At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead governance and controls for finance operations in a dynamic global environment.
- Company: Join Inizio, a global partner in health and life sciences.
- Benefits: Hybrid work, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace encouraging diverse applicants to apply.
- Why this job: Shape the control environment and make a real impact in a $2B organisation.
- Qualifications: Bachelor's degree and 8-12 years in SOX compliance and audit management required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Job Description – Governance and Controls Lead
- Location, UK, Manchester, (Hybrid)
- About Inizio
Inizio is a global partner to health and life sciences organisations, delivering specialist expertise across the product and patient journey.
Through Global Finance Services (GFS), we provide high-quality, efficient and compliant finance operations that support business performance worldwide.
Role Overview
Reporting to the Head of Global RTR, we are seeking a Governance and Controls Lead within RTR to own the GFS SOX control framework, act as the primary liaison for internal and external audit within RTR, and drive governance, controls and compliance with primary focus on RTR.
Each Head of Function owns the control set for their process tower.
This role sets GFS-wide standards and coordinates with the Governance and Compliance Lead in OTC and the PTP Process Excellence Lead to ensure consistency, providing the governance infrastructure underpinning GFS's control and compliance obligations.
The role coordinates audit activity at a GFS level, consolidating outcomes and reporting across towers in partnership with the Governance and Compliance Lead, OTC and the PTP Process Excellence Lead.
In addition to the controls remit, the role owns master data governance for vendors and customers, is responsible for data quality and integrity across GFS, and reports on service quality performance across GFS process towers including KPIs, SLAs and error trends.
Direct reports include a Data Accountant and a Master Data Lead; the role is also responsible for the GFS intern programme.
The role provides GFS leadership with clear insight on control effectiveness, process health and emerging risks.
- Here's what you'll be doing
- Governance, Controls & Compliance
- Maintain and evolve the GFS SOX control framework across all process towers.
- Set standards for control documentation, evidence quality and cross-process consistency.
- Lead the CSA programme within RTR and coordinate CSA activity across GFS in partnership with the Governance and Compliance Lead, OTC and the PTP Process Excellence Lead, ensuring consistent methodology, evidence standards and follow-through on findings.
- Act as the primary liaison for internal and external audit within RTR, coordinating management testing, reviewing outcomes and driving remediation.
- Coordinate audit activity at a GFS level, consolidating outcomes and reporting across towers in partnership with the Governance and Compliance Lead, OTC and the PTP Process Excellence Lead.
- Own quality standards across GFS through KPI, SLA and error trend monitoring.
- Lead master data governance and data quality standards for vendors and customers.
- Identify and escalate operational, financial and compliance risks across GFS, working with Heads of Function and tower governance leads to ensure risks are addressed and lessons learned are embedded into process design.
- Act as the governance gate for new processes, system implementations and scope migrations into GFS, ensuring control readiness is demonstrated before go-live within RTR and that GFS-wide standards are applied consistently across towers.
- Provide governance reporting and insight to GFS and Finance leadership.
- Report on service quality performance across GFS process towers, including KPI, SLA and error trend analysis, providing GFS and Finance leadership with clear and timely insight on process health and emerging risks.
- Leadership
- Lead and develop the master data and performance insight team.
- Manage the GFS intern programme in partnership with a local university.
- Continuous Improvement
- Use CSA results, audit outcomes and service quality data to identify emerging risks and improvement opportunities, escalating findings to the relevant Head of Function or tower governance lead and tracking remediation to closure.
- What you'll bring
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional qualification in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration or a related discipline.
- Professional accountancy qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) required.
- 8-12 years' experience in SOX compliance, internal controls and audit management within a global Shared Services Centre (SSC) or Global Business Services (GBS) environment, with significant RTR process exposure - essential.
- Experience leading control frameworks, designing and operating CSA programmes and coordinating internal and external audit activity across a multi-process shared services environment required.
- Experience owning or governing finance master data, including vendor and customer master data, within a controlled shared services environment is advantageous.
- Technical & Operational Expertise
- Strong knowledge of SOX, internal controls and GFS process environments (RTR, PTP, OTC and Payroll).
- Master data governance, KPI reporting and performance management expertise.
- Strong stakeholder management and ability to influence senior leaders.
- Problem Solving & Innovation
- Resolve complex governance, audit and quality issues.
- Challenge remediation plans and assess control readiness for change.
- Stakeholder Management & Communication
- Build trusted relationships with Finance leadership, Global Process Owners and auditors.
- Communicate governance risks, audit outcomes and control standards clearly.
- Performance, Impact & Ways of Working
- Independent judgement and strong governance mindset.
- Collaborative leader focused on quality, compliance and continuous improvement.
- Why join us
You'll play a central role in shaping how Global Finance Services manages its control environment, master data integrity and governance standards across a $2B global organisation.
This is a high-visibility role with direct access to GFS leadership and external audit, combining deep RTR governance expertise with GFS-wide standards leadership and a team focused on data quality and performance insight.
Don't meet every job requirement?
That's okay!
Our company is dedicated to building an inclusive and authentic workplace.
If you're excited about this role, but your experience doesn't perfectly fit every qualification, we encourage you to apply anyway.
You may be just the right person for this role or others.
Governance and Controls lead in Manchester employer: Inizio
At Inizio, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that empowers our employees to thrive. With flexible working arrangements and a commitment to professional development, we provide ample opportunities for growth and innovation in the health and life sciences sector. Join us to be part of a global team where your contributions are valued, and you can make a meaningful impact on clients and patients alike.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Governance and Controls lead in Manchester
✨Join Compliance Communities
Get involved in compliance and risk communities — both online and offline. Look for forums, LinkedIn groups, or even local meetups where compliance pros hang out. You never know who might drop a job opportunity your way!
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We think you need these skills to ace Governance and Controls lead in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Understanding of Compliance:In the compliance-risk field, it's super important to showcase your understanding of regulations and risk management frameworks. Highlight any relevant coursework, certifications (like ICA or AML), or even projects that demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to this area. We want to see how you can navigate this complex landscape!
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, try to quantify your achievements. For example, if you've previously worked on a project that improved compliance metrics or reduced risk exposure, give us the numbers! This data-driven approach really stands out to hiring managers in compliance-risk roles.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Relevant Skills:Make sure your CV highlights skills that are particularly relevant to compliance, like attention to detail, analytical thinking, and report writing. Ensure these are easy to spot – consider using bullet points to break down your responsibilities and achievements for maximum impact!
Craft a Motivating Cover Letter:In your cover letter, let us know why you’re excited about the compliance-risk role at Inizio. Share what motivates you about compliance, and how you believe you can contribute to our mission. This is your chance to showcase not only your skills but also your passion for this important field!
How to prepare for a job interview at Inizio
✨Master the Regulations
Brush up on key compliance regulations relevant to the industry you're applying to. Familiarising yourself with specific laws and frameworks used in your field will give you an edge during technical questions. Show that you’re not just aware of them but can also apply them—think real-life scenarios!
✨Show Your Analytical Skills
Compliance roles really focus on analytical skills, so be prepared for case studies or situational questions during the interview. We've got to demonstrate how we approach risk assessments or compliance audits, possibly drawing on examples from past experiences or university projects. Bring some thoughtful case scenarios to discuss!
✨Know Your Tools
Get comfortable with commonly used compliance software and tools. Familiarity with platforms like RSA or MetricStream can really impress during your interview, as it shows you're ready to hit the ground running. If you’ve had any experience with them, make sure to highlight that!
✨Align with Company Culture
Since it's a full-time position, show your long-term commitment and interest in the company’s mission and values. Dive into how your ethics and professional philosophy align with Inizio’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!
