At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct quality assurance reviews and assess operational controls to enhance business performance.
- Company: Established financial services organisation with a focus on risk management.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, exposure to senior stakeholders, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Inclusive recruitment process welcoming diverse backgrounds.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by improving risk and control environments in a collaborative setting.
- Qualifications: Experience in quality assurance or operational risk; strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Hybrid working
2 days on site (minimum)
Department
Operational Risk
Level
Analyst
An established financial services organisation is looking for a Quality Assurance Analyst to join its independent QA Testing team within Operational Risk.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone with experience in controls testing, operational risk, compliance monitoring, quality assurance or internal audit who wants to develop their career in a broad, business-facing assurance role.
You will conduct independent reviews across operational areas, assess whether key controls are designed and operating effectively, and help the business identify and resolve control weaknesses.
The role offers exposure to senior stakeholders and a wide range of functions, including Operations, Risk, Finance, Product and IT.
The role
You will
- Deliver periodic and thematic quality assurance reviews across first-line business areas.
- Scope reviews, develop testing approaches, select samples and assess control effectiveness.
- Review operational, regulatory and conduct risk controls against internal policies and regulatory expectations.
- Identify control gaps, process weaknesses and opportunities for improvement.
- Document clear, evidence‑based findings, including root causes, potential impacts and practical recommendations.
- Provide constructive and independent challenge to stakeholders.
- Agree and monitor remedial actions, ensuring issues are resolved sustainably and supported by appropriate evidence.
- Produce concise reports and management information for senior leadership and governance forums.
- Identify recurring themes, emerging risks and wider trends across the control environment.
- Help improve QA methodologies, testing templates and reporting standards.
- Support the increased use of data analytics and automation within assurance activity.
- What we are looking for
You will ideally have
- Experience in quality assurance, controls testing, operational risk, compliance monitoring or internal audit.
- A good understanding of risk management principles and internal control frameworks.
- Practical experience testing controls, reviewing evidence and documenting findings.
- The confidence to challenge stakeholders constructively while maintaining positive working relationships.
- Strong analytical skills and excellent attention to detail.
- The ability to produce clear, concise and well‑structured reports.
- Experience tracking issues and remedial actions through to closure.
- Good Excel skills; experience with Power BI, SQL or other data analysis tools would be advantageous.
- Previous experience within banking, payments, foreign exchange or another regulated financial services environment would be beneficial.
- A relevant degree or professional qualification such as
CIA, CISA, IRM, ICA or FRM would be advantageous but is not essential where you can demonstrate equivalent experience.
What will make you successful
You will be methodical, inquisitive and comfortable reaching evidence‑based conclusions.
You will combine attention to detail with the commercial awareness needed to recommend practical improvements.
Integrity and sound judgement are essential.
You should be willing to challenge appropriately, communicate clearly with stakeholders at different levels and take ownership of delivering consistently high‑quality work.
Why consider this opportunity?
- Join an established and regulated financial services business.
- Gain broad exposure across operations, risk, finance, technology and product.
- Work directly with senior stakeholders and contribute to executive‑level reporting.
- Develop deeper expertise across controls testing, operational risk and assurance.
- Help shape and improve the organisation’s QA methodology and use of data analytics.
- Join a collaborative environment where assurance is expected to deliver meaningful business improvement.
If you have experience assessing controls and want to join a role where your work will directly strengthen the organisation’s risk and control environment, we would be keen to hear from you.
Apply today for a confidential discussion
All applications will be handled in the strictest confidence.
We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and are committed to creating an inclusive recruitment process.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Quality Assurance Analyst in Slough employer: Northreach
Join a dynamic financial services organisation in North Liverpool that prioritises collaboration and employee growth. With a strong focus on exceptional customer service, we offer flexible working arrangements, competitive salaries, and comprehensive benefits, including generous annual leave and ongoing training opportunities. This is an excellent environment for those looking to thrive in a fast-paced setting while building meaningful relationships with clients and stakeholders.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Quality Assurance Analyst in Slough
✨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 Northreach. 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 Quality Assurance Analyst in Slough
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 Northreach.
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 Northreach'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 Northreach
✨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 Northreach.
✨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 Northreach 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 Northreach 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.
