At a Glance
- Tasks: Test and improve internal controls while collaborating with stakeholders and senior leaders.
- Company: Join AJ Bell, a fast-growing investment platform recognised as a top employer.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, a generous pension scheme, and health benefits.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with a friendly team and opportunities for personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial operations in a dynamic and supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in risk, internal control, or audit, with strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We are seeking a motivated and technically strong Internal Controls Tester, with experience in controls testing and supporting RCSAs, to join our growing FTSE 250 business. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who enjoys working in a dynamic environment and contributing to the effective operation of the internal control framework.
About the role
Reporting to the Manager of Internal Controls, you will provide support in implementing and maintaining AJ Bell's financial, operational, and compliance control environment. You will assist with the implementation and ongoing monitoring of the Group's internal control framework, with a primary focus on testing material and key controls. This role will work alongside stakeholders in the business as well as engaging with senior leaders and Risk SMEs.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct design effectiveness reviews of controls, create/review process maps, and work with the business and SMEs to resolve control design failures and monitor remediation plans.
- Perform operating effectiveness testing of controls, provide outcomes and recommendations, and work with the business to address root causes of control deficiencies and track remediation plans.
- Provide guidance and best practice advice to control owners on remediation activities and internal control improvements.
- Support the business with their Risk and Control Self Assessments and help support maturity and improvement of the process application.
- Support in the development of control indicators and measures to assess control effectiveness.
- Support in the development of continuous monitoring practices and using data analytics to assess control effectiveness.
- Support the business in understanding and applying how the new UK Corporate Governance Code requirements affect processes and controls.
- Assist in preparing management information and compiling control assessment findings and recommendations for reporting to Executive and Board Committees.
Competence, Knowledge & Skills
- Prior hands-on work in risk, internal control, or audit ideally in Financial Services.
- Competent in conducting design and operating effectiveness testing, documenting outcomes, and tracking remediation activities.
- Able to produce well-structured written outputs and communicate findings verbally to stakeholders.
- Comfortable contributing to proposals, providing recommendations, and partnering with control owners to remediate weaknesses.
- Strong organisation with the ability to follow priorities and manage to tight reporting deadlines.
- Analytical problem solving, logical, methodical approach balancing detail with the bigger picture.
- Reporting & MI preparation, comfortable compiling control assessment findings and recommendations for senior governance forums.
- Ability to assess control design, create/review process maps, identify design failures, and oversee remediation plans.
- Skilled in testing and documenting controls, evaluating results, recommending corrective actions, and tracking remediation to closure using testing tools.
- Provide practical guidance and best practice advice on remediation and internal control improvements; experience in driving improvements through automation will be an advantage.
- Disciplined approach that captures evidence, maintains clear workpapers, and connects findings to root cause analysis and remediation.
- Strong planning, organisation, and time management skills, with the ability to follow priorities set by others.
About AJ Bell
AJ Bell is one of the UK's fastest-growing investment platform businesses, providing award-winning solutions for everyone, from professional financial advisers to first-time investors. Today, over 723,000 customers trust us to manage more than £108.7 billion of assets. By continually striving to make investing simpler and more accessible, we are helping more people take control of their financial futures. We are proud to be recognised as one of the UK's Best 100 Companies to Work For for six consecutive years, and a Great Place to Work in 2025 and 2026—a reflection of our supportive and collaborative culture.
What we offer
- 25 days holiday, increasing with service + buy/sell scheme + bank holidays
- 6% Pension with matched contributions
- Discretionary bonus scheme
- Share schemes (including free shares and BAYE)
- Health Cash Plan and discounted private healthcare
- Free onsite gym
- Enhanced family leave (subject to qualifying criteria)
- Travel and bike loan schemes
- Employee Assistance Programme
Life at AJ Bell
- Regular social events including summer and Christmas parties
- Learning and development opportunities tailored to you
- Casual dress code
- Friendly, supportive team environment
Our ways of working
We offer hybrid working, with a minimum of 50% of your working time per month spent in the office. For new starters, there is an initial period of full-time office working to help you settle in and build relationships.
Inclusion & diversity
We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels respected and able to be themselves at work. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and make hiring decisions based on skills, experience and potential.
Internal Controls Tester in Salford employer: AJ Bell Business Solutions Limited
AJ Bell is an exceptional employer, recognised as one of the UK's Best 100 Companies to Work For for six consecutive years. With a supportive and collaborative culture, employees benefit from tailored learning and development opportunities, a generous holiday allowance, and a range of health and wellness initiatives, all while enjoying a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance. Located in a dynamic environment, this role offers the chance to engage with senior leaders and contribute meaningfully to the internal control framework of a rapidly growing FTSE 250 business.
Contact Details:
AJ Bell Business Solutions Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Internal Controls Tester in Salford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at AJ Bell on LinkedIn or through mutual connections. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of internal controls and risk management. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with AJ Bell's needs, especially around controls testing and remediation.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your analytical skills during the interview. Bring examples of how you've tackled control deficiencies in the past and be prepared to discuss your approach to problem-solving.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at AJ Bell.
We think you need these skills to ace Internal Controls Tester in Salford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in controls testing and risk management. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Internal Controls Tester, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves working with various stakeholders, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively. Use clear and concise language in your written application to show us you can convey complex ideas simply.
Highlight Your Analytical Skills:We’re looking for someone who can assess control effectiveness and provide recommendations. In your application, mention any specific examples where you've successfully identified issues and implemented solutions in a similar context.
Apply Through Our Website:To make sure your application gets the attention it deserves, apply directly through our website. This way, we can easily track your application and ensure it reaches the right people in our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at AJ Bell Business Solutions Limited
✨Know Your Controls Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the internal control framework and the specific controls relevant to the role. Be prepared to discuss your experience with design effectiveness reviews and operating effectiveness testing, as well as any challenges you've faced in these areas.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
During the interview, highlight your analytical problem-solving abilities. Share examples of how you've identified control deficiencies and the steps you took to address them. This will demonstrate your logical approach and ability to balance detail with the bigger picture.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Practice articulating your findings and recommendations clearly. Since you'll be working with various stakeholders, it's crucial to convey complex information in an understandable way. Consider preparing a few key points or stories that showcase your communication skills.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Best Practices
Familiarise yourself with best practices in internal controls and risk management. Be prepared to offer insights on how you can contribute to the continuous improvement of processes and controls, especially regarding automation and data analytics.
