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- Tasks: Lead and develop Internal Audit’s Professional Practices while ensuring quality and compliance.
- Company: Join SJP, a company passionate about excellence, innovation, and employee autonomy.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid work, competitive leave, bonuses, and private medical insurance options.
- Why this job: Make an impact by improving governance processes and building strong stakeholder relationships.
- Qualifications: Professional qualifications in Accountancy or Audit with extensive audit experience required.
- Other info: We welcome diverse applicants and offer reasonable adjustments during recruitment.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Are you ready to chart your own career path? At SJP, we need talented individuals like yourself to support our evolving culture. If you’re seeking an employer that is passionate about excellence, innovation, and autonomy, SJP could be the place for you.
At a glance:
Location: Cirencester Office
Workplace Type: Hybrid
Employment Type: Permanent
Seniority: Mid-Senior Level
The Head of Professional Practices ensures the quality of the Internal Audit function is maintained to provide an effective third line oversight to support the Group\’s Audit Committees; advising on, evaluating, and reporting on the Group\’s Internal control arrangements in accordance with regulatory requirements and industry best practice. The Head of Professional Practices is a member of the Internal Audit Management Team.
The primary role of Internal Audit is to help the Board and Executive Management protect the assets, reputation, and sustainability of the Group. Internal Audit aims to drive continuous improvement by assessing and reporting on the effectiveness of risk management, control, and governance processes, and by challenging management to improve these processes.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead, manage, and develop Internal Audit’s Professional Practices and control framework, ensuring conformance with Global Internal Audit Standards and maintaining an effective Quality Assurance and Improvement Programme (QAIP).
- Oversee the delivery of QAIP activities, including Quality Assurance and Closed Action Assurance reviews, and implement improvements.
- Support audit teams by providing independent technical advice and consultation.
- Develop the annual Audit Plan, maintaining the Internal Audit Universe, conducting risk assessments, and consolidating the plan through quarterly reviews.
- Report on Internal Audit activities to key stakeholders, ensuring reports are timely, insightful, and lead to improvements.
- Coordinate the annual internal control effectiveness opinion for presentation to the Group Audit Committee.
- Direct audit teams to deliver audits on time and to high standards, including complex/high-risk audits, with appropriate follow-up on recommendations.
- Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders across the Group and represent Internal Audit in governance groups.
- Develop external networks to bring industry insights and best practices into Internal Audit.
- Perform work with honesty and professional courage.
Who we\’re looking for:
Essential Criteria:
- Professional qualifications in Accountancy or Audit and extensive audit experience (Internal or External).
- Strong understanding of Internal Audit standards and best practices.
- Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
- Professional skepticism and ability to critically assess audit quality.
- Proven ability to provide constructive feedback and coaching.
Special Requirements:
Role based in Cirencester with occasional travel required.
What\’s in it for you?
We reward your work through discretionary bonuses, competitive leave (28 days plus bank holidays, with options to purchase more), and an online rewards platform. Benefits include:
- Parental leave (26 weeks full pay)
- Private medical insurance (optional)
- 10% non-contributory pension, increasing with service
Reasonable Adjustments: We are an equal opportunities employer. If you need adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact us at careers@sjp.co.uk. We encourage applicants from underrepresented groups and those with transferable experience, even if they do not meet every criterion.
What\’s next?
If you\’re excited about this role and believe you have the skills and experience, please apply by clicking ‘apply’ below. Our team will be in touch.
As a regulated business, we advise you to familiarize yourself with FCA conduct regulations and consumer duty obligations prior to your interview.
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Head of Professional Practices employer: St. James’s Place
Contact Detail:
St. James’s Place Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Professional Practices
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest Internal Audit standards and best practices. This will not only help you understand the expectations of the role but also allow you to engage in meaningful discussions during interviews, showcasing your knowledge and commitment to excellence.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the audit field, especially those who have experience in similar roles. Attend industry events or webinars to gain insights and make connections that could provide valuable information about the company culture and expectations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in developing and implementing Quality Assurance and Improvement Programmes (QAIP). Be ready to share specific examples of how you've led audit teams and improved processes, as this aligns closely with the responsibilities of the Head of Professional Practices.
✨Tip Number 4
Research SJP's values and recent initiatives. Understanding their commitment to innovation and autonomy will help you tailor your responses in interviews, demonstrating that you're not just a fit for the role, but also for the company's culture.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Professional Practices
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take the time to thoroughly read the job description for the Head of Professional Practices. Understand the key responsibilities and essential criteria, as this will help you tailor your application to highlight relevant experience.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects your professional qualifications in Accountancy or Audit, along with your extensive audit experience. Highlight specific achievements that demonstrate your understanding of Internal Audit standards and best practices.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills. Use this opportunity to express your enthusiasm for the role and how your background aligns with SJP's values of excellence, innovation, and autonomy.
Prepare for the Interview: Familiarise yourself with FCA conduct regulations and consumer duty obligations, as these are important for the role. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to the Internal Audit function and provide examples of how you've successfully managed similar responsibilities in the past.
How to prepare for a job interview at St. James’s Place
✨Understand the Role Thoroughly
Before your interview, make sure you have a solid grasp of the Head of Professional Practices role. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities and how they align with SJP's goals. This will help you articulate how your experience and skills can contribute to their objectives.
✨Showcase Your Audit Expertise
Given the importance of audit standards and best practices in this role, be prepared to discuss your professional qualifications and extensive audit experience. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully implemented quality assurance measures or improved audit processes.
✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Skills
As this position requires excellent interpersonal and communication skills, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Be ready to provide examples of how you've effectively communicated complex audit findings to stakeholders in the past.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your critical thinking and professional scepticism. Prepare to discuss how you would handle specific audit challenges or provide constructive feedback to teams, showcasing your ability to drive improvements.
