

• Ensuring the impact of Internal and External Audit actions are reflected in the FCF

Knowledge (Expert understanding)

Skills (Expert ability)

Experience (Proven expertise)

Essential:

• Excellent academics -preferably with a degree from a leading university

• Part Qualified in ACCA/ CIMA or

ACA

• A broad understanding of business processes, evaluating risks and designing and implementing controls

• Knowledge of control frameworks i.e. COSO

Essential:

• Rounded technical skills - expertise across a range of accounting and financial areas ·

• Analytical rigour – a structured, methodical and broad-minded approach to business analysis. ·

• Excellent Interpersonal skills and a confident manner

• Organised, disciplined and results driven ·

• Challenging others – confident in challenging others, whilst maintaining a strong, professional relationship

Essential:

• Broad commercial experience,

understanding end to end business

processes

• Understanding of fraud mitigation

and control processes

Desirable:

• Presentation skills and dealing

with non-finance people on a

regular basis

• ERP system knowledge e.g.

Oracle

Desirable:

• Strong excel skills

Desirable:

• Dealing with auditors

• Leisure sector

• Design, implementation & testing of

internal controls

Signed:

Date:

Recruitment Brief To be completed at the point of recruitment. The purpose of this section is to capture the talent needs of your team at a moment in time, and to inform the advert content. This section will need updating each time you recruit to capture any differing requirements.

What other job titles does this role have in other businesses?

N/A

What job titles might your target talent currently have?

Controls Analyst

If your target talent was considering your vacancy alongside other, similar ones, why should they choose yours?

You will be joining a large, expert financial control function where you will have the opportunity to work with a diverse range of stakeholders.

What is the work, or project, that this role will deliver this year that adds most value to Whitbread’s strategy?

Whitbread has a big growth strategy, and our Finance function is critical to ensuring the very best investment decisions and returns for our shareholders. By sourcing the best talent to join our team you will directly enable the delivery of our expansion.

In your team, or function, what are the cultural moments of truth that will appeal to your target talent?

Our Finance team has a strong wellbeing strategy, with dedicated Mental Health first aiders and commitments to supporting each other to achieve a fulfilling work/life balance. We have many workstreams that you can join including diversity and inclusion, the gender equality network and communications to name a few.

Based on your current team and requirements, what are the characteristics you are looking for in a new starter to add to your team; culturally and skill wise.

I need someone who is very motivated to undertake the role and keen to lean the Whitbread controls environment and make recommended improvements. I need someone who is agile and quick to change as our environment is very dynamic. They need to be good at managing stakeholder relationships and ok to challenge when needed.

Are there any of the requirements listed as essential, that right now you could train in if a candidate was high potential?

Knowledge of the COSO frame work and Fraud controls.

Glossary If you have used any abbreviations or technical acronyms in your Job Description, please describe them here

N/A

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Audit Senior

Woodford Green

Permanent

Full-time

Job ID:

35294

Published date:

30-05-2025

Senior Internal Auditor

London, UK

Permanent

Full-time

Job ID:

35261

Published date:

29-05-2025

Group Internal Auditor - Ireland

London, UK

Permanent

Full-time

Job ID:

35228

Published date:

28-05-2025

Summary

POSITION SPECIFICATION

ROLE : Group Internal Auditor – Irish

LOCATION : Dublin

OBJECTIVES

• Plans, executes and reports on audits / reviews assigned by the Group Head of Internal Audit & Compliance.

• Interprets policy and procedures and applies professional accounting, IT and auditing principles and standards to test and evaluate financial, IT, operational and risk management controls.

• Develops recommendations which have been agreed with management ensuring that the recommendations are realistic and achievable and cost effective and add value to the business.

• Build positive working relationships with Head Office and Divisional management teams to ensure mutual understanding of the role of internal audit and work with them on business process and internal control improvements.

• Communicate with key external parties such as auditors and relevant agencies.

• Performs other duties as assigned including ad hoc projects and special investigations as deemed appropriate by the Audit & Compliance Committee.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

QUALIFICATIONS

• The candidate will be a qualified ACCA or local equivalent.

• Ideally Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) or Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), or willing to take those exams.

EXPERIENCE

• An experienced External & / or Internal Audit professional in an international, ideally manufacturing group.

• Has operated in a Big 4 and a plc environment for a number of years.

• Has the ability to strike an appropriate balance between independence and common sense.

• Risk based approach.

• Familiarity with computer aided audit techniques.

• Familiarity with IT General Controls auditing.

PERSONAL QUALITIES

• Native Irish.

• Highly motivated with the ability to work on his / her own initiative.

