At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial governance activities and enhance control frameworks in a dynamic finance environment.
- Company: Join a respected organisation in the regulated financial services sector.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent benefits, and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and to influence best practices across the organisation.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of financial governance transformation and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in governance, risk, or controls within a finance environment is essential.
The predicted salary is between 85000 - 90000 £ per year.
Salary: £85,000 – £90,000 per annum + excellent benefits.
Location: London – hybrid working.
Role type: Permanent.
We are partnering with a large, highly respected organisation operating within a regulated financial services environment to recruit a Head of Financial Governance. This is an exciting opportunity to join at a pivotal stage in the evolution of the finance function, where significant investment has been made in strengthening governance, risk management and financial control frameworks. Following a substantial programme of transformation, the organisation has established a robust governance framework and is now seeking an experienced professional to take ownership of its ongoing development, effectiveness and continuous improvement.
Reporting to a senior finance leader, this role will act as the central point of contact for financial governance activities, working closely with executive stakeholders, risk teams, internal and external auditors, and regulatory bodies.
Key Responsibilities
- You will play a key role in ensuring the organisation maintains a strong financial governance and control environment, supporting compliance with regulatory requirements while promoting best practice across the wider business.
- Leading and overseeing financial governance activities across the organisation.
- Maintaining and enhancing finance governance frameworks, policies and controls.
- Coordinating and managing relationships with internal and external audit providers.
- Supporting governance reporting and committee processes, including Board and Audit Committee activity.
- Monitoring financial risks and ensuring appropriate controls are operating effectively.
- Providing assurance on the effectiveness of the financial control environment and identifying areas for improvement.
- Managing regulatory submissions and compliance requirements.
- Supporting the development of ESG reporting and broader governance initiatives.
- Acting as a key liaison with regulators and other external stakeholders.
- Promoting a strong risk and control culture through training, mentoring and stakeholder engagement.
Essential Experience
- We are looking for an experienced governance, risk or controls professional who combines technical expertise with exceptional stakeholder management skills.
- Significant experience operating within governance, risk and control frameworks in a finance environment.
- Experience working within a regulated financial services or similarly regulated environment.
- Strong understanding of regulatory expectations and governance best practice.
- Experience managing relationships with internal audit, external audit and senior stakeholders.
- A track record of developing and enhancing governance frameworks and control environments.
- Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to engage effectively at executive level.
- A proactive, self-starting approach and the ability to operate with a high degree of autonomy.
- Experience within pensions, banking, insurance or wider retail financial services environments would be particularly advantageous.
Head of Financial Governance employer: Cedar
Join a prestigious organisation in London that prioritises financial governance and offers a dynamic hybrid working environment. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will have access to excellent benefits and opportunities for professional growth while playing a pivotal role in enhancing governance frameworks within a regulated financial services landscape. This is an ideal workplace for those seeking meaningful contributions and a collaborative culture focused on continuous improvement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Financial Governance
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Cedar. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Financial Governance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Cedar.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Cedar's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cedar
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Cedar.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Cedar will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Cedar employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
