At a Glance
- Tasks: Support AJ Bell's internal control framework and conduct controls testing.
- Company: Join one of the UK's fastest-growing investment platform businesses.
- Benefits: 26 days holiday, competitive salary, and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Recognised as one of the UK’s Best 100 Companies to Work For.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in risk, internal control, or audit, preferably in Financial Services.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We are seeking a motivated and technically strong Internal Controls Analyst, 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.
- Operating effectiveness testing, 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
26 days holiday, increasing with service + buy/sell scheme +
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Internal Controls Analyst (Manchester)
✨Join Compliance Communities
Get involved in compliance and risk communities — both online and offline. Look for forums, LinkedIn groups, or even local meetups where compliance pros hang out. You never know who might drop a job opportunity your way!
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We think you need these skills to ace Internal Controls Analyst (Manchester)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Understanding of Compliance:In the compliance-risk field, it's super important to showcase your understanding of regulations and risk management frameworks. Highlight any relevant coursework, certifications (like ICA or AML), or even projects that demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to this area. We want to see how you can navigate this complex landscape!
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, try to quantify your achievements. For example, if you've previously worked on a project that improved compliance metrics or reduced risk exposure, give us the numbers! This data-driven approach really stands out to hiring managers in compliance-risk roles.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Relevant Skills:Make sure your CV highlights skills that are particularly relevant to compliance, like attention to detail, analytical thinking, and report writing. Ensure these are easy to spot – consider using bullet points to break down your responsibilities and achievements for maximum impact!
Craft a Motivating Cover Letter:In your cover letter, let us know why you’re excited about the compliance-risk role at Aj Bell. Share what motivates you about compliance, and how you believe you can contribute to our mission. This is your chance to showcase not only your skills but also your passion for this important field!
How to prepare for a job interview at Aj Bell
✨Master the Regulations
Brush up on key compliance regulations relevant to the industry you're applying to. Familiarising yourself with specific laws and frameworks used in your field will give you an edge during technical questions. Show that you’re not just aware of them but can also apply them—think real-life scenarios!
✨Show Your Analytical Skills
Compliance roles really focus on analytical skills, so be prepared for case studies or situational questions during the interview. We've got to demonstrate how we approach risk assessments or compliance audits, possibly drawing on examples from past experiences or university projects. Bring some thoughtful case scenarios to discuss!
✨Know Your Tools
Get comfortable with commonly used compliance software and tools. Familiarity with platforms like RSA or MetricStream can really impress during your interview, as it shows you're ready to hit the ground running. If you’ve had any experience with them, make sure to highlight that!
✨Align with Company Culture
Since it's a full-time position, show your long-term commitment and interest in the company’s mission and values. Dive into how your ethics and professional philosophy align with Aj Bell’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!
