Director, Internal Audit & Financial Advisory - Non FS

Robert Half Executive Search has been engaged by a top global consulting firm—a leader renowned for innovation and sustained growth—to identify an accomplished Director, Internal Audit & Financial Advisory to join their expanding team at The Shard, London, or one of their other UK offices (Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, London, Manchester, Swindon). This is a unique opportunity to become part of a high-performing, globally recognized consulting firm that operates without the constraints of the external audit business, eliminating conflicts with clients while offering unparalleled advisory services.

The Director (IAFA) (Non-FS) will be focused on change and innovation with an understanding of internal audit, change management, use of new methodologies, all while utilizing technology. The Director will be up to date with the latest thinking, next gen audit, experience at risk and audit committee level, working cross-functionally (1st & 2nd line risk functions). This Director (IAFA) will focus on the Non-Financial Services business which has a broad client base mostly FTSE 250 and other large complex international businesses.

In terms of sectors, they undertake work across a wide range but with an emphasis on pharma, retail, biotech, healthcare, utilities, and technology. However, they are very open to exploring new sectors and so any market sector specialization would be of particular interest to them. This role will be assuming responsibility of growing the business with target businesses as well as managing some existing clients. Having established client relationships is critical to the success of this role as well as working on key accounts and bringing individual relationships into the fold.

The Director (IAFA) will have a proven track record in leadership, experience in building and developing a high performing team. This group contributes to and creates thought leadership and whitepapers, adding to the intellectual property globally. The ideal candidate will be leading large, outsourced internal audit engagements. They will be relatively well known for their thought leadership in the internal audit market - having relationships with Heads of Audit and at the Audit Committee Level.

Some of the key responsibilities of this role are:

• Participating in sales opportunities with existing and new clients.
• Managing broad range of routine responsibilities on multiple client engagements related to client project management, and business development activities.
• Effectively managing client relationships with senior personnel.
• Contributing to employee development by actively mentoring employees, creating development opportunities, and initiating and conducting training.
• Demonstrating the expertise to discuss technical and industry trends in specific products/ industries and the ability to deliver specific product solutions to clients.
• Providing expertise in specific technical areas and/or industries.
• Assisting Engagement Management Director in managing engagement risk.
• Participating in recruiting efforts to support the business objectives.
• Enhancing their market presence and exposure to develop opportunities with new clients.

Do Your Talents Include the Following?

• Excellent client relationship skills.
• Prior management and direct supervisory experience in a team environment.
• Ability to travel as necessary to meet client needs.
• Excellent project management skills.
• Must work well in a team-oriented environment as well as independently.
• Must work creatively and analytically in a problem-solving environment.
• Demonstrated excellent leadership and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent written, verbal communication and presentation skills.
• Must have ability to multi-task.
• Proven Business Development skills.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Demonstrated mentoring and people development skills.
• Must be able to handle highly confidential information in a strictly professional manner.
• Must be able to maintain professional demeanor in times of high stress.

Educational and Professional Qualifications required:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline.
• Experience in a related field, preferably in professional services and/or industry.
• Professional certification such as ACA/ICAS/CIMA strongly preferred.
• Specialized industry skills.
• Strong knowledge of auditing processes and methodologies, including flowcharting.
• Strong understanding of current accounting (GAAP) and auditing (GAAS) principles.
• Strong understanding of internal control concepts (COSO, COBIT) as well as knowledge of Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) Act provisions and methodologies for achieving compliance.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite applications.