At a Glance
- Tasks: Test and improve controls in Member Services to enhance processes and governance.
- Company: Join Railpen, a leader in pension services with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, hybrid working, and a robust pension scheme.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for personal development and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping the future of controls assurance and driving positive change.
- Qualifications: Strong analytical skills and experience in financial services or related fields.
The predicted salary is between 37800 - 46200 £ per year.
Controls Assurance Specialist Darlington (hybrid working) 2 days per week in the Darlington office, with flexibility depending on business needs and stakeholder engagement.
About the role
We're looking for a Controls Assurance Specialist to join our Assurance and Standards team and help us build confidence in the controls and processes that underpin Member Services.
Working closely with colleagues across the business, you'll use assurance testing, reporting and data-led insight to identify risks, strengthen controls and support continuous improvement To learn more about Railpen, including our values, culture and purpose, visit our careers page here.
- What you’ll be doing
- Testing controls across Member Services to assess whether they are operating effectively and delivering the intended outcomes.
- Producing assurance reports, management information and insights that help inform decision-making and support governance activities.
- Analysing data and assurance outcomes to identify trends, risks and opportunities for improvement.
- Working with stakeholders across the business to review processes, discuss findings and support the implementation of improvements.
- Supporting the introduction of new controls and ensuring they are embedded within assurance activities.
- Collaborating with Risk, Compliance and Internal Audit colleagues to maintain a robust and effective control environment.
- What we’re looking for
We're looking for someone who enjoys understanding how processes work, identifying where improvements can be made and helping teams strengthen their control environment.
You don't need experience in every aspect of assurance, but you'll bring strong analytical skills, a collaborative approach and the confidence to engage with stakeholders across the business.
- Essential Experience gained within a financial services environment.
- Experience working within controls assurance, risk, compliance, governance, audit or a similar discipline.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and identify trends.
- Experience producing reports, management information and business insights.
- Advanced Excel skills and confidence working with data.
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, including the ability to present findings and recommendations clearly.
- The ability to balance constructive challenges with a collaborative approach.
- Desirable Experience within pensions administration or a pension-related environment.
- Knowledge of controls assurance frameworks and methodologies.
- Experience using Power BI or similar dashboard reporting tools.
- Exposure to workflow or case management systems.
- Experience supporting continuous improvement initiatives.
- Relevant qualifications, or qualification through experience, in risk, audit or pensions administration.
- undefined
Why is this role exciting now?
Member Services is continuing to strengthen how assurance activities are delivered, with an increasing focus on data-driven insight, effective controls and continuous improvement.
This role offers the opportunity to work across the business, influence positive change and help shape the future of controls assurance within Member Services.
You'll see the direct impact of your work through improved processes, stronger governance and better outcomes for our members, while collaborating with teams across Risk, Compliance, Internal Audit and Operations.
- What you’ll get in return
- A competitive salary (depending on experience) plus generous annual bonus plan
- 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- We provide membership of the Railways Pension Scheme, a Defined Benefit arrangement under which you get a pension for life and a lump sum when you retire, based on your length of service and pay
- 4x Life Assurance cover
- We support hybrid and flexible working along with very generous family leave including 12 months full pay maternity leave and 6 months full pay paternity leave
- Inclusion at Railpen
At Railpen, diversity, equity and inclusion are core to who we are.
We’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels respected, supported and able to thrive.
Our mission to secure a better future for our members is strengthened by the different perspectives and experiences our people bring.
We are transparent about our gender pay gap and are actively committed to addressing it through fair and inclusive recruitment, progression and reward practices.
We respect and support individuals’ pronouns and encourage colleagues to share them if they feel comfortable to do so.
We’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer.
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and do not discriminate on the basis of age, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, neurodiversity, or any other protected characteristic.
If you need adjustments during the recruitment process, just let us know.
At Railpen we know that it’s the talent of our people that makes us good at what we do and enables us to continue to achieve our mission to pay members’ pensions securely, affordably and sustainably.