• High level of personal and professional integrity.

• Able to influence and engage people at all levels across the Group.

• Credible, flexible, personable and team oriented.

• Strong problem solving abilities.

• Sound business judgement and an ability to be decisive.

• Clarity of thought with the ability to analyst complex business situations.

• Good negotiation skills.

• Excellent communication skills both written and oral.

• Able to work to deadlines.

REPORTS TO : Group Internal Audit Manager

SCREENING PROCESS

1. Phone interview with Group Head of Internal Audit & Compliance

2. Phone interview with Group Internal Audit Manager

3. Meeting with Group Head of Internal Audit & Compliance + case study

TRAVEL : Regular travel (about 30 weeks travel per year) will be required to the Group’s overseas subsidiaries

(+225 manufacturing locations worldwide)

TIMESCALE : First round interviews in June 2025

Read More Apply Now

Internal Auditor

Permanent

Full-time

Job ID:

35195

Published date:

28-05-2025

Senior IT Auditor

London, UK

Permanent

Full-time

Job ID:

35162

Published date:

23-05-2025

Summary

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title:

Internal Auditor – Digital & Technology Hiring Manager:

Head of Internal Audit Reports to:

Senior Internal Audit Manager Position Type:

Full-time Duration:

Permanent Department/ Sub Department:

Internal Audit Staff responsibility :

Yes Financial budget responsibility:

No Reward confirmed Grade:

Implement

Job Description & Requirements

MAIN PURPOSE OF THE POSITION:

•

To deliver the audit and reporting activities associated with the annual Technology audit plan

•

To conduct risk based internal audits covering the operational and financial activities of the Wellcome Trust, its subsidiary Genome Research Limited and certain of its significant grant recipients based on the Annual Audit Plan as required

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES:

•

Execute end to end audits Wellcome’s business activity, mainly in relation to IT, as determined by the Annual Audit Plan within agreed timescales and to a suitable level of quality.

•

Undertake assignments in a high-quality manner performing detailed planning, fieldwork, deriving preliminary audit findings and holding audit close discussions with senior management.

•

Identify and evaluate key risks in IT and develop recommendations for IT controls and practices.

•

Draft clear and concise audit findings.

•

Monitor and report on management’s progress in implementing internal audit recommendations using agreed dashboards / reporting mechanisms.

•

Developing relationships with key stakeholders, providing guidance, challenge, and corrective action, without preventing growth or commercial performance.

•

Support the Head of Internal Audit and Internal Audit Senior Manager in other non-audit activities such as reporting to Audit Committees, monitoring of KPIs, development of Annual Audit Plan and evolution of internal audit methodology and approach.

•

Support in delivering audits to other areas within Wellcome (including subsidiaries).

•

Be the owner of the risk and control environment for your area and be accountable for the quality of you and your team’s outputs

•

Contribute to the creation and development of a diverse and inclusive culture across

•

the organisation, collaborating across departments.

•

Ensure adherence to our compliance policies.

•

Undertaking any other work that may be reasonably required from time to time

•

Undertaking work in accordance with Wellcome policies and principles.

JOB DESCRIPTION

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

•

Experience working in internal audit, either in industry or in practice, with a focus on delivering IT audits.

•

Understanding and experience delivering IT audits in some of the following areas:

o

IT controls across change, access and development process aligned to the standards expected from Sarbanes-Oxley legislation

o

Investments services technology (e.g. Bloomberg/JP Morgan)

o

Enterprise-wide platform as a service cloud technology

o

Enterprise level software as a service solution (e.g. workday)

o

Third party management

o

Openstack data centre environments

o

Data warehousing

o

Information security

•

Experience with data driven auditing, and data analytics and visualisation tools

•

Good understanding of controls and risk management principles

•

Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to challenge and influence

•

Experience of working with and influencing senior managers

•

Educated to degree level or equivalent

•

A CISA/CRISC/CISM/CISSP or other relevant industry qualification and post-qualification experience in practice or managing in-house/co-sourced technology audits.

PERSONAL SPECIFICATION:

•

Highest levels of integrity

•

Self-motivated and driven to deliver within a high performing team

•

Ability to build effective working relationships with relevant colleagues and influence and challenge key stakeholders

•

Positive and pragmatic approach to achieving results

•

Ability to operate under pressure and tight deadlines

•

Strong analytical skills

•

High level of drive, enthusiasm and tenacity

•

Attention to detail

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Senior Finance Manager Control & Change

Permanent

Full-time

Job ID:

34667

Published date:

16-05-2025

Summary

M&S is an iconic British retailer focused on own label businesses within Food and Clothing & Home, as well as Bank & Services. Today we operate as a family of businesses, selling high-quality, great-value own-brand products in the UK and Internationally from 1,509 stores and over 100 websites globally. Together our 70,000 colleagues across our stores and support centres, warehouses and supply chain serve nearly 30 million customers each year.

