At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead internal audits and drive continuous improvement across diverse business areas.
- Company: Join DFS Group, a vibrant community of brands focused on creating beautiful living spaces.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, a company car allowance, and access to a Learning Hub for personal growth.
- Other info: Embrace a culture of inclusivity and growth, with opportunities for leadership development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while collaborating with passionate teams in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Professional accounting or auditing qualification with hands-on internal assurance experience.
At DFS Group, we're proud to help people create spaces they love to live in. We're home to DFS, Sofology, and The Sofa Delivery Company: three brands with their own personalities, brought together by a shared mission. Behind our brands is a passionate Group team. From Finance and Technology to People, Marketing and Supply Chain, our Group functions power everything we do. They create the foundations that allow our brands to thrive, innovate and grow.
As our Senior Internal Audit Manager, you will act as a key leader within a focused in-house team, supported by a strategic co-source partner. Operating across a diverse and dynamic portfolio, including Manufacturing, Retail, Logistics, and Regulated activities, you will balance hands-on audit delivery with supporting the Group Head of Internal Audit (GHIA) in maturing our Internal Audit function. Grounded in our Group Values, this position is designed for a collaborative professional who leads with context, passion, and respect. You will not only deliver critical independent assurance but also act as a trusted business partner, driving continuous improvement and excellence across the entire Group. This is a hybrid role based in Doncaster.
What you'll be responsible for:
- Supporting the GHIA in maturing the function in alignment with IIA standards, developing dynamic, risk-based audit plans that align with our strategic objectives and evolving risk profiles.
- Leading, scoping, fieldwork, and reporting across complex, high-risk areas, focusing on identifying root causes and agreeing on pragmatic, commercially focused solutions with business leaders.
- Forging strong relationships across the Group, collaborating seamlessly with our co-source partners and internal Risk and Control peers to deliver a truly integrated assurance model.
- Monitoring and reporting on the progress of management actions, holding the business accountable to ensure risks are effectively mitigated.
- Championing the rollout and embedding of our new GRC tool, driving team adoption to ensure the platform serves as the definitive single source of truth for all audit reporting and action tracking.
- Conducting special investigations and ad-hoc projects with the highest level of integrity and discretion, providing critical support to the GHIA in their capacity as Company Whistleblowing Officer.
We're looking for someone who has:
- A professional accounting or auditing qualification, such as CMIIA, ACCA, CIMA, or an equivalent credential, alongside at least two years of post-qualification practice.
- Solid hands-on expertise focused specifically on internal assurance.
- Proven background conducting reviews across key business environments like retail operations, supply chain logistics, IT and cyber security, manufacturing, or financial controls.
- Strong track record of working collaboratively within matrixed environments, managing reviews autonomously, and partnering with external co-source teams or internal colleagues.
- Deep technical assurance capabilities, incorporating flexible testing methodologies, thorough root-cause analysis, and risk-focused execution across varied operating divisions.
- A commercial mindset that evaluates assurance findings through operational reality, partnering effectively with stakeholders.
- An inclusive, humble approach to collaboration, listening actively, welcoming feedback, and engaging across teams.
- Clear and engaging communication capabilities, distilling complex operational risks into concise assurance reports for executive leadership.
- A collaborative spirit and positive mindset, dedicated to driving collective success while supporting the growth and well-being of colleagues.
Don't let it discourage you if you don't have all of this experience; it's a guideline that will help you hit the ground running. If the role sounds like it would be a great fit for you and you're confident that it suits you, we'd love you to apply.
Room to grow:
Everyone at DFS Group begins with a structured induction designed to help you understand our brands, our culture and how we work together. From day one, you will have access to our online Learning Hub, filled with digital courses, tools and resources to support your development. For leaders, we offer virtual workshops focused on building confident, capable leadership. We also run skills-based workshops to strengthen core capabilities across the business. Colleagues can also undertake nationally recognised qualifications through our apprenticeship programmes.
Our DFS Group benefits:
- 25 days holiday, plus the option to buy up to 5 more.
- Company Car or Cash allowance.
- Annual Bonus.
- Enhanced parental leave.
- Health cash plan from £2 a month, with everyday cashback.
- Employee Assistance Programme for support when you need it.
- Extras like flu vouchers, menopause support and health check.
- Pension with company contributions.