The unique nature of Railpen offers our people a wide variety of interesting opportunities for innovation, thought leadership and personal development.
We encourage people to challenge, explore unconventional ideas and give each other the space to learn from our mistakes.
We take time to listen to each other’s ideas and understand what we each do, and what we need from each other to help us be at our best.
Railpen is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse environment, we value diversity and welcome people from all backgrounds and walks of life.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Controls Assurance Advisor employer: Railpen Limited
Railpen Limited is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Darlington that fosters collaboration and innovation within the Finance Team. Employees benefit from a hybrid working model, competitive remuneration, and opportunities for professional growth, all while contributing to meaningful financial processes that support the organisation's mission. With a strong emphasis on accuracy and compliance, Railpen encourages its team members to identify and implement process improvements, making it a rewarding place to develop your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Controls Assurance Advisor
✨Tip Number 1: Tap Into Professional Networks
The finance world loves a good connection, so jump into industry-specific groups on platforms like LinkedIn where you can find discussions on financial controlling. Engaging in these communities can expose you to hidden job leads that aren't openly advertised!
✨Tip Number 2: Attend Finance Events and Conferences
Make it a mission to attend finance-related events and conferences, even virtual ones! This is a golden opportunity to network face-to-face with people from companies like Railpen Limited. You never know who might be your next boss or a crucial contact!
✨Tip Number 3: Showcase Your Expertise
Consider writing articles or sharing insights related to financial controlling or industry trends. Publish these on platforms like LinkedIn to establish yourself as a knowledgeable player in the field. This not only increases your visibility but also catches the attention of recruiters from Railpen Limited.
✨Tip Number 4: Apply Directly on Company Websites
Since you're going for a full-time gig, don't forget to keep an eye on the careers page of companies you're interested in, like Railpen Limited. Many companies prefer candidates who apply through their website as it shows genuine interest and makes your application stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Controls Assurance Advisor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers Game:In financial controlling, detail is everything! Make sure your CV showcases your proficiency with numbers—highlight any relevant experience in budgeting, forecasting, or working with financial software. Quantifying your past achievements will make you stand out, so don’t be shy about flaunting those impressive percentages or cost savings you've implemented.
Tailored Cover Letter is Key:Your cover letter is a chance to shine, especially for a full-time role. Use it to express your genuine interest in Railpen Limited and the specific impact you hope to make in financial controlling. Mention any relevant qualifications or experiences that align with the company’s goals, and don’t forget to show that you're ready for a long-term commitment!
Certifications Matter:List relevant certifications such as ACCA or CIMA on your CV. These qualifications not only showcase your dedication to the field but also your technical competence in financial principles. If you have any ongoing training or courses, make sure to mention those as well to demonstrate your commitment to continual learning in financial controlling.
Don’t Overlook Soft Skills:While numbers are crucial, so are those soft skills! Financial controllers need strong communication and analytical reasoning abilities. We recommend embedding examples of these skills in your CV and cover letter, like how you’ve successfully delivered financial reports to stakeholders or collaborated with teams to improve processes. Let’s show Railpen Limited how you can be a team player!
How to prepare for a job interview at Railpen Limited
✨Brush Up on Technical Skills
Make sure you're comfortable with key financial concepts, especially around forecasting, budgeting, and variance analysis. Sometimes, interviewers may throw in technical questions or case studies, so practicing these types of scenarios will help you shine!
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
If you've had experience with specific financial software like SAP or Oracle, make it known! Be ready to discuss how you used these tools to improve processes or reporting, as this hands-on knowledge can really set you apart in a full-time role with Railpen Limited.
✨Know Your Numbers
In full-time interviews, especially in financial controlling, be prepared for numerical reasoning tests or questions. Brush up on your mental maths and understand how to interpret and analyse financial statements on the spot, as this may come up during the assessment.
✨Connect with Company Goals
Familiarise yourself with Railpen Limited's financial objectives and any recent developments. During the interview, try to weave your understanding of their business model and challenges into your answers—this shows your genuine interest and alignment with their goals!