Assurance Manager - Risk & Compliance in Belfast

This role is primarily responsible for delivering Risk Management’s independent risk and controls assurance across TP ICAP. The position will involve executing assurance testing and conducting focused deep‑dive reviews into specific areas of risk. In addition, the role provides expert advice and commercially minded support to help the business identify, mitigate, and manage risk exposure. The individual will also produce high‑quality analysis and reporting for senior management and ensure adherence to the firm’s risk management framework.

Role Responsibilities

• Assurance
  • Support the development and ongoing maintenance of the Assurance Risk & Compliance approach and methodology.
  • Contribute to the creation and execution of the annual Risk & Compliance assurance plan, ensuring coordination across TP ICAP’s three lines of defence and alignment with regulatory assurance requirements, including the FRC board declaration process.
  • Deliver the assurance plan in line with the Enterprise Risk Management framework by leading and performing assurance engagements (e.g., desk reviews, thematic reviews, investigations, and annual controls testing).
  • Ensure issues identified through assurance work are validated with business owners and support functions, and assist in the design of robust management action plans and remediation strategies.
  • Stay current with industry best practice in risk and compliance assurance — including emerging AI capabilities — and apply these insights appropriately.
• Monitoring and Reporting
  • Support the business in tracking its end‑to‑end risk profile by producing meaningful MI, analysis, and commentary, including: Status of significant issues and remediation / Identified risks and proposed mitigation plans / Risk‑related events, issues, and metrics to identify trends and inform future assurance planning / Summary of assurance activities completed.
  • Participate in regular management forums, providing an independent second‑line perspective on the business’s risk profile.
• Training and Awareness
  • Coordinate and deliver training sessions to enhance risk and control awareness across first and second line functions.
  • Promote strong risk management and compliance practices through ongoing engagement and education.

Experience / Competencies

• Experience in second‑line assurance, internal audit, or external audit within financial services (banking, financial markets, broking, asset management) or an external audit firm.
• Experience performing assurance/audit work across one or more of the following: financial risk management, operational risk management, compliance, AML/KYC, trading desks and post‑trade workflow, or financial reporting.
• Demonstrated understanding of risk assessments, controls testing, sampling methodologies, control gap identification, root‑cause analysis, drafting observations/issues, and producing high‑quality audit/assurance reports.
• Understanding of or exposure to data analytics or artificial intelligence (AI) is advantageous.
• Knowledge of the UK and/or US regulatory landscape (e.g., best execution, transaction reporting, Reg ATS, 6AMLD, market surveillance and abuse monitoring).
• Bachelor’s degree in business, accounting, finance, or a related discipline; professional certifications (e.g., ACA, ACCA, CIA, CAMS, FRM) are a plus.
• A self‑starter with strong problem‑solving capabilities and effective project management and prioritisation skills.
• Proven stakeholder‑management skills with the ability to build relationships at all levels.
• Analytical skills with the ability to interpret, synthesise, and present complex data clearly and effectively.
• Experience working within a global, matrixed organisation, balancing multiple stakeholders and priorities.
• Familiarity with enterprise risk frameworks, risk appetite concepts, and emerging risk themes in financial markets.
• Experience using data visualisation tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) to support assurance work and reporting.
• Exposure to automated testing methods or continuous monitoring approaches.
• Ability to challenge constructively and provide independent insight while maintaining strong working relationships.
• Demonstrated ability to manage competing deadlines and deliver high‑quality output in a fast‑paced environment.
• Professional curiosity, with the ability to identify themes, anticipate risks, and contribute to the enhancement of assurance methodologies.