Astrum Search Engagement Hub

Internal Audit Manager

Hertfordshire

Permanent

Full-time

Job ID:

37840

Published date:

15-07-2026

Summary

Astrum Search is working with a leading FTSE 100 to recruit an Internal Audit Manager. You'll join a well-established and large internal audit team delivering a wide range of audits.

Reporting to the Head of Audit, you will be responsible for the end to end delivery of a number of global audits, delivering independent assurance and insight to the business and acting as a motivator for change.

Key Responsibilities:

Own a portfolio of audits, from planning through to completion.
Write Audit Reports and key audit deliverables, providing accurate and timely information to the Executive and Audit Committee.
Utilise new technology including Automation, Continuous Improvement and Data Analytics to providing greater assurance and insights.
Contribute to the ongoing development of the audit and risk function and help deliver improvement projects.
Be proactive in your own audit training and self-learning about the business and industry to continuously learn and develop your skills.

Skills & Experience:

Accountancy or Internal Audit qualification (ACA/ACCA/CIMA/IIA).
Experience within internal audit is crucial.
Some experience in the retail or consumer sectors desirable.
Project management and change management experience.
Problem solving ability to identify pragmatic solutions.

The role is based in my clients Hertfordshire HQ and you'll be required to be office based 3 x per week (1 day can be in London). Some travel is expected in the role but no more than 20%.

My client has a fantastic track record for developing its employees either in the internal audit team and wider business. This is a fantastic opportunity to join one of the top performing and largest FTSE constituents.

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Head of Risk & Assurance

UK

Permanent

Full-time

Job ID:

40383

Published date:

15-07-2026

Summary

port

Job Title Head of Risk & Assurance

Directorate Finance and Corporate Services

Reports to Director of Legal Services

Job Purpose

To provide strategic and operational leadership for Risk and Assurance, ensuring effective delivery, sound governance, informed decision making and continuous improvement in support of organisational priorities.

Sport England continues to evolve, strengthening its ability to deliver ‘Uniting the Movement’. This role will support effective governance, assurance and decision-making through organisational change, working with senior stakeholders to embed proportionate risk management, internal control and continuous improvement. The post holder will also manage the delivery of internal audit through external suppliers.

To be a successful Head of Risk & Assurance, you will need to display the highest standards of professionalism, objectivity, fairness, expertise, integrity, and vision. You will be responsible for developing, maintaining, and maximising effective working relationships with colleagues through proactive collaboration and advocating the assurance function across Sport England.

As a senior leader, the post holder will role model Sport England’s values, build effective relationships across the organisation, and use evidence and insight to influence good governance, risk management and assurance practice.

Dimensions

Direct Reports 1

Location Homeworking / Hybrid in Loughborough or Bisham Abbey

Key Stakeholders Executive Leadership Team (ELT), Senior Management, Audit, Risk & Governance Committee (ARGC), Internal Audit service providers, Investment Management Team.

