Internal Audit Director - Governance, Risk & Control (0324)

PKF is the 12th largest accountancy brand and the 12th largest audit practice in the UK. We are also an active member of PKF Global, an international network of legally independent accounting firms that gives us an on the ground presence in 150 countries around the world with access to more than 20,000 people across 440 offices globally.

We provide a full range of audit, accountancy, tax and advisory services, and are experts at simplifying complexity. We are particularly well-known for working with complex clients with challenging issues in fast-moving and highly technical areas, such as the insurance industry, the global capital markets and the not for profit sector. Our aim is to understand people, the organisations they run, and what matters to them, so we can simplify complexity and help them achieve their ambitions.

Click here to learn more about us.

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Financial Services 

The Financial Services Division services clients in the insurance sector including Lloyd’s syndicates, insurance companies and intermediaries. We also have a small portfolio of clients in the investment funds sector.

Within the Financial Services Division, we have a team that specialises in the delivery of Governance, Risk & Control Assurance (GRC) services (such as internal audit) to clients in the insurance sector, either on an outsourced, co-sourced or secondment basis. The internal audit team is in the process of expanding its size, expertise and client portfolio and therefore working with us will provide you with a diverse range of experience, a busy timetable and a high degree of responsibility.

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Job Duties and Responsibilities

• To become recognised as being an expert in the insurance and/or wider financial services (non-banking) sector;
• Assist in winning new business through:
  • Excellent relationship management with existing clients;
  • Proactively identifying and prospecting to new business opportunities;
  • Supporting Partners in the achievement of business development and marketing initiatives.
• Help the GRC team to become a recognised centre of excellence for the insurance and wider financial services sector;
• To take overall responsibility for the planning, on-site fieldwork and completion of risk-based assurance work for a portfolio of clients;
• Help to develop the resources and skills of the GRC team to support growth strategy; and
• Be passionate about a career within practice and the financial services sector.

Client Responsibilities

You will lead and manage an allocated portfolio of clients, this will involve:

• Efficiently managing your time to ensure your client portfolio is properly serviced and work is completed in a timely manner;
• Ensure compliance with the firms internal audit methodology and external requirements (such as the Global Internal Audit Standards and the UK Code of Practice).
• Overseeing all stages of internal audit assignments and keeping Partner appraised of any significant issues / findings;
• Identifying and understanding key risks and controls based on experience and knowledge of best practice from regulators and from other clients;
• Being able to recommend appropriate solutions to control issues identified in internal audit work and communicate and agree these with clients effectively;
• Working with subject matter experts where necessary including actuarial, IT and tax;
• Producing and finalising internal audit plans and reports with minimal oversight from Partner;
• Managing GRC staff and reviewing their work; and
• Responsibility for on the job training as required.

Other Work

• In addition to managing a portfolio of internal audit clients, you may also be required to deal with other, similar work performed by the GRC team on an ad hoc basis. E.g.

  • Internal controls reviews including SOX and AAF 01/06 reporting
  • Due diligence
  • Secondments

Administrative Responsibilities

• You will assist with the running of the Financial Services Division by being part of the management team to ensure that the staff resources are best used to service our clients. This will involve the following:

  • Acting as a mentor for and appraising a group of trainees;
  • Active involvement in the development of GRC staff;
  • Impart experience and knowledge to junior members of staff to aid their learning; and
  • Staff recruitment e.g. conducting interviews for GRC staff.

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Skills and Qualifications

• ACA/ACCA qualified or equivalent;
• Experience of delivering and leading risk-based internal audit or similar assurance work in a professional practice within the financial services (non-banking) sector;
• Experience in the UK insurance sector is essential;
• Demonstrable knowledge and application of relevant regulatory requirements including Solvency II, Lloyd’s Principles, PRA/FCA requirements;
• Proven communication skills including ability to communicate effectively with senior members of client staff including Audit Committee members;
• Excellent report writing skills;
• Proven engagement management and leadership skills; and
• Strong IT skills.

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