Controls Testing Manager - Finance

Are you ready to chart your own career path? With our refreshed strategy, we’re building on our rich heritage and transforming our business to be more scalable and efficient, unlocking the capabilities needed for future success. This includes significantly investing in technology, streamlining the way we work and creating an environment where colleagues feel engaged, empowered and accountable; where they can show up, speak up and perform - because we believe in the difference our work makes.

At a glance:

Location: Cirencester Office

Workplace Type: Hybrid

Employment Type: Permanent

Seniority: Mid-Senior Level

About the Role

We’re looking for a Controls Testing Manager to play a key role in strengthening and maintaining our internal controls framework in CFO. Working closely with the Head of Financial Controls and wider Finance teams, you’ll lead the day-to-day delivery of controls testing, ensuring robust governance and providing confidence to senior stakeholders and Board Committees. No previous controls testing experience is required to apply, but you must be willing to learn and have an understanding of how controls work to manage risk in a Finance function.

In this role, you’ll not only assess and test key controls, but also partner with control owners to identify opportunities for improvement, enhance efficiency, and ensure controls evolve alongside business and process changes. This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys combining technical expertise with stakeholder engagement to drive real impact.

What You’ll Be Doing (when fully competent in the role)

Leading and managing the day-to-day delivery of controls testing, including reviewing work completed by testers and delivering complex testing yourself

Developing the annual controls testing plan and tracking/reporting progress to key stakeholders

Communicating testing outcomes clearly, providing actionable recommendations to strengthen control weaknesses

Partnering with control owners and project teams to maintain and enhance the controls framework as processes evolve

Identifying and implementing efficiencies in the controls testing approach to reduce effort and improve effectiveness

Providing coaching and support to controls testers, ensuring consistent quality and delivery

Supporting the documentation and attestation of controls effectiveness in collaboration with the Financial Controls Lead

Contributing to the ongoing development and maintenance of the internal controls framework

Who We’re Looking For

We’re seeking a self-motivated and proactive individual who combines strong controls knowledge with the ability to influence and partner with stakeholders. You’ll be confident working independently, comfortable engaging with senior leaders, and able to translate complex control requirements into practical, real-world solutions. A collaborative mindset and a passion for driving continuous improvement will be key to success in this role.

Essential Criteria

Qualified accountant (ACCA or ACA) with strong external financial reporting knowledge

Proven ability to engage, influence, and provide practical guidance to stakeholders across Finance and wider business teams

Desirable Criteria

• Experience within financial services
• Awareness of automation tools or techniques to enhance controls and improve testing efficiency
• Experience in testing financial reporting controls
• Strong understanding of controls frameworks, governance, and standard testing methodologies
• What's in it for you?
• Whatever stage of life you're in, our benefits are designed to provide the support, flexibility, and peace of mind you need to thrive both at work and beyond.
• In addition to our discretionary annual bonus scheme, which reflects both individual and company performance, you'll benefit from a market-leading benefits package tailored to support your wellbeing, financial security, and family life.

Our benefits include

28 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase up to 5 additional days.

Private Medical Insurance – company-funded cover for you and your immediate family

Generous Pension Scheme – a non-contributory employer contribution of 10%, increasing with length of service up to 15%, plus the opportunity to increase this through salary sacrifice

Enhanced Parental Leave – up to 26 weeks' full pay to support growing families.

Protection Benefits – company-funded critical illness cover, income protection, and life assurance

EV salary sacrifice scheme through Tusker

Reasonable Adjustments

We're an equal opportunities employer and want to ensure our recruitment process is accessible and inclusive for all, if you require reasonable adjustment(s) at any stage please let us know by emailing us at [email protected]

Research tells us that applicants (especially those from underrepresented groups) can be put off from applying for a role if they do not meet all the criteria or have been on an extended career-break. If you think you would be a good match for this role and can demonstrate some transferable experience please apply, regardless of whether you tick every box.

What's next?

If you're excited about this role and believe you have the skills and experience we're looking for, we'd love to hear from you! Please submit an application by clicking ‘apply’ below and our team will be in touch.

As a business regulated by the FCA we would advise you to familiarise yourself with the conduct regulations and in particular consumer duty obligations prior to an interview with SJP.

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