Key Duties and Responsibilities	% Time
Risk Identify, lead, and implement the continuous improvement of Sport England’s Risk and Assurance framework to strengthen performance, capability and resilience Set a clear strategic direction for the management of key strategic, operational and compliance risks in collaboration with ELT and the Audit, Risk and Governance Committee. By embedding Orange Book principles. lead the organisation’s risk-maturity journey by strengthening leadership ownership of risk, ensuring consistency approach so that risk intelligence routinely informs investment design, programme assurance, business planning and organisational performance. Provide trusted expert advice to senior leaders and stakeholders enabling the organisation to effectively manage material risks, ensuring external developments are anticipated, appropriately escalated and proportionate mitigation identified and monitored Ensure resources, priorities and plans are aligned to deliver agreed outcomes and manage demand effectively within functional area Co-ordinates business continuity planning activity across the organisation ensuring that critical processes are periodically tested for crisis situations	55%
Internal Audit Manage Sport England’s strategic relationship with its internal auditors to ensure the maximising the value added through the outsourcing of internal audit. Act as lead advisor to the Executive Leadership Team and Audit Risk and Governance Committee on internal audit plans, outcomes, and implementation of recommendations. Contributing to the drafting of Sport England’s Governance Statement. Ensure Internal Audit Plan is integrated with risk register to highlight opportunities for efficiency and effectiveness	10%
Internal Governance & Assurance Lead the establishment and implementation of best practice internal governance practices acting as senior point of contact on all internal governance matters. Corporate owner of key internal governance policies (including counter-fraud, anti-bribery and corruption, declarations and conflicts of interest and whistleblowing) and monitors compliance with them. Monitoring and assessing Sport England’s compliance with all Government Functional Standards. Work closely with first-line teams to embed sound internal control practices and proportionate assurance arrangements that support these forums and underpin effective decision making. Embed the assurance frameworks within business planning and investment management processes, enabling shared ownership of good governance and control. Lead the response to compliance issues, including data evaluation and preparation of reports. Lead the development and implementation of organisation wide policies, and procedures, raising awareness of compliance programs, including mandatory and refresher training.	35%
Pervasive Provides direction, judgement and accountability. Manages, supports and develops others. Builds effective relationships and collaboration. Communicates clearly and adapts approach, influencing where appropriate Plans, prioritises and organises work effectively. Manages budgets and resources responsibly. Uses evidence and learning to improve outcomes. Uses professional and specialist knowledge, standards, frameworks and processes relevant to the function Applies relevant strategy, policy, governance and compliance requirements. Interprets complex information and translates it into practical advice, plans or actions Uses evidence, insight and evaluation to improve delivery and impact Builds capability through support, coaching and knowledge sharing. Role models professional and inclusive behaviours. Creates a positive, collaborative and high-performing team culture. Leads a culture consistent with the Nolan principles of integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership reinforcing shared responsibility for protecting public funds.	N/a

Organisation Value and Behaviours

Ambitious – Determined in pursuit of our goals, prioritising work and partnerships that will most advance our mission, help us succeed and make a positive impact on our nation.
Innovative – Curious, optimistic, and relentless, we question established ways of working and learn from each other and from our experiences.
Inclusive – Harnessing our collective strength and respecting difference to create the conditions for everyone to engage and to excel.
Collaborative – One team, committed to delivering together and working with others to make a difference to people’s lives.

Person Specification

The additional skills, knowledge and experience required.

Essential

A professionally qualified accountant or audit professional with suitable internal audit experience.
Significant experience in risk management and/or internal audit within a complex organisation (charity, public sector, or regulated environment desirable).
Proven track record of developing and embedding enterprise risk management frameworks, including strategic and operational risk registers.
Experience of designing and delivering internal audit programmes, including planning, execution, reporting and follow-up of actions.
Knowledge, awareness, and ability to incorporate the Public Sector Internal Audit Standards and Government Functional Standard for Internal Audit (GovS 009) into Sport England’s internal audit practices.
Strong understanding of risk management frameworks and methodologies (e.g. ISO 31000 or equivalent).
Working knowledge of orange book principles, evidenced by working in a relevant risk environment.

Strong influencer, who can collaborate with stakeholders at all levels of the business.

Experience of undertaking investigations and/or proactive reviews autonomously.

Desirable

Experience of business continuity planning and crisis preparedness, including

testing and assurance activities.

Ability to design and deliver training, building risk awareness and capability

across the organisation.

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TAS Manager

London

Permanent

Full-time

Job ID:

40350

Published date:

15-07-2026

Senior Internal Auditor

Permanent

Full-time

Job ID:

40317

Published date:

13-07-2026

Lead Technology Auditor

London, UK

Permanent

Full-time

Job ID:

40284

Published date:

13-07-2026

Summary

Function: Audit, Risk and Assurance

Reports to: Head of Technology Audit

Job Grade: PT1

Location: Colt House, London, UK (hybrid set up)

Role purpose

The Technology Lead Internal Auditor is primarily responsible for leading and/or participating in technology and security focused audits with support over technology control elements of financial and operational audit assignments. They will be responsible for evaluating the adequacy of Colt’s (Colt Core and DCS) overall control environment in both design and application, highlighting inefficiencies in processes and supporting the business in building a sustainable control environment. The Technology Lead Internal Auditor will also be responsible for assisting on ad-hoc special projects and completing audit projects in any of Colt’s locations. This role is a great opportunity to add value and develop expertise across technology, security, and transformation processes across multiple business units.

