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 pension scheme, health benefits, and a free onsite gym.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with regular social events and tailored learning opportunities.
- 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 and communication 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’re helping more people take control of their financial futures. We’re 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’s an initial period of full-time office working to help you settle in and build relationships.
Inclusion & diversity
We’re 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 employer: Aj Bell
AJ Bell is an exceptional employer, recognised as one of the UK’s Best 100 Companies to Work For, offering a supportive and collaborative culture that fosters employee growth. With a range of benefits including a generous holiday allowance, a strong pension scheme, and tailored learning opportunities, employees are empowered to thrive in their careers while enjoying a healthy work-life balance in a dynamic environment. The hybrid working model and commitment to inclusion further enhance the appeal of joining our team in Manchester.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Internal Controls Tester
✨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 testing and remediation.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your analytical skills during interviews. Bring examples of how you've tackled control deficiencies in the past and be prepared to discuss your problem-solving approach.
✨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
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in internal controls and testing. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read through your qualifications and experiences. We appreciate clarity!
Show Your Enthusiasm:Let your passion for the role shine through! Mention why you’re excited about working with AJ Bell and how you can contribute to our internal control framework. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in what we do.
Proofread Before Submitting:Before hitting that submit button, give your application a thorough once-over. Typos and grammatical errors can distract from your qualifications, so take the time to ensure everything is polished. We want to see your best work!
How to prepare for a job interview at Aj Bell
✨Know Your Controls Inside Out
Make sure you understand the internal control framework and the specific controls you'll be testing. Brush up on your knowledge of design and operating effectiveness testing, as well as how to document outcomes. This will help you answer questions confidently and demonstrate your expertise.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement
Since this role involves working with various stakeholders, practice how you'll communicate findings and recommendations. Think about how to present complex information clearly and concisely, especially to senior leaders. Role-playing these conversations can really help!
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Be ready to discuss your problem-solving approach and how you've tackled control deficiencies in the past. Prepare examples that highlight your logical, methodical thinking and your ability to balance detail with the bigger picture. This will show that you're not just a doer but a thinker too.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
With tight reporting deadlines, it's crucial to showcase your planning and time management abilities. Bring examples of how you've successfully managed multiple priorities in previous roles. This will reassure the interviewers that you can handle the demands of the position.
