Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fraud reviews and ensure strong financial controls across the business.
- Company: Join Whitbread, the owner of Premier Inn, a leading budget hotel brand.
- Benefits: Enjoy up to 60% off stays, 25% off restaurants, and a pension match of 10%.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic finance team with opportunities for career growth and impact.
- Qualifications: Part-qualified or qualified in ACCA, CIMA, or ACA with strong analytical skills.
- Other info: Hybrid role based in Dunstable, requiring at least 3 days in the office.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
It is essential that Whitbread, owner of the leading budget hotel brand Premier Inn, maintains a strong second line of defence ensuring accounts payable, accounts receivable, banking, finance system user access, and accounting & control are well-controlled. The role of Senior Controls Analyst will be responsible for ensuring segregation of duties across financial transactions through monthly review of access conflicts and serving as the technical lead of the SOFY system. You will lead internal reviews on fraud vulnerability and response frameworks and be the key presenter at the Fraud Steering Committee on a quarterly basis. This role would suit someone looking to transition from an accounting practice into industry.
Location: Dunstable, hybrid - a minimum of 3 days per week in the office.
Job Type: Permanent
Why you’ll love it here:
- Pension: We match up to 10%
- Healthcare: Bupa plus family
- Discounts: Up to 60% discount on Premier Inn stays and 25% discount on our restaurant brands
What you’ll do:
- Conduct fraud reviews and controls to mitigate fraud, including maintaining the fraud risk register.
- Lead COSO activities in response to the BEIS Paper on audit effectiveness and UK corporate governance code implementation.
- Perform monthly controls testing through process and control walkthroughs and sample controls testing.
- Manage SOFY system controls and monthly segregation of duty controls.
- Review IT General controls and service auditor reports in line with standards.
- Document controls validation results thoroughly, maintaining complete working papers.
- Monitor progress of control deficiencies and audit actions, reporting to the Controls Steering Group.
- Conduct period-end reviews linked to SOFY/FCF sign-off on system access controls and segregation of duties.
- Assist in training and awareness workshops for control owners and teams, capturing feedback for continuous improvement.
- Build relationships with stakeholders to improve processes and controls.
- Coordinate disaster recovery efforts.
- Engage with external auditors (Deloitte) to ensure controls are well-reflected in audit plans.
- Promote a strong control culture across the business.
What we need:
- Excellent academic background
- Part-qualified or qualified in ACCA, CIMA, or ACA
- Broad understanding of business processes, risk evaluation, and control implementation
- Knowledge of control frameworks like COSO
- Technical expertise across accounting and financial areas
- Analytical rigor with a structured approach to business analysis
- Commercial experience with end-to-end process understanding
- Knowledge of fraud mitigation and control processes
Join our Finance team at Whitbread: We are evolving rapidly with big ambitions. Our Finance team plays a crucial role in budgeting and forecasting, helping us navigate our future. This is an exciting time to join, offering career growth and the chance to be part of our strategic direction.
Shared Services and Control - Senior Controls Analyst employer: Whitbread PLC
Contact Detail:
Whitbread PLC Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Shared Services and Control - Senior Controls Analyst
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the COSO framework and UK corporate governance codes, as these are crucial for the role. Understanding these frameworks will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the responsibilities of the Senior Controls Analyst position.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the finance and controls field, especially those who have experience in fraud mitigation and internal controls. Engaging with industry peers can provide insights into the role and may even lead to referrals or recommendations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've implemented or improved controls in previous roles. Being able to articulate your hands-on experience with fraud reviews and control processes will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Whitbread's current initiatives and challenges in financial controls. Tailoring your conversation during interviews to align with their goals will show that you're proactive and genuinely interested in contributing to their success.
We think you need these skills to ace Shared Services and Control - Senior Controls Analyst
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in financial controls, fraud mitigation, and any specific knowledge of control frameworks like COSO. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate your fit for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, explain why you are interested in transitioning from accounting practice to industry. Highlight your analytical skills and experience with risk evaluation and control implementation, linking them to the responsibilities of the Senior Controls Analyst role.
Showcase Your Technical Expertise: Emphasise your technical expertise in accounting and financial areas. Mention any experience with systems like SOFY and your understanding of segregation of duties, as these are crucial for the role.
Prepare for Potential Questions: Anticipate questions related to fraud reviews, control testing, and stakeholder engagement. Be ready to discuss your approach to building relationships and promoting a strong control culture within a business.
How to prepare for a job interview at Whitbread PLC
✨Understand the Role Thoroughly
Make sure you have a solid grasp of the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Familiarise yourself with terms like 'segregation of duties', 'COSO activities', and 'fraud risk register' to demonstrate your knowledge during the interview.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Given the technical nature of the Senior Controls Analyst role, be ready to discuss your experience with control frameworks and financial processes. Brush up on your knowledge of COSO and fraud mitigation strategies, as these are likely to come up.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Highlight your analytical rigor and structured approach to business analysis. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully identified risks or implemented controls, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Build Rapport with Stakeholders
Since the role involves building relationships with various stakeholders, think of ways to demonstrate your interpersonal skills. Share instances where you've effectively collaborated with teams or improved processes through stakeholder engagement.
