Senior Audit Manager

Here at SMBC Group, we want to help you find the next step in your career so read on to discover if this opportunity is the one for you. We like to recognise potential in our people, so we welcome your application even when your experience doesn't perfectly align with the job description. Whilst we'll always strive to be better, we're proud of our inclusive culture, and encourage our applicants and colleagues to be their authentic, unique selves.

United by a sense of purpose towards our customers - to be a trusted partner for the long-term - and our universal banking platform in EMEA, SMBC Group has an international growth agenda and award-winning products, meaning we provide exciting opportunities to work on a diverse range of projects and initiatives. We deliver a full suite of corporate finance products and solutions to our customers as well as investment banking and advisory services, and a range of innovative solutions in global capital markets.

This role exists to deliver an independent view and assurance over the control environment in operation in EMEA business entities (SMBC Bank International plc (SMBC BI), SMBC Branches, and other subsidiaries in EMEA Region). It undertakes and manages audits across a range of activities and supports teams of auditors to deliver in depth testing and review to support audit opinions. It contributes part of the Audit opinion provided to the EMEA Region Management and SMBC Group Audit Committee in Tokyo.

Internal Audit are asked for an independent opinion on the changes and controls implemented by the organisations within EMEA Region, this role aims to provide insight and opinion on the key controls in operation in the business areas under review and therefore must have the expertise to provide advice and consultancy services as required.

ADIA is responsible for the delivery of around 90 internal audit reports per year across the EMEA region. Due to the nature of each business and the audit cycle, the number of audits each Audit Manager is responsible for can vary from year to year. On average an Audit Manager would be responsible for the delivery of around 6-8 audits per year, and contribute to other audit assignments through delivery of fieldwork for other Audit Managers.

Responsibilities:

• Preparation of planning material to ensure that the internal controls covering the key risks are appropriately tested in order to provide reasonable assurance to the Board, Group Management, Entity Management and other stakeholders, including regulators, that an effective internal control environment exists.
• Overseeing the work performed for the audit assignment by other team members. Providing guidance and support to team members as necessary.
• Directing testing to cover key areas of risk and determine the scope and focus in agreement with the Audit Partner of the review, and share expertise in their area with other team members.
• Preparing draft Audit Findings for review by AD Management. The Audit Findings must be factually accurate and clearly communicate the findings and recommendations.
• Preparing the final internal audit report. The report must clearly communicate areas of positive assurance as well as areas where improvement in the internal control environment is required.
• Undertaking follow-up and closure of internal audit recommendations.
• May be also asked to assist the Audit Partner with maintaining relationships with Senior Management in a nominated area of responsibility.
• Contributing to Audit Department initiatives and work collaboratively across EMEA.

Challenges:

• The broad range of business areas subject to internal audit.
• Tight timelines for the delivery of internal audit assignments, and managing conflicting priorities.
• Challenge from AD Management and line Management and the ability to successfully articulate issues identified.
• The need to manage different groups of ADIA staff assigned to each audit assignment.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Internal audit experience within financial services or a regulated environment.
• Strong understanding of internal control frameworks, risk assessment methodologies, and audit standards.
• Ability to identify key risks, design appropriate testing strategies, and interpret complex data to form conclusions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to prepare clear, concise audit reports and present findings to senior stakeholders.
• Proven experience in overseeing audit assignments, guiding team members, and managing multiple priorities.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with senior management and influence decision-making.
• Capacity to handle challenging discussions with senior stakeholders and articulate issues effectively.

Preferred Experience:

• Familiarity with banking operations, financial products, and regulatory requirements in EMEA.
• In-depth knowledge of Market and Liquidity Risks, supported by hands-on audit experience in these areas.
• Experience using audit management systems and data analytics tools.
• Exposure to managing audit projects end-to-end, including planning, execution, and reporting.
• Experience working in multinational teams and contributing to departmental initiatives.
• CIA, ACCA, CPA, or equivalent qualifications are highly desirable.

What we offer:

For all the expertise and experience you bring to help us make a difference, it's only sustainable if we support you to build your career and be your best self so we offer competitive company benefits, centred around promoting positive well-being and work-life balance. We also believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment, where all team members' perspectives and contributions are valued.

As an employee of SMBC you have access to a host of both useful and exciting benefit offerings, including hybrid and flexible working, competitive paid leave days, benefits to support your physical wellbeing, various policies to support your mental wellbeing, access to a wide range of learning and development opportunities, and an ambitious remuneration package.

We recognise our role as a bank to support social change and welcome all applications, including those from groups often under-represented in financial services. We value the uniqueness of professional and personal backgrounds and perspectives as they play a vital role in continuing the sustainable growth of our organisation.