Controls Testing Manager *6 month FTC*

We are seeking a motivated and technically strong Internal Controls manager, with experience in controls testing and supporting Risk and Control Self-Assessment (RCSA), to join our growing FTSE 250 business for a six-month fixed term contract. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who enjoys working in a dynamic environment to set up and contribute to a project that is focused on the enhancement of the operation of the internal control framework across Saga Services Limited (SSL).

Reporting to the Head of Risk, you will work closely with the Insurance CFO and operate within the first line of defence. You will set up and run a project that will enhance the internal controls across SSL financial, operational, and compliance control environment. You will assist with the implementation and ongoing monitoring of SSL internal control framework that is appropriate for the risk environment of the business. The primary focus will be on setting up and running a project to test material and key controls, providing assurance over the design and operating effectiveness of those controls across key functions: Marketing, Product and Partnership, Operations, Finance, Technology, Change, Risk and Compliance.

This role will work alongside stakeholders in the business as well as engaging with senior leaders and Risk SMEs to implement and document the new controls standard. You will support executive management by providing insight on the effectiveness of SSL control environment overall and by function ensuring alignment with external regulatory expectations and Saga Group governance standards. This will be achieved by working with the group risk function to ensure that SSL is aligned on the standards and level of documentation expected.

We work in a hybrid way at Saga, both at home and in the office. This role requires you to be working across our London and Folkestone office at least twice a week, allowing us to collaborate and share success as a business.

Main Responsibilities:

• Setting up and implementing the control framework approach by working with control owners and senior leadership across Saga's Insurance business.
• Training the first line risk and control owners on their accountabilities and standards expected.
• Conducting design effectiveness reviews of controls in line with control objective, creating/reviewing process maps, and working with the business and SMEs to complete design testing, document test results to resolve control design failures and monitor remediation plans.
• Performing operating effectiveness testing of controls, providing outcomes and recommendations, and working with the business to address root causes of control deficiencies and track remediation plans.
• Providing guidance and best practice advice to control owners on remediation activities and internal control improvements.
• Supporting the business with their Risk and Control Self Assessments and helping support maturity and improvement of the process application.
• Leading in the development of control indicators and measures to assess control effectiveness.
• Working with the business to develop continuous monitoring practices and using data analytics to assess control effectiveness.
• Helping the business in understanding and applying how the new UK Corporate Governance Code requirements affect processes and controls.
• Leading the preparation of management information and compiling control assessment findings and recommendations for reporting to Executive and Board Committees with the Head of Risk and CFO.

The Ideal Candidate:

• Strong experience in Internal Controls, Risk Management, SOX, Operational Risk or Internal Audit.
• Experience from within the Insurance industry, and knowledge of the regulatory environment.
• Strong understanding of control design and operating effectiveness assessments.
• Experience developing testing methodologies and quality assurance processes.
• Experience presenting to senior leadership and governance committees.
• Experience of working with implementing GRC systems.
• Experience using data analytics for control testing.
• Knowledge of automated controls and IT General Controls (ITGCs).
• Internal Control approaches such as COSO.
• Control Design Assessments, Operating Effectiveness Testing, Sampling Methodologies, Root Cause Analysis, Issue Management.
• Experience using data analytics for control testing.

Saga Values: Make it Happen, Do the Right Thing, Customer First, Excellence Every Day, Our People Make Us Special.

Over the past 75 years we have become the UK's specialist provider of products and services to people aged over 50 in the UK. We are the most trusted brand amongst UK consumers in this demographic, recognised for high-quality products and exceptional standards of service. Our product portfolio includes cruises, holidays, insurance, personal finance products and Saga Magazine.

We are committed to making sure that colleagues can be their best, be themselves and make a difference more than anywhere else. We have done this by creating a truly inclusive culture, where all colleagues can bring their full and authentic selves to work and be treated with dignity and respect in an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment.