At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead controls assurance activities and enhance Finance governance across Central Functions.
- Company: Join a leading finance team committed to robust internal controls and governance.
- Benefits: Generous leave, 16% pension contribution, performance bonuses, and flexible perks.
- Other info: Opportunity to work with a global team and grow your career in finance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial governance while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in controls assurance and strong understanding of accounting principles required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 € per year.
Aberdeen is seeking a Central Functions Controls Assurance Manager to strengthen internal controls and support key governance and regulatory requirements. The role addresses Finance governance, risk management, and the Quality Assurance of Balance Sheet Substantiation processes.
About the Department
The Finance Controls Office supports the Finance function in maintaining a robust control environment and complying with UK corporate governance standards. The team focuses on strengthening internal controls, assurance, and reporting.
About the Role
The Central Functions Controls Assurance Manager will lead controls assurance activities across Central Functions, coordinate testing, and deliver high‑quality Finance governance outcomes. The role involves building relationships with stakeholders, managing offshore testers, and ensuring alignment with Aberdeen methodology.
- Deliver high‑quality, action‑focused Finance governance and management information reporting.
- Improve Finance’s alignment with the firm’s ERMF.
- Enhance Quality Assurance of Balance Sheet Substantiation processes.
- Support remediation of control design and operating weaknesses, risk issues and events.
- Provide education and upskilling for Finance on risk management and controls.
Specifically, the role holder plans and executes controls assurance activity across Central Functions, oversees offshore testers, and manages the monthly Balance Sheet Substantiation quality assurance process, producing reports for governance forums.
Key Responsibilities
- Plan and deliver controls assurance activity across Central Functions, coordinating testing and tracking progress.
- Work with stakeholders to agree testing scope, communicate findings clearly, and support remediation of control gaps.
- Oversee offshore testers, ensuring consistent delivery in line with agreed methodology.
- Execute monthly Balance Sheet Substantiation quality assurance and produce governance forum reports.
- Assist with broader Finance Controls Office priorities and contribute to the risk and control environment.
About the Candidate
- Controls assurance – experience in planning and delivering controls assurance or testing activities, assessing design and effectiveness, and communicating findings.
- Accounting and financial reporting – strong understanding of core accounting principles and key finance controls.
- Stakeholder management – ability to build relationships and engage confidently across teams.
- Global team management – experience managing or overseeing global teams and maintaining consistent quality.
- Qualifications – Qualified accountant or auditor preferred; operational risk or controls experience also considered.
- Experience with balance sheet substantiation processes and related quality assurance is advantageous.
Disability Inclusive Employment
We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and will provide support throughout the process.
Our Benefits
Our rewards package includes generous annual leave, a 16% employer pension contribution, discretionary performance‑based bonuses, private healthcare, and flexible benefits such as gym discounts, season ticket loans, and an employee discount portal.
Controls Assurance Manager (12 month FTC) in Edinburgh employer: abrdn plc
Aberdeen is an exceptional employer that prioritises a robust work culture centred on integrity and collaboration, making it an ideal place for a Controls Assurance Manager. With a strong commitment to employee growth, the company offers extensive benefits including generous annual leave, a substantial pension contribution, and opportunities for professional development in a supportive environment. Located in a vibrant city, employees enjoy a dynamic workplace that values diversity and inclusivity, ensuring a rewarding career path for those seeking meaningful contributions in finance governance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Controls Assurance Manager (12 month FTC) in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and controls assurance space. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its governance practices. Familiarise yourself with their approach to risk management and internal controls. We want you to show them you’re not just a fit for the role, but also passionate about their mission!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills! Be ready to share specific examples of how you’ve successfully managed controls assurance activities or improved financial reporting processes. We love hearing about real-life experiences that demonstrate your expertise.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for candidates who are proactive and engaged. Let’s get you that interview!
We think you need these skills to ace Controls Assurance Manager (12 month FTC) in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Controls Assurance Manager. Highlight your experience in controls assurance and stakeholder management, and don’t forget to mention any relevant qualifications. We want to see how you fit into our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about finance governance and how your skills align with our needs. Keep it concise but impactful – we love a good story that showcases your journey.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements rather than just duties. Did you improve a process or lead a successful project? We want to know how you made a difference in your previous roles!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at abrdn plc
✨Know Your Controls Assurance Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of controls assurance processes. Be ready to discuss your experience in planning and delivering assurance activities, as well as how you've assessed design and effectiveness in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your ability to build relationships and engage with stakeholders. Think about times when you’ve communicated findings clearly or supported remediation of control gaps, as this will be key for the role.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Balance Sheet Substantiation
Since the role involves overseeing the monthly Balance Sheet Substantiation quality assurance process, make sure you understand the principles behind it. Be ready to discuss any relevant experience you have in this area.
✨Demonstrate Global Team Management Experience
If you have experience managing or overseeing global teams, prepare to talk about it! Highlight how you ensured consistent quality across different locations and how you coordinated efforts among offshore testers.