- Life assurance for peace of mind.
- Sharesave scheme to save each month and invest in our future.
- Structured induction from day one.
- Access to our Learning Hub and skills workshops.
- Leadership development and apprenticeship programmes.
- 30% colleague discount, plus 15% for friends and family, three times a year.
- Discounts and cashback at hundreds of retailers.
- SmartTech scheme to buy tech up to £1,000 through salary sacrifice.
- Cycle to Work scheme for bikes and accessories up to £1,500.
- Electric vehicle lease scheme with Octopus.
- One paid volunteering day each year.
Equal opportunities:
We're proud to be an equal opportunities employer, committed to building a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and makes room for different backgrounds, perspectives and experiences. If your experience does not quite match every part of the role, we'd still love to hear from you. If you need any adjustments or additional support during the application process, please contact our Talent Team and we will be happy to help.
Senior Internal Audit Manager employer: DFS Head Office
At DFS Group, we pride ourselves on fostering a vibrant and inclusive work culture where creativity thrives and every employee is valued. As a 3D Shader and Materials Artist, you'll have access to extensive professional development opportunities, including our Learning Hub and leadership workshops, all while enjoying a comprehensive benefits package that supports your well-being and work-life balance. Located in a dynamic environment, we encourage innovation and collaboration, making it an ideal place for passionate individuals to grow their careers and contribute to creating beautiful living spaces.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Internal Audit Manager
✨Tip Number 1: Tap Into Professional Networks
The finance world loves a good connection, so jump into industry-specific groups on platforms like LinkedIn where you can find discussions on financial controlling. Engaging in these communities can expose you to hidden job leads that aren't openly advertised!
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Make it a mission to attend finance-related events and conferences, even virtual ones! This is a golden opportunity to network face-to-face with people from companies like DFS Head Office. You never know who might be your next boss or a crucial contact!
✨Tip Number 3: Showcase Your Expertise
Consider writing articles or sharing insights related to financial controlling or industry trends. Publish these on platforms like LinkedIn to establish yourself as a knowledgeable player in the field. This not only increases your visibility but also catches the attention of recruiters from DFS Head Office.
✨Tip Number 4: Apply Directly on Company Websites
Since you're going for a full-time gig, don't forget to keep an eye on the careers page of companies you're interested in, like DFS Head Office. Many companies prefer candidates who apply through their website as it shows genuine interest and makes your application stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Internal Audit Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers Game:In financial controlling, detail is everything! Make sure your CV showcases your proficiency with numbers—highlight any relevant experience in budgeting, forecasting, or working with financial software. Quantifying your past achievements will make you stand out, so don’t be shy about flaunting those impressive percentages or cost savings you've implemented.
Tailored Cover Letter is Key:Your cover letter is a chance to shine, especially for a full-time role. Use it to express your genuine interest in DFS Head Office and the specific impact you hope to make in financial controlling. Mention any relevant qualifications or experiences that align with the company’s goals, and don’t forget to show that you're ready for a long-term commitment!
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Don’t Overlook Soft Skills:While numbers are crucial, so are those soft skills! Financial controllers need strong communication and analytical reasoning abilities. We recommend embedding examples of these skills in your CV and cover letter, like how you’ve successfully delivered financial reports to stakeholders or collaborated with teams to improve processes. Let’s show DFS Head Office how you can be a team player!
How to prepare for a job interview at DFS Head Office
✨Brush Up on Technical Skills
Make sure you're comfortable with key financial concepts, especially around forecasting, budgeting, and variance analysis. Sometimes, interviewers may throw in technical questions or case studies, so practicing these types of scenarios will help you shine!
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
If you've had experience with specific financial software like SAP or Oracle, make it known! Be ready to discuss how you used these tools to improve processes or reporting, as this hands-on knowledge can really set you apart in a full-time role with DFS Head Office.
✨Know Your Numbers
In full-time interviews, especially in financial controlling, be prepared for numerical reasoning tests or questions. Brush up on your mental maths and understand how to interpret and analyse financial statements on the spot, as this may come up during the assessment.
✨Connect with Company Goals
Familiarise yourself with DFS Head Office's financial objectives and any recent developments. During the interview, try to weave your understanding of their business model and challenges into your answers—this shows your genuine interest and alignment with their goals!
