IT Audit Manager

London/Hybrid Contract to 31/03/2027 Day rate from £700 DOE via Umbrella Company.

My client is one of the largest financial institutions headquartered in Japan, with an established presence across all consumer and corporate banking businesses. Through its subsidiaries and affiliates, they offer a diverse range of financial services, including commercial banking, leasing, securities, credit card, consumer finance and other services.

This role exists to deliver an independent view and assurance over the IT control environment in operation in EMEA business entities. It undertakes and manages audits across a range of IT Infrastructure and applications and supports teams of auditors to deliver in depth testing and review to support audit opinions. It contributes part of the Audit opinion provided to the EMEA Region Management and Group Audit Committee in Tokyo.

Position Description

This role is responsible for managing the delivery of the planning, fieldwork and reporting for audit assignments as Auditor in Charge (AIC), under direction from the IT Audit Partners. This will include highlighting key areas of risk, assessing established and new controls in operation over a range of activities in any business in EMEA Region, and IT functions outsourced to JRIA New York.

Responsibilities

• Preparation of planning material to ensure that the internal controls covering the key risks are appropriately tested in order to provide reasonable assurance to the Board, Group Management, Entity Management and other stakeholders, including regulators, that an effective internal control environment exists.
• Overseeing the work performed for the audit assignment by other team members. Providing guidance and support to team members as necessary.
• Directing testing to cover key areas of risk and determine the scope and focus in agreement with the Audit Partner of the review, and share expertise in their area with other team members.
• Preparing draft Audit Findings for review by AD Management. The Audit Findings must be factually accurate and clearly communicate the findings and recommendations.
• Preparing the final internal audit report. The report must clearly communicate areas of positive assurance as well as areas where improvement in the internal control environment is required.
• Undertaking follow-up and closure of internal audit recommendations.

Requirements

• Extensive experience in internal audit, with a focus on IT audits within financial services or a regulated environment.
• Strong understanding of IT governance frameworks (e.g., COBIT), cybersecurity principles, IT general controls, and regulatory requirements such as DORA or GDPR.
• Ability to assess technology-related risks across infrastructure, applications, and third-party services, and design effective audit procedures.
• Proficiency in interpreting complex technical environments, identifying control gaps, and leveraging data analytics for audit testing.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to articulate technical findings clearly for both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Proven experience in leading IT audit engagements, mentoring team members, and managing competing priorities.
• Ability to engage with senior IT and business leaders, influence decision-making, and maintain strong professional relationships.
• Capacity to handle challenging discussions and present issues confidently to senior stakeholders.

Preferred Experience

• Familiarity with banking technology environments, including core banking systems, cloud platforms, and cybersecurity practices.
• Understanding of financial sector regulations impacting IT (e.g., DORA, PRA, ECB guidelines).
• Experience with audit management systems, data analytics tools, and automated testing solutions.
• Exposure to managing IT audit projects end-to-end, including planning, execution, and reporting.
• CISA, CISSP, CRISC, or equivalent qualifications are highly desirable.

Candidates must show evidence of the above in their CV to be considered.