At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial controls testing and enhance internal governance for impactful financial reporting.
- Company: Join St. James's Place, an inclusive employer committed to diversity and community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for continuous improvement and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by improving financial controls and engaging with senior stakeholders.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience in financial controls and stakeholder engagement.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
This job is with St. James's Place, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community.
About the Role
We're looking for a Financial Controls Testing Manager to play a key role in strengthening and maintaining our internal controls framework over financial reporting. Working closely with the Head of Financial Controls and wider Finance teams, you'll lead the day-to-day delivery of controls testing, ensuring robust governance and providing confidence to senior stakeholders and Board Committees.
In this role, you'll not only assess and test key financial controls, but also partner with control owners to identify opportunities for improvement, enhance efficiency, and ensure controls evolve alongside business and process changes. This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys combining technical expertise with stakeholder engagement to drive real impact.
What You'll Be Doing
- Leading and managing the day-to-day delivery of financial controls testing, including reviewing work completed by testers and delivering complex testing.
- Developing the annual controls testing plan and tracking/reporting progress to key stakeholders.
- Communicating testing outcomes clearly, providing actionable recommendations to strengthen control weaknesses.
- Partnering with control owners and project teams to maintain and enhance the financial controls framework as processes evolve.
- Identifying and implementing efficiencies in the controls testing approach to reduce effort and improve effectiveness.
- Providing coaching and support to controls testers, ensuring consistent quality and delivery.
- Supporting the documentation and attestation of controls effectiveness in collaboration with the Financial Controls Lead.
- Contributing to the ongoing development and maintenance of the internal controls framework over financial reporting.
Who We're Looking For
We're seeking a self-motivated and proactive individual who combines strong technical financial controls knowledge with the ability to influence and partner with stakeholders. You'll be confident working independently, comfortable engaging with senior leaders, and able to translate complex control requirements into practical, real-world solutions. A collaborative mindset and a passion for driving continuous improvement will be key to success in this role.
Essential Criteria
- Qualified accountant (ACCA or ACA) with strong external financial reporting knowledge.
- Proven experience in testing financial reporting controls, ideally including planning or leading testing activity.
- Strong understanding of controls frameworks, governance, and standard testing methodologies.
- Proven ability to engage, influence, and provide practical guidance to stakeholders across Finance and wider business teams.
Desirable Criteria
- Experience within financial services.
- Awareness of automation tools or techniques to enhance controls and improve testing efficiency.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controls Testing Manager
✨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 St. James's Place. 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 Financial Controls Testing Manager
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 St. James's Place.
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 St. James's Place'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 St. James's Place
✨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 St. James's Place.
✨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 St. James's Place 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 St. James's Place 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.
