Pensions Analyst in Manchester

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 + bank holidays
• 7% 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.