At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure financial integrity and strengthen controls for a global organisation.
- Company: Join Novartis, a leader in the pharmaceutical industry with a commitment to diversity.
- Benefits: Home-based role with travel opportunities, competitive salary, and professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative international team with a focus on trust and transparency.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial reporting and governance across borders.
- Qualifications: Chartered Accountant with experience in Big 4 audit and SOX compliance.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Location: United Kingdom (Home-based, with travel primarily to Switzerland during audit seasons). Relocation support: This role is based in the United Kingdom. While full relocation support is not offered, visa application support may be considered for suitable candidates with UK accessibility.
Overview
Do you enjoy being at the heart of financial integrity — asking the right questions, challenging assumptions, and strengthening controls that protect a global organisation? In this role, you’ll play a critical part in safeguarding the quality and reliability of Novartis’ financial reporting, working across borders with senior stakeholders and external auditors. If you thrive in complex environments, enjoy international exposure, and take pride in delivering high-quality audit outcomes, this is an opportunity to make a real impact. You’ll join a highly collaborative, international team responsible for assessing the effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting, using globally recognised frameworks. From leading risk-based assessments to influencing improvements in control design, your work will directly support trust, transparency, and strong governance across the Novartis Group.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver end-to-end internal controls and financial statement reviews across global entities
- Lead group-wide SOX risk assessments covering entities, processes, controls, and transactions
- Identify control gaps, deficiencies, and risks impacting financial reporting accuracy
- Partner with finance, business, and technology teams to assess control design effectiveness and remediating deficiencies by identifying effective solutions to address financial risks.
- Collaborate with ERP assurance teams on technology and application-related SOX controls
- Support the design of robust controls for new systems, projects, and business changes
- Coordinate with external auditors to ensure timely, high-quality audit execution
Essential Requirements
- Chartered Accountant qualification (ACA / ACCA qualified accountant or international equivalent)
- Extensive background in Big 4 external audit or assurance environments, with strong expertise in SOX compliance.
- Strong expertise in International Financial Reporting Standards and audit standards (both ISA and PCAOB)
- Practical experience with technology, application, and information technology controls
- Proven ability to manage complex audits from planning through to completion
- Confidence communicating complex audit matters to senior stakeholders with clarity
Desirable
- Experience within the pharmaceutical sector or shared services environments is advantageous.
Commitment To Diversity & Inclusion
We are committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse teams representative of the patients and communities we serve.
Financial Controls and Compliance Manager employer: Novartis UK
Contact Detail:
Novartis UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controls and Compliance Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the financial controls and compliance field on LinkedIn. Join relevant groups, attend webinars, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by practising common questions related to SOX compliance and financial reporting. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or using online platforms. The more comfortable you are discussing your expertise, the better you’ll shine when it counts!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills through real-life examples. When discussing your experience, focus on specific projects where you identified control gaps or improved processes. We want to see how you’ve made an impact in previous roles, so make those stories count!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us. Let’s get you on board!
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controls and Compliance Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the job description. Highlight your Chartered Accountant qualification and any relevant experience in SOX compliance or Big 4 audit environments. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about financial integrity and how your background makes you a perfect fit for this role. Don’t forget to mention your experience with international financial reporting standards!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since you'll be working with senior stakeholders, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to communicate complex audit matters clearly. Use examples from your past experiences where you've successfully navigated challenging conversations or presentations.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Novartis UK
✨Know Your Financial Standards
Make sure you brush up on International Financial Reporting Standards and audit standards like ISA and PCAOB. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with the concepts but can apply them in real-world scenarios.
✨Showcase Your Audit Experience
Prepare specific examples from your time in Big 4 external audit or assurance environments. Highlight how you’ve managed complex audits and what strategies you used to ensure compliance, especially regarding SOX. This will demonstrate your hands-on experience and problem-solving skills.
✨Communicate Clearly with Stakeholders
Practice explaining complex audit matters in a straightforward way. You might be asked to present findings or recommendations, so being able to communicate clearly and effectively with senior stakeholders is crucial. Think about how you can simplify technical jargon into relatable terms.
✨Collaborate and Influence
Be ready to discuss how you’ve partnered with finance, business, and technology teams in the past. Share examples of how you identified control gaps and worked collaboratively to design effective solutions. This shows that you’re not just a lone wolf but a team player who can drive improvements.