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- Tasks: Test key financial controls and maintain risk management systems daily.
- Company: Join St. James's Place, a diverse employer supporting the LGBTQ+ community.
- Benefits: Enjoy a collaborative work environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial controls while working with passionate teams.
- Qualifications: Ideal candidates are qualified or part-qualified accountants with relevant experience.
- Other info: This role offers a chance to enhance your skills in a supportive setting.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
This job is with St. James's Place, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community.
The role: The primary focus of this role is to complete the day-to-day testing of key financial controls. This person will work with the Financial Controls Testing Manager to test the key controls, develop the annual testing plan and report progress and controls weaknesses to key stakeholders. They will work closely with control owners to ensure risk, control and test plan details are maintained as processes evolve and ensure that the risk and control system information is kept up to date.
What you'll be doing:
- Complete controls testing in line with the testing plan for the year, working with stakeholders to ensure testing is completed as efficiently as possible.
- Take responsibility for the maintenance of risks, controls, test plans, test results, and action plans on the Risk management system.
- Support the maintenance of the financial control framework through project change by working collaboratively with control owners.
- Support the Controls Testing Manager in creating the annual controls testing plan and reporting on progress.
- Suggest and implement ways to make controls testing more efficient, working with controls testers in other teams.
- Provide proactive advice to control owners and projects to strengthen the financial controls framework and improve efficiency and effectiveness.
- Track and report progress with internal and external audit actions and controls remediation actions.
- Create/provide training and guidance materials to control owners to increase understanding.
Who we're looking for: The ideal candidate may be either a qualified or part qualified accountant (ACCA, ACA) or qualified through experience. They will have experience of testing a range of different financial reporting controls, sourcing test evidence, writing test steps, documenting results and agreeing action plans. They will ideally have worked as a 'controls business partner' to finance and other teams involved in financial reporting. They will have FS experience and be self-motivated and able to prioritise workload and complete activities to a deadline. They will have strong interpersonal skills and be able to explain control requirements to controls owners simply and assertively.
Essential Criteria:
- Experience of testing a range of different financial reporting controls, sourcing test advice, writing test steps, documenting test results and agreeing action plans for remediating control deficiencies.
- Experience of providing proactive controls advice.
- Self-motivated - able to prioritise workload and complete activities to a deadline.
- Able to explain control requirements to control owners simply and assertively.
- Qualified or part-qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA) or qualified through experience.
- Credible and confident dealing with senior managers.
Financial Controls Testing Specialist employer: St. James'S Place
Contact Detail:
St. James'S Place Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controls Testing Specialist
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the financial controls testing process. Understanding the key components of controls testing, such as risk assessment and documentation, will help you speak confidently about your experience during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the financial services sector. Engaging with others who have experience in financial controls can provide insights into the role and may even lead to referrals or recommendations.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on industry regulations and best practices related to financial controls. Demonstrating your knowledge of current trends and compliance requirements can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've improved efficiency in previous roles. Being able to articulate your contributions to enhancing financial controls will showcase your proactive approach and problem-solving skills.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controls Testing Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in financial controls testing. Emphasise any qualifications like ACCA or ACA, and detail your experience with financial reporting controls, as this is crucial for the role.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, explain why you are interested in the Financial Controls Testing Specialist position at St. James's Place. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to test financial controls and work collaboratively with stakeholders.
Showcase Your Skills: Highlight your interpersonal skills and ability to communicate control requirements clearly. Provide examples of how you've successfully advised control owners or improved efficiency in previous roles.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials. Ensure there are no spelling or grammatical errors, and that all information is accurate and well-presented. A polished application reflects your attention to detail.
How to prepare for a job interview at St. James'S Place
✨Know Your Financial Controls
Make sure you have a solid understanding of financial controls and testing methodologies. Be prepared to discuss your experience with different types of financial reporting controls and how you've sourced test evidence in the past.
✨Demonstrate Proactive Advice Skills
Highlight instances where you've provided proactive advice to control owners or teams. This shows that you can not only identify issues but also suggest effective solutions to strengthen the financial controls framework.
✨Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills
Since the role requires strong interpersonal skills, be ready to share examples of how you've effectively communicated control requirements to stakeholders. Use clear and assertive language to demonstrate your ability to explain complex concepts simply.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and prioritisation skills. Think of specific situations where you had to manage multiple deadlines and how you ensured timely completion of tasks.
