UK Finance Risk & Controls Manager in Ipswich

We’re seeking an experienced and proactive UK Financial Risk and Controls Manager to lead our efforts in fostering a strong risk culture within the Finance function. This key leadership role is vital in ensuring the integrity and robustness of our financial controls, supporting effective risk management, and safeguarding the quality and compliance of our financial reporting.

In this role, you will work closely with Finance leadership, 2nd-line risk functions, external auditors, and regulators to embed best practices, develop controls, and promote a risk-aware environment across the organisation. You’ll be instrumental in supporting the implementation of risk mitigation strategies, managing controls, and ensuring audit readiness.

At AXA we work smart, empowering our people to balance their time between home and the office in a way that works best for them, their team and our customers. You will work at least two days a week (40%) away from home, moving to three days a week (60%) in the future. Away from home means either attendance at one of our office locations, visiting clients or attending industry events. We’re also happy to consider flexible working arrangements, which you can discuss with Talent Acquisition.

What you’ll be doing:

• Lead initiatives to embed a strong risk culture across all Finance teams by promoting awareness of risk management principles and best practices.
• Collaborate with Finance leadership to identify, develop, and support risk champions within each business area, providing guidance for proactive risk management.
• Oversee the development and maintenance of the Risk & Controls Matrix, ensuring it accurately maps key processes and controls across the organisation.
• Facilitate risk and control self-assessments, participate in scenario workshops, and support calculation of operational risk capital requirements.
• Organise annual process reviews to assess control effectiveness, identify emerging risks, and ensure controls stay current and effective.
• Coordinate periodic control attestations, supporting controls owners in documenting procedures, risks, reports, and EUCs in line with AXA standards.
• Drive the timely implementation of remediation plans, tracking progress and escalating issues early to ensure deadlines are met.
• Support embedding risk management and control principles into projects, system changes, and automation initiatives, ensuring compliance with IFC standards and effective risk mitigation.

Due to the number of applications we expect to receive for this role, we reserve the right to close this advert earlier than the listed closing date to ensure we’re able to effectively manage interest. Therefore, if you’re interested in joining us at AXA, please don’t hesitate to apply.

What you’ll bring:

• Proven experience in risk management, controls, or audit within a financial services or insurance environment.
• Strong leadership skills with a proactive approach to embedding a risk culture and driving continuous improvement.
• Deep understanding of financial controls, risk assessment, and regulatory requirements.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across multiple teams and external bodies.
• Experience in developing and maintaining control frameworks, including control attestations and documentation.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to identify, evaluate, and mitigate risks effectively.
• Excellent communication skills, able to convey complex risk issues clearly to senior management and regulators.
• A highly organised and disciplined approach, capable of managing multiple priorities and deadlines.

As a precondition of employment for this role, you must be eligible and authorised to work in the United Kingdom.

What we offer:

• Competitive annual salary
• Annual company & performance-based bonus
• Contributory pension scheme (up to 12% employer contributions)
• Life Assurance (up to 10 x annual salary)
• Private medical cover
• 28 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays
• Opportunity to buy up to 5 extra days leave or sell up to 5 days leave
• Wellbeing services & resources
• AXA employee discounts

To apply, click on the ‘apply for this job’ button, you’ll then need to log in or create a profile to submit your CV. We’re proud to be an Equal Opportunities Employer and don’t discriminate against employees or potential employees based on protected characteristics. If you have a long-term condition or disability and require adjustments during the application or interview process, we’re proud to offer access to the AXA Accessibility Concierge.

For our support, please send an email to bayley.colbran@axa-uk.co.uk.

Who we are:

AXA UK Support Functions power AXA’s three customer-facing business units, providing the infrastructure, support and expertise to ensure our customers can always count on us. Whether you’ve got heaps of experience and qualifications behind you, or you’re just starting out, we’ll give you the support and opportunities to help you grow and develop with confidence.