Internal Controls Manager

Summary

Join AJ Bell as their Internal Controls Manager and take the lead in strengthening the Group’s financial and non-financial reporting control environment. Reporting to the Senior Manager Internal Controls, you will enhance and monitor the internal control framework supporting financial, operational, and compliance reporting. This role requires a technically strong, proactive individual who thrives in fast-paced settings and is passionate about improving risk and control processes. You will lead financial and non-financial reporting elements of the Group’s internal control framework, conduct design effectiveness reviews, perform control operating effectiveness testing, and provide advisory support to control owners. The position also involves educating the business on new UK Corporate Governance Code requirements and contributing to key control assessment findings for Executive and Board Committees. This is an exciting opportunity within a growing FTSE 250 business.

Requirements

• Qualified accountant (ACCA/ACA) with at least 2 years post-qualification experience
• Background in risk, internal control, or audit, ideally within a regulated environment
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Confidence to provide practical recommendations and influence risk and control owners to improve the control environment
• Strong planning, organisation, and time management skills with the ability to meet tight deadlines
• A detail-oriented and logical approach with excellent problem-solving abilities
• Technically strong with an ability to see the bigger picture
• Resilient and adaptable in a fast-paced environment
• Self-starter who is highly motivated and capable of working independently
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Visio

Responsibilities

• Lead on the financial and non-financial reporting elements of the Group’s internal control framework, supporting its development and ongoing monitoring
• Conduct design effectiveness reviews for financial and non-financial reporting controls, reviewing process maps and collaborating with the business and SMEs to resolve control design issues and oversee remediation plans
• Perform testing of control operating effectiveness, report outcomes, recommend enhancements, and help the business address the root causes of control deficiencies while monitoring remediation progress
• Provide advisory support to control owners on remediation efforts and internal control best practice across both financial and non-financial reporting areas
• Educate and advise the business on the implications of the new UK Corporate Governance Code requirements
• Contribute to preparing key control assessment findings and recommendations for Executive and Board Committees

Benefits

• Starting salary c.£60,000 (Negotiable DOE)
• Generous holiday allowance of 27 days, increasing up to 31 days with length of service
• Holiday buy and sell scheme
• A choice of pension schemes with matched contributions up to 8%
• Discretionary bonus scheme
• Annual free share awards scheme
• Buy As You Earn (BAYE) Scheme
• Health Cash Plan – provided by SimplyHealth
• Discounted private healthcare scheme and dental plan
• Free gym membership
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Bike loan scheme
• Sick pay+ pledge
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, and shared parental leave
• Loans for travel season tickets
• Death in service scheme
• Paid time off for volunteer work
• Charitable giving opportunities through salary sacrifice
• Calendar of social events, including monthly payday drinks, annual Christmas party, summer party and much more
• Personal development programmes built around you and your career goals, including access to personal skills workshops
• Ongoing technical training
• Professional qualification support
• Talent development programmes
• Peer recognition scheme, with rewards including restaurant and shopping vouchers or time off
• Monthly leadership breakfasts and lunches
• Casual dress code
• Access to a range of benefits from our sponsorship deals
• Hybrid working: At AJ Bell, our people are the heart of our culture. We believe in building strong connections by working together. That's why we offer a hybrid working model, where you’ll spend a minimum of 50% of your working time per month in the office. For new team members, an initial period will be full-time in the office to help you immerse yourself in our business and build valuable relationships with your colleagues