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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead risk and compliance strategy, ensuring regulatory adherence and developing a risk-aware culture.
- Company: Join Waterstones, a beloved bookselling cornerstone in the UK and Ireland.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of risk management in a dynamic and impactful environment.
- Qualifications: Proven expertise in risk frameworks and strong analytical skills required.
- Other info: Be part of a thriving company with a rich history and exciting future.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
We are looking for a Head of Risk & Controls to join our finance team. This is a new role with responsibility for oversight of a governance, risk and controls framework, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and leading the development of risk and compliance across the organisation.
The Head of Risk & Controls is a senior role for someone who wants to shape risk, controls and compliance strategy, monitoring regulatory changes and ensuring operational compliance.
The role would build a culture of risk awareness across the organisation, leading, managing and developing a risk and controls function
This is a broad and hands-on role which spans strategic, operational and regulatory responsibilities.
What you will be doing
- Collaborate with senior management and stakeholders across the business to develop and implement comprehensive internal control policies and procedures.
- Horizon Scanning: Awareness of emerging regulatory risks and provision of strategic recommendations to the business.
- Define and maintain risk and control frameworks policies and tools as well as governance standards and reporting mechanisms.
- Provide oversight, advice and challenge on principal risks across the business, ensuring that the risk and controls management approach is aligned with regulatory expectations as well as wider business priorities.
- Plan and execute internal control testing procedures to assess the effectiveness of existing controls.
- Coordinate oversight and implementation of IT general controls
- Monitor control deficiencies and deviations and conduct remediation activities as required.
- Monitor changes in regulatory requirements and industry standards to ensure compliance in internal control requirements.
- Coordinate with internal and external auditors to facilitate audit engagements. Prepare audit documentation and respond to audit enquiries and findings.
- Implement process improvements and automation initiatives to streamline control activities.
- Support with coordination and management of the annual insurance renewal programme.
- Supervision and coordination of junior team members.
What we need from you
- Proven expertise in designing and implementing enterprise risk frameworks.
- Experience of regulatory engagement and internal control frameworks.
- Strong technical knowledge of governance, risk and controls frameworks.
- Experience setting direction and priorities for risk management and regulatory compliance aligned with business goals.
- Understanding of FPP procedures and requirements would be advantageous.
- Ability to implement measures in a considered and measured way with an understanding of wider business priorities alongside regulatory requirements.
Person Profile
- Ability to influence senior stakeholders and drive cross-functional collaboration.
- Excellent analytical skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to operate effectively at all levels.
- Resilient and adaptable with a pragmatic approach to problem solving.
- Experience of internal control software/ tools is preferred.
- Based in London office at least 3 days a week. Flexibility to travel occasionally, as needed.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately.
- Ability to start imminently or at relatively short notice and to hit the ground running.
Why work for Waterstones
Waterstones is the cornerstone of bookselling across the UK and Ireland. Joining Waterstones means being an active part in a success story that began in 1982, and books are as popular now as the day we started.
Trading across the UK, Ireland and Europe, we are present in over 290 shopping locations, where Waterstones continues to thrive, each year actively pursuing a programme of new bookshop openings. Online at Waterstones.com, we meanwhile mirror the essence of our bookshops, further showcasing the unique enthusiasm and knowledge of our booksellers.
If you have the relevant essential experience and you are interested, we would love to hear from you.
Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Other
Industries: Retail
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Head of Risk & Controls employer: Waterstones
Contact Detail:
Waterstones Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Risk & Controls
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and risk sectors. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and get your name out there. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s risk and compliance culture. Think about how your experience aligns with their needs and be ready to share specific examples. We want to see you shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise in risk frameworks during discussions. Be confident in sharing your insights on regulatory changes and how they impact business strategies. This will demonstrate your value as a candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Risk & Controls
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Risk & Controls role. Highlight your experience with risk frameworks and compliance, and don’t forget to showcase any relevant achievements that align with the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to influence stakeholders and manage risk effectively.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since this role requires excellent analytical skills, make sure to include examples in your application that demonstrate your attention to detail and problem-solving abilities. We want to see how you’ve tackled challenges in the past!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Waterstones
✨Know Your Risk Frameworks
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of enterprise risk frameworks and internal control policies. Be ready to discuss how you've designed and implemented these in the past, as this will show your expertise and readiness for the role.
✨Stay Ahead of Regulatory Changes
Familiarise yourself with the latest regulatory requirements and industry standards. During the interview, demonstrate your ability to monitor these changes and provide strategic recommendations, which is crucial for the Head of Risk & Controls position.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
This role involves working closely with senior management and various stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've influenced cross-functional collaboration in previous roles, highlighting your ability to drive alignment between risk management and business goals.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to be asked about governance, risk, and controls frameworks. Brush up on your technical knowledge and be ready to discuss specific tools or software you've used. This will help you stand out as a candidate who can hit the ground running.