We are on our biggest ever transformation programme, with the objective to restore the M&S business and brand, to deliver long-term, sustainable, profitable growth for our investors, colleagues and wider communities.

JOB TITLE	Senior Finance Manager Control & Change
BUSINESS AREA / UNIT	Finance
JOB PURPOSE	To partner the wider business and finance teams through developing and maintaining a strong financial control environment in line with the increasing regulatory environment. To aid business growth and the transformation of M&S by supporting change and new business initiatives through identification of key control risks and establishing efficient and well controlled processes.
REPORTS TO	Group Financial Controller
NUMBER OF DIRECT REPORTS & TEAM SIZE	Direct reports: 2 Total Change & Control team size: 6

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Area of accountability

Delivery of the Finance strategy objective to achieve an ‘advanced’ controls maturity status
Act as the senior financial controls team presence in the Manchester Business Service Centre, business partnering senior Finance leadership in the Manchester, including supporting with best practice for controls and processes, and advising on control changes as a result of new process or process change
Lead and direct the SAP GRC team responsible for the SAP Access Control ruleset in SAP GRC
Responsibility for driving the bi-annual Finance Risk register review with senior finance stakeholders, including the completion of associated actions
Support the development and delivery of the annual Controls testing workplan, and reporting results to the Finance Leadership Team. This includes monitoring controls Key Risk Indicators to proactively identify processes experiencing issues with controls
Advising and partnering the evolving business (subsidiaries, joint ventures or new business acquisitions) to ensure appropriate governance, controls and processes are in place to mitigate financial risk, including where relevant, entity level controls
Responsibility for maintaining the Financial Reporting Controls management system (SureCloud), and PowerBI models that drive financial controls reporting
Champion and support the continued enhancement of the finance controls framework across Finance, including updating and monitoring of key risk indicators, creation and delivery of controls learning & development training and driving a ‘Find, Fix, Learn’ (FFL) approach to issues identified
Delivery of our controls framework to mitigate risk of financial misstatements through identifying key controls, control owners, a robust programme of controls testing and documentation, specifically:
- Document “as is” accounting, process, and controls by working with process owners and IT colleagues
- Document, track and agree changes to process and controls to remediate control weaknesses with key stakeholders
- Document the “to be” accounting, process and controls; and train people to operate “to be” controls
- Communicate and report the findings from testing to senior Finance and Business stakeholders as required
- Monitor and drive the completion of any remediation arising from the process reviews and subsequent testing
- Work with the BSC functional teams to support the integration of new business initiatives into the BSC in a controlled manner to minimise the financial statement risk for the business
- Leverage the use of data analytics procedures and techniques where possible to increase testing efficiency
- Develop and deliver relevant training for control owners and operators
- Support Finance stakeholders with ad-hoc process and controls queries/improvement requests from the business as required

Leadership and nature of impact

Confident in presenting recommendations and advise finance colleagues on key control issues, remediation solutions and best practice
Drive a culture of controls and risk mitigation across the finance team and business wide senior control owners by bringing energy and fresh ideas to financial controls
Line management responsibility and day-to-day coaching and leadership of two Senior Finance Analysts
Indirect support for wider Manchester based C&C team members through ad-hoc guidance and advice (this is not formal line management responsibility)

Job & business knowledge & expertise

Experienced Chartered Accountant (ACA, ACCA, ACMA)
Extensive financial controls experience (Industry in a similar role/Internal audit or Professional services advisory/External audit) – controls testing & design, best practice
Strong knowledge of relevant technical standards e.g. US SOX, COSO, 2024 UK Corporate Governance Code changes, including Provision 29
Shared services experience
SAP S4 knowledge or experience advising on financial control impacts of ERP system change, desirable
Experience/understanding of IT General Controls, desirable

Problem solving

Willingness to challenge the status quo, and a drive for continuous improvement
Support on ongoing projects in the Control & Change team e.g., entity level controls assessment, end-to-end process reviews for new business initiatives (recent examples include third party brands, MyHR implementation, drop ship)
Identify opportunities for control automation and collaborate with teams to drive process change to automate controls ,this includes championing the use of SureCloud (GRC tool) across control owners, control evidence owners and control peer testers