Key accountabilities

Deliver and/or lead technology and security audit assignments across Colt locations in a timely and efficient manner, participating in all stages of the audit from planning, execution, reporting and follow-up
Fully understand and communicate the impact of audit findings (including root causes and risks) to relevant key stakeholders. As technology and security can be complex, being able to communicate complex technical issues and ideas in simple terms is highly valued.
Make value add recommendations to the business to improve controls, processes and overall governance
Engage with stakeholders to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the business under review and the implications for audit
Build trust and credibility with technology stakeholders throughout the audit process
Maintain audit documentation in accordance with Colt audit methodology
Provide coaching to junior staff members (e.g. graduates/apprentices) on audit methodology and practices, where applicable

Role specific requirements

Skills & Experience

Experienced technology auditor (e.g. CISA, CISSP, ISO or CIMA qualification preferred but not essential)
Some experience in using or planning data analytic based audits. Ability to analyse data and identify trends, think critically and solve problems using a high degree of intellectual curiosity and good judgement
Over 3 years’ experience working in a technology and/or cyber security audit related role either as an internal auditor or in related auditing/assurance fields
Good experience of controls on risk and assurance assignments, including greenfield audits
Strong knowledge of audit techniques for technology and security (business and operational control and risk management, a bonus).
Ability to operate in a flat organisational structure with direct exposure to senior management and Executives
Strong communication skills, proactiveness, and competence to influence outcomes
Work effectively with team members and the wider business to build partnerships.

Read More Apply Now

IT auditor

Permanent

Full-time

Job ID:

40184

Published date:

08-07-2026

Financial Controls Advisor

Birmingham

Permanent

Full-time

Job ID:

40151

Published date:

07-07-2026

Summary

Internal

Role Profile

Job Title Corporate Governance – Finance Controls Advisor

Responsible to Corporate Governance Manager

Location Office Based (Hybrid 3:2)

Department Central Finance, Profit Protection, Risk & Control & Governance

Hay Grade D

This role profile is a guide to the work you will initially be required to undertake. It may be changed from time to time to incorporate

changing circumstances. It does not form part of your contract of employment.

Overall Purpose of the Role: To support the Corporate Governance Manager in strengthening and overseeing the finance control environment across UK & Ireland. The role will support the design, embedding, monitoring and assessment of the effectiveness of material financial controls aligned to Principal Risks disclosed in the Annual Report and Accounts, including those supporting key financial reporting processes (for example, order to cash, procure to pay, payroll, treasury and record to report).

Working in partnership with Finance leadership, process owners and shared service teams, the role will ensure controls are cl early owned, consistently operated, appropriately evidenced and subject to robust escalation where deficiencies arise. Governance standards will align with UK Corporate Governance Code Provision 29 and the broader SOX readiness roadmap.

The role reports into Corporate Governance. Ultimate control ownership remains with Finance leadership and relevant process owners.

Key Accountabilities Compliance - Finance Controls Governance

KPIs/Measures

• Ensure governance activity supports accurate, complete and timely financial reporting.

• Promote adherence to finance policies, controls standards and key regulatory obligations impacting financial reporting.

• Monthly finance control submissions completed within

agreed timetable • Actions tracked with clear ownership and due dates

• No overdue remediation beyond agreed tolerance

• Material finance control issues escalated in a timely

manner • Reduction in repeat control deficiencies

Relationship Management KPIs/Measures

• Build and maintain strong working relationships with Finance

leadership, process owners and shared service teams. • Provide constructive challenge where finance control standards

are not achieved. • Support education and awareness of finance control and SOX

readiness requirements across the business.

• Active participation in cross domain governance

forums • Positive feedback from Finance and Corporate

Governance stakeholders • Change actions implemented within agreed timelines

• Consistent documentation standards across domains

Internal

Finance Controls Programme

KPIs/Measures

• Design and maintain a documented framework of key finance controls across material financial reporting processes and key systems (including manual and automated controls).

