Internal Audit & Risk Manager

April 1, 2025

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Full Time

Watford, Hertfordshire

Competitive + Bonus + Salary

April 1, 2025

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Job description

<div> We are establishing a new Audit team at our Watford Support Centre and are seeking two Internal Audit and Risk Managers to join us. The successful candidates will lead the delivery of operational and financial risk internal audits, providing an independent appraisal of risk management, governance, and internal control. They will also support the Director, Internal Audit and Risk in developing and implementing a comprehensive risk management framework, while providing objective oversight and challenge on the adequacy and effectiveness of the business’s operational risk management. The role will be based in Watford with hybrid working, with occasional travel to other business locations. Key Responsibilities: Internal Audit: <ul style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><li dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: -18pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Planning individual audits, defining audit objectives, identifying risks and controls.  </li><li dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: -18pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Leading audit fieldwork, evaluating the effectiveness of controls, writing up conclusions, audit findings and preparing audit reports. </li><li dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: -18pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Ascertaining compliance with established policies and procedures, and identifying actual and potential weaknesses in controls, cost savings and efficiency improvements</li><li dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: -18pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Review of files and working papers prepared by junior colleagues to ensure that audit plans, work and reports are evidence based, of good quality and meet Internal Auditing Standards</li><li dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: -18pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Challenging risk management approaches with Management and finding ways to improve </li><li dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: -18pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Adopting innovative and efficient audit techniques, such as use of data analytics, embedded/real-time assurance, auditing risk culture and principles of agile audit methodology</li><li dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: -18pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Managing positive senior stakeholder engagement throughout the audit timeline to encourage auditees to collaborate fully to achieve the purpose of the audit</li><li dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: -18pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Proactively evaluating risks and internal controls against changing trends and market/economic conditions</li><li dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: -18pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Identifying ways in which the organisation can deliver better value for money and service</li><li dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: -18pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Sharing with the auditees the results of the audit and agreeing appropriate corrective actions to remedy any audit findings and the date by which the actions should be carried out</li><li dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: -18pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Helping to track agreed audit actions through to completion</li><li dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: 700; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: -18pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Support the preparation of papers for audit and risk committees, including identification of potential future audits based on risk profile and audit universe. </li><li dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: -18pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Support continuous improvement in the internal audit service and processes</li><li dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: -18pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Support Internal Audit’s operational processes to deliver compliance with Wicke’s frameworks, policies and standards</li></ul> Risk Management:<ul style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><li dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: -18pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Support the Director, Internal Audit and Risk in the design and delivery of an effective operational risk management and reporting capability and in the design, maintenance, oversight and reporting of an operational risk management framework. </li><li dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: -18pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Deliver insightful risk analysis on the performance of operational risk management relative to Board agreed risk appetite, escalating issues and trends to senior management and appropriate governance committees.</li><li dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: -18pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">As subject matter expert, oversight and challenge the outputs from the business assessment and management of operational risks and controls through the company’s RCSA process</li><li dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: -18pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Provide professional and pragmatic risk and control advice and support to the business areas and support functions.</li><li dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: -18pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Promote and embed a positive risk management and compliance culture throughout the organisation.</li></ul> What are we looking for: Experience:<ul style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><li dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Experience and/ or qualifications in one or more of the following governance related disciplines: risk management, internal audit, compliance</li><li dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Significant experience in an audit role, with knowledge and experience covering an audit process from start to finish</li><li dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Knowledge of relevant international standards and quality benchmarks governing internal audit practice, including internal audit code of ethics</li><li dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Proven experience in an operational risk management role</li><li dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Track record of working with other assurance providers, eg external auditors</li></ul> Qualifications: <ul style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><li dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">ACA, ACCA or relevant Internal Audit qualification OR experience equivalent.</li></ul> Key Competencies/Behaviours:<ul style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><li dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Self-motivated and proactive approach to taking on responsibility, Enthusiastic for new challenges, capable of demonstrating judgement and decision-making and understands when to escalate issues</li><li dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Excellent verbal and written communication and good active listening skills, including the ability to:</li><ul style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><li dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; list-style-type: circle; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Distil complex issues into succinct messages</li><li dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; list-style-type: circle; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Present confidently and concisely to a variety of internal and external stakeholders at all levels</li><li dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; list-style-type: circle; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Deliver clear and persuasive messages and capable of robust dialogue and </li><li dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; list-style-type: circle; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Produce clear, concise policies, procedures, reports and presentations</li></ul><li dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Good negotiator, excellent relationship management and diplomacy skills to deal effectively with stakeholders including senior personnel, who may have competing priorities</li><li dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Confident and professional manner</li><li dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Risk based auditing skills</li><li dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Objective, logical, and enquiring mind</li><li dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Significant analytical and IT skills, attention to detail</li><li dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Good project/ time management and team leadership ability</li><li dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">High levels of personal integrity</li><li dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Able to take a pragmatic/ commercial approach to understanding and applying requirements </li></ul> What can we offer you? You’ll be supported with fantastic learning and development and have the opportunity to grow and develop your career with us. We’ll also equip you with a benefits package that includes <ul style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><li dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Competitive bonus</li><li dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Private medical healthcare</li><li dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Save-as-you-earn scheme</li><li dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Contributory pension scheme</li><li dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Colleague discount </li><li dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Discount platform including savings and cash back at numerous retailers, savings on gym membership, cycle to work scheme</li></ul> Our widely recognised wellbeing strategy is something we’re proud of at Wickes. As part of this, we offer a range of health and wellbeing benefits and support, including an Employee Assistance Programme, financial education & loans, and access to parental, menopause and fertility support. By giving you the support you need to do well at work, and the flexibility to make life work for you. We are giving you a career that doesn’t put your life on hold. Where you can be yourself, do your best work, and make a positive difference every day.We recognise the value of bringing our teams together to collaborate, support each other and build on our amazing culture.  We are also encouraging our teams to work flexibly, with a blend of remote / office working.  About Us: Wickes is a multi-channel retailer operating in the home improvement market.  With 50 years in industry, Wickes now generates revenue in excess of £1.6bn across 230 stores delivered by 8,000+ colleagues.  But it is the Wickes culture that we are really proud of. It's a collaborative, down to earth, fun and inclusive environment where people feel part of a winning team. All our colleagues come from different backgrounds, but what we all have in common is a determination to succeed and a passion for being the best we can be. If that sounds like you, we’ll make you feel right at home. </div>

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