At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead high-profile audits and improve operations in a global manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join DS Smith, a leader in sustainable packaging solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, 25 days holiday, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Hybrid role with opportunities for travel across EMEA.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainability while developing your audit leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Proven audit experience and strong financial controls expertise required.
The predicted salary is between 56250 - 68750 £ per year.
About the role
Are you looking to lead high-profile audit engagements within a major global manufacturing environment? We have a unique opportunity for a Senior Manager – Internal Audit to join our Internal Audit function at our London head office, providing independent, objective assurance designed to add value and improve the organisation’s operations. Reporting into audit leadership, this role plays an essential part in bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of risk management, control, and governance processes across our EMEA footprint. You will manage complex financial, operational, and compliance audits, supervise engagement teams, and partner with senior stakeholders to shape our annual audit plan and methodology. A successful candidate must be a proven audit leader with a strong background in financial reviews and internal controls, who is comfortable navigating complex environments and delivering clear, impactful insights to executive management.
Key responsibilities
- Audit Leadership & Execution: Oversee the planning, execution, reporting, and follow‑up of complex financial, operational, and internal‑control audits across EMEA, reviewing workpapers and reports to ensure professional standards are met.
- Planning & Strategy: Lead the development of the annual financial audit plan based on rigorous risk assessments, defining engagement scopes, objectives, testing strategies, and sampling approaches.
- Control Evaluation: Evaluate the design and operational effectiveness of financial controls and business processes, supporting internal controls over financial reporting.
- Stakeholder & Co‑Source Alignment: Build strong working relationships with senior management, control owners, and external auditors, coordinating activities with co‑source partners to ensure efficient audit coverage.
- People Management & Coaching: Supervise, mentor, and develop audit team members, fostering a collaborative, high‑performance culture and contributing to department capability‑building initiatives.
- Continuous Improvement: Drive the adoption of data‑driven audit techniques, data analysis tools, and quality assurance processes to continually elevate department methodologies.
About you
- Proven experience of working in a finance, compliance, or internal audit role or similar.
- Degree educated with a professional qualification (CIA, CPA, or ACCA) highly preferred.
- Strong expertise in financial controls, risk assessment & data analytic skills.
- SOX & GAAP experience is advantageous.
- Proven ability to coach, manage, and develop audit teams while delivering multi‑project plans.
- Sharp business acumen and professional skepticism, with the communication skills to influence senior management effectively.
- Willingness to travel.
Benefits
- Competitive salary.
- Discretionary bonus.
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays.
- Pension scheme, life assurance and income protection.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Employee Discounts.
- Cycle to work scheme.
Location
This is a hybrid role, split between the London Paddington office (3 days) and home (2 days) – however flexibility will be required at times including business travel across EMEA.
About us
We are DS Smith, together with International Paper, we are a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions and other fibre‑based products. We believe a better, more sustainable tomorrow is possible with the right people, who challenge and support one another to enact positive change. We employ more than 65,000 colleagues in North America and Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), who are experts in innovation, manufacturing, design, sales, sustainability, supply chain, and much more. Together with our customers, we make the world safer and more productive, one sustainable packaging solution at a time. Become part of a world‑leading organisation and do your best work with us!
Fair recruitment at DS Smith: To fulfil our purpose of redefining packaging for a changing world, we aim to build a diverse, motivated, and engaged workforce. Our goal is to create a culture of inclusion where everyone is treated fairly, differences are valued, and everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed. Our people come from diverse backgrounds, bring different perspectives, ideas, and experiences to generate unique solutions focused on present and future sustainability challenges. We welcome all candidates to apply, even those not meeting all criteria.
Senior Manager Internal Audit employer: DS Smith
DS Smith is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises safety and employee well-being in the vibrant location of Livingston, Scotland. With opportunities for personal growth and development, alongside competitive benefits such as 25 days holiday and a pension scheme, employees can thrive in a dynamic environment while contributing to meaningful production processes.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Manager Internal Audit
✨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 DS Smith. 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 Senior Manager Internal Audit
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 DS Smith.
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 DS Smith'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 DS Smith
✨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 DS Smith.
✨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 DS Smith 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 DS Smith 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.
