Controls Analyst

FirstGroup plc is a leading provider of transport services in the UK and Ireland, and a member of the FTSE 250. Our colleagues work across the UK to provide easy and convenient mobility, improving quality of life by connecting people and communities. Our First Bus division is one of the largest bus operators in the UK, serving two thirds of the 15 largest cities. We are also one of the country’s largest and most experienced rail operators, running GWR and Avanti West Coast, and other rail businesses such as Lumo and Hull Trains, as part of our First Rail division. Our ambition is to accelerate the transition to a zero-carbon world and be the partner of choice for innovative and sustainable transport.

We have an exciting opportunity to join the Group Finance team at First Group on a full-time permanent basis. This role reports into the Group Head of Controls and is a hybrid role based out of our Paddington office in London. The Group Controls Analyst plays a key role in independently assessing and evaluating the effectiveness of the Group’s control environment. The role supports the organisation’s corporate governance framework by identifying control deficiencies, clearly reporting outcomes, and working collaboratively with control owners to ensure timely and effective remediation.

What you’ll be doing:

• Support the ongoing assessment and development of the Group’s controls framework, including setting control objectives, updating risks and controls, and preparing test plans.
• Independently test and evaluate the effectiveness of material financial, operational, compliance, and reporting controls.
• Perform testing of business process controls and IT general controls as part of the overall controls programme.
• Identify control weaknesses and work closely with control owners to agree and track appropriate remediation actions within agreed timescales.
• Prepare clear, concise reporting packs summarising testing outcomes for local management and the Head of Controls.
• Engage confidently with stakeholders across the business to explain findings, challenge where appropriate, and support improvements to the control environment.

What we’re looking for:

• Minimum of 2 years’ experience working within a large or complex organisation in a similar role.
• Experience operating within legal, regulatory, or governance‑driven frameworks.
• Independence, integrity, and professional judgement of the highest standard.
• Strong analytical skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Confident communicator with the ability to influence peers and senior leaders and gain buy‑in.
• Commercially aware, with a genuine interest in improving business performance.
• Results‑driven self‑starter, comfortable working independently in a fast‑paced environment and meeting tight deadlines when required.

Applications for this role will close 29 April.

Rewards:

• Your health is important to us which is why we offer Simply Health & Smart Health for you and your dependents at no cost to you! This offering includes cash back benefits across optical & dental as well as virtual GP appointments, mental health support and nutrition and fitness advice.
• Our EAP provision offers 24hr, 365 days a year mental health support.
• We are also committed to your financial wellbeing, and we offer a platform with many discounts on high street brands and supermarkets etc.
• Working at First you also receive discounted train travel for you and your family after 6 months service as well as a free bus pass.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Pension scheme and chance to buy discounted First Group shares.
• Enhanced maternity / paternity pay.

Public transport serves everyone, whatever their differences. At First Group, we want to be an employer open to you, no matter what your differences are. We aspire to be an inclusive organisation because diverse backgrounds, thinking and experiences bring so many benefits to our customers, communities, and people. We welcome applications from all.