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- Tasks: Lead financial controls and governance, advising the Board and enhancing control effectiveness.
- Company: Join one of the UK's most iconic organisations during a transformative journey.
- Benefits: Negotiable salary, 30 days holiday, healthcare, car allowance, and a generous bonus.
- Other info: Hybrid role with excellent career development opportunities and family-friendly support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in strategic decision-making and drive growth in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified Accountant with strong leadership and stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Location: Hybrid - Farringdon, London (3 days in the office)
Contract Type: Permanent, Full-Time
Reporting to: Director of Group Finance
Salary: Negotiable + Benefits - 30 days + public holidays, car allowance, full family healthcare, 35% bonus and a company pension scheme with highly competitive contribution rates.
Join one of the UK's most iconic organisations at a pivotal moment in its transformation journey. Our Finance team is at the heart of strategic decision-making, driving growth and shaping the future of our business. From forecasting and planning to governance and controls, this is a place where finance professionals make a real impact.
About the Role
As Head of Financial Controls & Governance, you'll lead the strategic agenda for financial control, risk, and assurance across IDS Group and Royal Mail UK. You will set the strategic direction for the financial controls environment, provide second-line assurance and advise the Board on financial control and governance matters. You'll lead a team of five, providing coaching, development, and direction, while building strong relationships across the business and with external partners. This is a hybrid role, with presence required at our Farringdon office.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership & Advisory
- Set the strategic direction for the financial controls environment and second line assurance team
- Advise the Board and Executive teams on financial reporting risk and control-related decision-making
- Collaborate with Internal Audit and Risk to develop assurance requirements for non-financial material risks
- Controls & Assurance
- Deliver a comprehensive, risk-based FC&G annual plan, including controls testing, training, remediation tracking, and reporting
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance control effectiveness and efficiency
- Oversee the ICFR quality assurance process and AuditBoard system application
- Governance & Reporting
- Provide regular reporting to the Audit and Risk Committee on the design and effectiveness of controls.
- Stay current with UK Corporate Governance Code, regulatory developments, and industry standards
- Produce high-quality reports identifying financial reporting risks and recommending pragmatic solutions
- Stakeholder & External Engagement
- Build trusted relationships with Executive Directors, senior leaders, and external auditors
- Liaise with the GLS Head of Financial Control to align group-wide strategies
- Manage co-source partners and oversee the ICFR test plan
- Leverage automation tools (e.g. GRC systems, data analytics, continuous auditing) to optimise compliance
- Team Leadership
- Lead and develop the FC&G team, including recruitment, training, and succession planning
- Foster a high-performance culture through visible leadership and mentoring
About You
You're a confident and strategic leader with deep technical expertise and a passion for financial governance. You thrive in complex and evolving environments and bring a collaborative, solutions-focused mindset.
What You'll Bring
- Technical Expertise
- Qualified Accountant (ACCA, ACA) with external or internal audit experience and extensive ICFR/SOx implementation experience
- In-depth knowledge of corporate governance, SOx best practices, Wates principles, and financial control frameworks
- Proven experience in controls implementation, remediation, and process simplification
- Leadership & Influence
- Strong track record of operating at Board and Executive level
- Exceptional stakeholder management and communication skills
- Proven ability to build and develop high-performing teams
- Adaptable, decisive, and able to challenge accepted thinking
- Collaborative team player with a "can-do" attitude and enthusiasm for progression
Extra Benefits
- Family friendly support - enhanced maternity pay, paternity leave, adoption leave and shared parental leave
- Discounts and offers - there are more than 800 offers to help you save on things like groceries, days out, holidays and your household bills.
- Supportive and generous company sick pay
- Your Wellbeing - you and your family have 24/7 access to services and tools to help you get the most out of life. From your physical and mental health to financial and social support and advice. It's free, and it's for everyone.
Next Steps
The next stage of the selection process will be a face to face/virtual interview consisting of competency based and role specific questions. We are committed to ensuring an inclusive recruitment process. If you require any adjustments to support you during the hiring process, please discuss these with your recruiter when contacted.
We are Forces family friendly and a Gold signatory to the Armed Forces Covenant. We welcome applications from ex-Armed Forces personnel, reservists, veterans, cadet instructors and military spouses/partners.
Closing Date: Thursday 5th March 2026. Please note, this advert may close early if the appropriate number of applications has been reached.
Head of Finance Controls & Governance 1 in London employer: Royal Mail Group
Contact Detail:
Royal Mail Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance Controls & Governance 1 in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, especially those who might have insights into the role you're after. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren't even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the company’s recent projects and challenges. This shows you’re genuinely interested and ready to contribute to their transformation journey. Plus, it gives you great talking points!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your answers to common competency-based questions. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses. This will help you articulate your experience clearly and confidently.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email reiterating your interest in the role can leave a positive impression. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance at landing that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance Controls & Governance 1 in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Head of Finance Controls & Governance role. Highlight your technical expertise and leadership experience, as these are key for us.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about financial governance and how your background makes you the perfect fit for our team. Keep it engaging and relevant.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your impact in financial controls and governance. Numbers and results speak volumes, so don’t hold back!
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 this exciting opportunity with StudySmarter.
How to prepare for a job interview at Royal Mail Group
✨Know Your Financial Governance Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of corporate governance, SOx best practices, and financial control frameworks. Be ready to discuss how these principles apply to the role and how you've implemented them in past positions.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading teams and influencing stakeholders at a senior level. Think about specific situations where you’ve successfully developed high-performing teams or navigated complex challenges.
✨Be Ready for Competency Questions
Expect competency-based questions that assess your strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and demonstrate your impact in previous roles.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Remember, interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the company’s strategic direction and how the finance team contributes to it. This shows your genuine interest and helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.