At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead initiatives to simplify and improve business processes in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join a dynamic team within a leading financial services organisation.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, career development opportunities, and a supportive culture.
- Other info: Collaborate with stakeholders and enhance processes for better efficiency and effectiveness.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on commercial management and drive transformation across the organisation.
- Qualifications: Recognised accounting qualification and experience in financial services at management level.
Join us as an Assurance & Simplification Lead. Step into a critical role within a newly formed Chief Operating Office team, shaping the commercial direction of Digital X and leading initiatives that transform and simplify our business processes. You’ll drive improvements in efficiency and effectiveness by leading change activity and influencing executive and senior stakeholders across your business area. Join a supportive, fast‑paced environment where you’ll build a strong stakeholder network and develop your career while making a visible and lasting impact. You’ll work from home some of the time, while also spending at least two days a week in our London, Edinburgh or Manchester office.
What you’ll do:
- As our Assurance & Simplification Lead, you’ll play a key role in strengthening and simplifying the bank’s approach to commercial management and cost planning across the technology function.
- You’ll make sure processes, controls and tools underpinning commercial and financial planning are efficient, consistent and compliant, while maintaining high standards of data quality and transparency.
- You’ll drive simplification across commercial workflows, removing duplication, rationalising tooling and making sure cost and commercial information is accurate, reliable and fit for decision making.
- You’ll also take a proactive approach to reviewing and enhancing processes, so they remain current, compliant and designed with the end user in mind.
Your work will focus on:
- Providing subject matter expertise on technologies and processes to improve quality, customer outcomes and cost performance.
- Driving improvements across finance, people and supplier processes, working closely with SMEs in Supply Chain, People and Finance to enhance effectiveness and efficiency.
- Leading the diagnosis, design and implementation of process improvements, supporting both local and end‑to‑end optimisation.
- Diagnosing complex issues and translating them into clear, actionable solutions that deliver measurable business value.
- Working closely with business partners to deliver local, tactical improvements that contribute to wider transformation goals.
The skills you’ll need:
- To succeed in this role, you’ll hold a recognised accounting qualification, supported by relevant experience operating at management level.
- You’ll bring a strong working knowledge of financial and commercial processes, with the ability to understand how these operate across a large organisation.
- You’ll also have experience within financial services, giving you an understanding of the regulatory environment and how governance, controls and commercial considerations come together in a banking context.
- You’ll also demonstrate expertise in process assurance, internal controls or audit‑aligned disciplines.
- Proven experience simplifying processes, rationalising tooling and delivering operational excellence initiatives.
- A strong understanding of technology cost models, vendor spend structures and financial planning cycles.
Assurance & Simplification Lead in London employer: NatWest Group
As an Assurance & Simplification Lead, you will thrive in a dynamic and supportive environment that prioritises employee growth and development. With the flexibility of remote work combined with collaborative office days in vibrant cities like London, Edinburgh, or Manchester, you will have the opportunity to make a significant impact while building a robust professional network. Our commitment to efficiency and innovation ensures that you will be at the forefront of transformative initiatives, all while enjoying a culture that values transparency and excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assurance & Simplification Lead in London
✨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 NatWest Group. 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 Assurance & Simplification Lead in London
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 NatWest Group.
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 NatWest Group'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 NatWest Group
✨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 NatWest Group.
✨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 NatWest Group 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 NatWest Group 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.
