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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Become a trusted advisor, fixing issues and improving internal controls.
- Company: Join a fast-moving international business with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: High-impact role with visibility and influence across the organisation.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by owning and improving controls, not just reporting them.
- Qualifications: Experience in audit or internal controls, with strong technical and interpersonal skills.
- Other info: Ideal for those ready to transition from audit to a dynamic industry role.
Move beyond audit. Start fixing problems, not just reporting them. Are you currently sitting in a mid-tier or large professional practice, likely 3-5 years into audit, staring down another busy season and asking, 'I want out but I don't want to lose the technical challenge.' This role is designed specifically for that moment. This is not a traditional internal audit role. This is a problem-solving, advisory and partnering role, sitting at the centre of a growing, international business.
You’ll work with the business, not at arm’s length, helping to strengthen, modernise and embed controls, rather than repeatedly testing the same ones.
What will you actually be doing?
- You’ll operate as a trusted internal controls advisor, partnering with finance, operational teams, control owners, external auditors and global stakeholders to:
- Strengthen and modernise the internal control framework as the business continues to scale internationally
- Fix issues, not just identify them - supporting remediation, designing better controls and embedding sustainable solutions
- Review, challenge and improve financial controls, identifying gaps and operational weaknesses before they become problems
- Support SOX and wider assurance requirements, without being buried in repetitive, low-value testing
- Build strong stakeholder relationships, influencing how controls are designed, owned and operated across the organisation
This is a step on from audit and you’re no longer reporting findings and walking away. You stay involved, influence outcomes and see the impact of your work.
Why this role stands out
- More influence, less repetition
- Real ownership of controls and improvement initiatives
- Visibility with senior stakeholders across a global organisation
- A first move into industry that still stretches you technically
- A role where your audit skillset is used to add value, not just tick boxes
In short: you move from testing controls to owning and improving them.
Who this role is likely to suit
- This role is ideally suited to someone from:
- Big 4 / Top 10 audit or internal audit
- Financial Controls / SOX / Risk & Assurance backgrounds
- You’re likely operating at:
- Audit Senior / Assistant Manager / Manager level
- Technically strong
- Commercially curious
- Comfortable working with people, not just processes
- Ready for your first move into industry without losing credibility or challenge
The opportunity
This is a high-impact role in a fast-moving, international environment where controls genuinely matter. You’ll be trusted, listened to and given the platform to shape how things are done, not just document how they are today.
If you’re ready to step away from pure audit and into a role where you can influence, improve and make a visible difference, this is worth a conversation.
Senior Internal Controls Specialist in Leeds employer: Gifford and Partners Recruitment Limited
Contact Detail:
Gifford and Partners Recruitment Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Internal Controls Specialist in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who are already in roles similar to the one you're eyeing. A friendly chat can lead to insider info and even referrals that could land you an interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your problem-solving skills! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share specific examples of how you've tackled challenges in your previous roles. This will demonstrate that you're not just about reporting issues but actively fixing them.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out directly to companies you admire, like us at StudySmarter, and express your interest in contributing to their internal controls team. You never know when a perfect opportunity might arise!
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by understanding the company’s current challenges. Research their internal control framework and think about how you can help strengthen it. This shows you're not just interested in the role, but genuinely invested in making a difference.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Internal Controls Specialist in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, highlight specific examples where you've fixed issues rather than just reported them. We want to see how you can bring that advisory mindset to the table!
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure your CV and cover letter reflect the skills and experiences that align with the role. Use keywords from the job description to show us you're a perfect fit for this non-traditional internal audit position.
Demonstrate Stakeholder Engagement: We’re looking for someone who can build strong relationships. Share instances where you've influenced outcomes or collaborated with various teams. This will show us you’re ready to partner effectively across the organisation.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Gifford and Partners Recruitment Limited
✨Understand the Role
Before your interview, make sure you fully grasp what the Senior Internal Controls Specialist role entails. This isn't just about auditing; it's about problem-solving and partnering with various teams. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities and think about how your experience aligns with them.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare specific examples from your past work where you've identified issues and implemented solutions. Highlight your ability to not just report problems but actively engage in fixing them. This will demonstrate that you're ready for a role that requires initiative and influence.
✨Build Relationships
Since this role involves working closely with finance, operational teams, and stakeholders, be prepared to discuss how you've built strong relationships in previous roles. Share examples of how you've influenced outcomes and collaborated effectively with others.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready. Inquire about the company's approach to modernising internal controls or how they measure the success of their control frameworks. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