• Develop and formalise finance control standards, minimum evidence requirements and documentation expectations to

support Provision 29 compliance and future SOX readiness. • Ensure controls are clearly owned, consistently operated and

appropriately evidenced across key processes including revenue, accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, fixed assets, inventory, treasury and financial close.

• Document control narratives, process flows and Risk and

Control Matrices to enhance clarity of design, accountability and audit readiness.

• Support implementation and governance of key preventative controls such as approvals, segregation of duties, reconciliations, management reviews and monitoring controls.

• Review periodic finance control submissions, assess compliance against agreed standards and track remediation actions to

completion.

• 100 percent of material finance controls formally documented and assigned to accountable owners

• Core finance policies and control documentation

maintained and subject to periodic review • Control execution and evidence submission completed

within agreed timetable • Key reconciliations completed and reviewed in line with

policy and close timetable

• Reduction in repeat control deficiencies across audit cycles

• Clear audit trail maintained for all material finance controls

Governance Monitoring & Reporting KPIs/Measures

• Develop and maintain monthly finance controls dashboards for review with Finance stakeholders.

• Lead structured monthly finance control review meetings with documented actions.

• Identify recurring themes and emerging finance risks, escalating

where appropriate.

• Finance controls dashboard submitted in line with agreed timetable and reporting standards set by the Corporate Governance Manager

• All actions logged with owner and due date • No action overdue beyond tolerance without escalation

• Accurate and complete input into Corporate Governance dashboard

• Thematic trends identified and escalated appropriately

Control Assurance and Effectiveness KPIs/Measures • Assess control effectiveness across finance control domains,

including manual and automated controls supporting financial reporting.

• Escalate material finance control deficiencies to the Corporate Governance Manager, with appropriate visibility to Finance leadership.

• Support Internal Audit and external assurance activity where required.

• Drive continuous improvement through automation, analytics and improved reporting.

• Material deficiencies escalated within agreed timeframe

• Root cause analysis completed for significant failures

• Remediation plans agreed within defined timeframe • Demonstrable improvement in finance control maturity

year on year

Audit & Assurance Oversight KPIs/Measures • Support the Corporate Governance Manager in acting as

primary governance liaison for Internal Audit reviews relating to

finance controls and ICFR / SOX readiness. • Coordinate control walkthroughs, evidence collation and

management responses as delegated, ensuring adherence to agreed timelines

• Review draft audit findings and management responses to

ensure root cause analysis is robust and remediation actions are proportionate

• Work with finance control owners and process owners to agree remediation actions, clear accountability and target dates

• Monitor progress of audit actions and escalate overdue or high-

risk items to the Corporate Governance Manager in accordance with governance framework

• Maintain an accurate central log of audit recommendations and status updates for reporting

• Support preparation for external audit or Provision 29 and

future SOX assurance reviews as required • Identify recurring themes from audit findings and propose

preventative improvements to strengthen control maturity

• 100 percent of Internal Audit actions tracked with no overdue items beyond agreed tolerance

• Audit evidence coordinated and provided within agreed timetable and meeting quality standards

• All significant findings supported by documented root

cause analysis and agreed remediation plan within defined timeframe

• Reduction in repeat findings across consecutive audit cycles through preventative action

• Clear monthly audit status reporting provided to Corporate Governance Manager

Internal

Person Specification

Leadership behaviours:

Can Do - Demonstrates resilience, sound judgement and the confidence to challenge appropriately.

Share Success – Supports stakeholders to understand control expectations and builds capability.

Passion for Quality - Maintains high standards of governance and follows through on actions.

Win through Teamwork – Builds collaborative relationships across Legal, Finance and Operations.

Embrace Diversity – Acts with integrity and promotes an inclusive compliance culture.