Interpersonal skills

Self-starter who possesses the ability to the help drive Financial Control strategy and a team, as well as operate independently
Effective communication skills (verbal and written) to translate control risks to senior stakeholders (Audit Committee, Finance Leadership Group, and non-finance colleagues)
Proven ability to build strong collaborative relationships and influence individuals and key stakeholders
Strong project management skills with experience of planning and delivering on multiple workstreams/projects with competing deadlines
Work collaboratively with Internal Audit, Finance and Data & Technology to support delivery of the Group Financial Control Strategy and Finance Risk agenda

Key relationships and stakeholders

Group Financial Controller
Head of Finance Business Service Centre
Head of Record to report
Head of Internal Audit and wider IA team
Wider Finance teams, including BU Finance Directors and Heads of Finance
External Audit Controls team based in Manchester

What you will get from the role

Frequent exposure to Group Financial Controller, the wider Finance leadership group and Group Finance Director (as required)
Play a key part in driving the M&S Financial Controls Strategy (examples of current key projects across the team include: preparing M&S for the requirements of the 2024 UK Corporate Governance Code Provision 29, on-going SAP 4 Hana project and consolidation of Ocado Retail joint venture). Development opportunities, if successful, to drive key elements of these projects and gain exposure to high profile leaders across the business.
Oversight and understanding of the Group Corporate risk management framework
Development of a broad network across M&S finance and commercial teams

Key benefits

Flexible working approach, with a balance of being in the office and working from home
33 days holiday (including bank holidays)
20% discount on all M&S products
A range of well-being support (including free virtual GP for you and immediate family)
25% off gym memberships, access to online fitness classes and discounts for complementary health services, such as nutrition and lifestyle coaching

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Technology Assurance Analyst

London, UK

Permanent

Full-time

Job ID:

35063

Published date:

08-05-2025

Summary

Lead Technology Assurance Specialist (Senior Manager Level)

Location : London

G-Research is Europe's leading quantitative finance research firm. We hire the brightest minds in the world to tackle some of the biggest questions in finance. We pair this expertise with machine learning, big data, and some of the most advanced technology available to predict movements in financial markets.

The role

G-Research is seeking a Leading Technology Assurance Specialist who can bring a dynamic and innovate approach to assurance.

The Lead Technology Assurance Specialist is a senior role (Senior Manager level) within the Business Information and Control Assurance team (BICA). We are looking for somebody who will lead our approach to technology and programme assurance in a dynamic and innovative way.

You will have a strong commercial mind set, focused on providing the Board and Executive Management Team (EMT) with pragmatic advice that will improve our business.

Being part of the BICA team provides a unique opportunity to gain broad visibility and understanding of the processes and technologies throughout G-Research.

Reporting into the Head of BICA, key responsibilities of the role include:

Contributing to quarterly updates to the BICA assurance plan for the Board, ensuring appropriate coverage of key risks and focus areas
Embedding the use of data throughout our review lifecycle, including risk assessment and planning, fieldwork, reporting and ongoing monitoring
Building and maintaining a broad understanding of our business’ complex and rapidly changing priorities, processes, technologies and capabilities
Leading reviews of key technology projects and critical business processes, as well as our platforms and supporting technologies
Pragmatically evaluating risks and associated impacts of identified issues
Identifying innovative testing techniques
Building consensus with stakeholders throughout the review lifecycle and communicating conclusions which concisely articulate findings for consideration by the Board and EMT
Proactively identifying problems and opportunities for improvement within the team and/or our processes
Building strong working relationships with teams across the business, whilst maintaining the independence required of an assurance team

Who are we looking for?

BICA is looking for an experienced assurance specialist who is keen to work for a fast-paced, technology-focused company in a team that has the remit, responsibility and Board-level visibility to make a real difference.

The ideal candidate will have the following skills and experience:

Extensive experience in technology assurance
Some experience within Programme and/or Change Assurance
The capability to build and maintain an understanding of a complex and rapidly changing IT environments
A passion for technology, data analytics and financial markets
The ability to organise data and exercise effective problem-solving skills
The ability to communicate clearly with colleagues and stakeholders at all levels
Experience with Tableau and Alteryx would be advantageous

Why should you apply?

Highly competitive compensation plus annual discretionary bonus
Lunch provided (via Just Eat for Business) and dedicated barista bar
30 days’ annual leave
9% company pension contributions
Informal dress code and excellent work/life balance
Comprehensive healthcare and life assurance
Cycle-to-work scheme
Monthly company events

G-Research is committed to cultivating and preserving an inclusive work environment. We are an ideas-driven business and we place great value on diversity of experience and opinions.

We want to ensure that applicants receive a recruitment experience that enables them to perform at their best. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation please let us know in the relevant section.

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