Essential • Professional qualification (e.g., ACA/ACCA/CIMA) or equivalent experience in finance controls, financial risk, audit or governance

• Knowledge of ERP environments (e.g., SAP) and the interaction between finance processes and systems • Experience within internal control frameworks such as SOX, ICFR or UK Corporate Governance Code Provision 29

• Experience documenting processes and controls (process narratives, flowcharts, Risk and Control Matrices) and assessing desig n and operating effectiveness

• Experience embedding and operating controls within operational or decentralised environments

• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills with the ability to provide constructive challenge • Ability to assess materiality and exercise balanced escalation judgement

• Strong analytical capability with attention to detail

• Proficient IT skills including Excel and reporting tools, with the ability to leverage automation and AI tools to improve eff iciency

Desirable • Experience working with AI Tools in particular. Copilot / ChatGPT

• Flowcharting - Visio

Key Contacts and Working Relationships • Corporate Governance Manager

• Finance Director / CFO and Finance Leadership Team

• Financial Reporting teams • Shared Services (e.g., Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Payroll)

• Business process owners across Operations, Commercial and Supply Chain (for in-scope financial processes)

• ERP and Finance Systems teams (for controls enabled by systems and automation) • Corporate Governance peers across IT, Compliance and ESG

• Group Internal Audit

• External Audit and other assurance providers as required

• Risk and Compliance functions

Dimensions • Finance and financial reporting Principal Risks (including risk of material misstatement) • UK & Ireland operations

• Revenue £5+ billion

• Multi-site operational environment

Colleague Confirmation

Please sign and print name below to confirm receipt of your job description

Colleague Signature: _____________________________________________

Print Name: ____________________________________________________ Date: _________________________________________________________

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Senior Internal Auditor

London, UK

Permanent

Full-time

Job ID:

38896

Published date:

03-07-2026

Summary

Job Profile

Job title	Senior Internal Auditor
Business area	Finance
Reward level and salary	D
Scope of the role	This is an exciting opportunity to join the Internal Audit & Risk (IA&R) team at M&S, working across diverse business areas both in the UK and internationally. You’ll play a pivotal role in reviewing the effectiveness of business processes, challenging and supporting improvements to the control environment, and adding value during ongoing transformational change. The role combines traditional audit delivery with a growing emphasis on data analytics, offering exposure to all commercial and functional activities.

Key accountabilities, responsibilities, and measures

Audit Delivery

Lead and support audit engagements across the business, ensuring commercial relevance and alignment with the Internal Audit methodology.
Deliver clear risk assessments, test programmes, and audit reports that address key risks and objectives.
Adapt audit scope in response to emerging issues and challenges.
Present findings clearly and objectively, collaborating with Internal Audit Managers and the Assistant Data Manager.
Ensure stakeholder engagement throughout the audit process, providing regular updates to avoid surprises.
Maintain high standards of quality, integrity, and delivery against functional KPIs.

Data Analytics & Digital Audit

Support the development and execution of data-driven audit routines, including scoping, validation, testing, and reporting.
Collaborate with stakeholders to embed and monitor data testing routines within the business.
Contribute to the targeted data analytics audit plan and assist in its ongoing refinement.

Audit Plan Development

Propose relevant audits for inclusion in the annual audit plan based on business insight and stakeholder engagement.
Support revisions to the audit and data analytics plans throughout the year.

Stakeholder Engagement

Build strong relationships across all levels of the organisation to gain insight into business risks and controls.
Engage with the broader data community to ensure process and control considerations are integrated into discussions.
Use M&S behaviours to enhance credibility and influence.

Continuous Improvement

Stay current with professional developments, industry changes, and best practices.
Share insights and contribute to the evolution of audit methodology and control effectiveness.
Support the update of the department’s learning and development plan, particularly around digital skillsets and data analytics.

Action Follow-Up

Maintain regular contact with action owners to track progress and ensure timely completion of audit actions.
Assist in compiling audit action status reports for Operating and Audit Committees.

Key skills

Internal Audit experience, ideally with a professional qualification (ACA, ACCA, or IIA).
Strong understanding of risk and control audit methodologies, including risk assessment, controls evaluation, and audit reporting.
Experience or strong interest in data analytics, with practical knowledge of SQL, Python and/or R.
Familiarity with data modelling tools such as Power BI is advantageous.
Experience in retail, programme assurance, and multi-channel environments is beneficial.
Willingness to travel occasionally (5–10% UK and international).

Key relationships and stakeholders

Audit Committee
Executive Directors
Business Unit Directors
Functional Heads

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.

Read More Apply Now

Group Risk Analyst - 6 month FTC

London, UK

Permanent

Full-time

Job ID:

40118

Published date:

03-07-2026

Summary

Job title	Group Risk Analyst
Business area	Internal Audit & Risk, Finance Group, London
Job purpose	A great opportunity to work with different teams across M&S, reviewing the effectiveness of risk management activities, challenging, and supporting improvements to the control environment as well as adding value to the business during the significant ongoing transformational change. The role of Internal Audit & Risk (‘IA&R’) is to provide independent and objective feedback to the Audit Committee and Business Leadership on key risks to the business and the appropriateness and effectiveness of mitigating controls. The functional remit is extensive and covers all commercial and functional activities. The team also provides consulting support to project teams on the design and implementation of business process controls and conducts investigations in the event of a significant control failure.
Level & Grade	C
Reporting to	Group Risk Manager
Direct reports	0
Scope of the role	The role is wide ranging, covering all business areas in the UK and internationally and involves interaction and engagement across all levels of the organisation. A key aspect of the role will be to manage key risk relationships across the business and support the Group Risk Manager to coordinate the end-to-end group risk reporting process, including supporting the business in risk management process, collating the key group risks and tracking actions against mitigation plans. To act as a central point of contact for the business on all risk related matters.

Key accountabilities & responsibilities

Risk Delivery

Supporting the half yearly group risk review process, including preparation of the half-yearly Group Risk reports for the Executives, the Executive Committee, the Audit Committee and reports for external disclosure.
Supporting the facilitation of ongoing identification, management and reporting of key risks, including emerging risks, across the business through the half yearly group risk reviews, including leading discussions in some areas of the business.
Supporting the qualitative review of risk registers across the business and consolidation of key risks into the principal risks and uncertainties.
Supporting the development and maintenance of a risk appetite framework for the review and reporting relevant information to senior stakeholders. This includes collecting and collating appropriate data from the business in relation to key risk indicators.
Maintaining the Group risk guidance material and supporting its practical application across the business.
Assisting with the assessment and roll-out of a risk management tool across the business and ongoing management of this.

Stakeholder and Relationship Management

Actively developing strong relationships with a wide range of business contacts to gain knowledge and insight into the issues affecting the business and maintaining effective communication on risk.
Assisting the business with identifying appropriate risk improvement actions and maintaining quarterly action status reporting to monitor progress against risk mitigations.
Adopting the M&S behaviours during interactions with the business to give credibility to the risk work undertaken.

Continuous Improvement

Updating and expanding knowledge of good practices, professional developments, industry changes and sharing these across the risk community within the business and within the internal audit team (as relevant). This includes maintaining risk contacts in the industry to share good practice with.
Providing ideas and challenge to improve our risk methodology, the control environment and the effectiveness of business risk mitigation plans.

Note that where capacity allows outside of risk delivery, there may be opportunity to support internal audit delivery, working with experienced internal audit colleagues.

Key skills

Excellent communication, both written and verbal.
Ability to understand, assess and articulate on key areas of risks, as well as provide objective challenge to mitigation plans.
A strong team player, capable of building and maintaining effective relationships.
Customer focused, with the confidence to deal with and influence at all levels.
Integrity and objectively.
Commercial acumen with the ability to challenge and make practical suggestions that will add value to the risk management activities.
Excellent analysis and problem-solving skills.
A curious and sceptical mindset.
Ability to adopt to new ways of working.
Demonstrable knowledge of risk management and relevant practical experience in the identification and assessment of risks as well as proposing appropriate mitigation activities.
Appropriate risk qualification desirable.
Experience of implementing and maintaining a risk tool would be advantageous, as would be experience in retail.

Key relationships

Audit Committee
Executive Directors
Business Unit Directors
Functional Heads

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.

See below

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Global IT Audit Manager

London, UK

Permanent

Full-time

Job ID:

40085

Published date:

03-07-2026

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