Internal Controls Manager in London

We are looking for an Internal Controls Manager to join our Finance Team.

The role will be based in our Head Office either in London or Olton and so we encourage applications from candidates who are able to commit to hybrid working at either location.

In your role you will be implementing an Effective Internal Controls Framework

The Internal Controls Manager plays a pivotal role in ensuring compliance with internal policies, procedures, and external regulations.

They are responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining an effective internal control framework across the organization to safeguard assets, ensure accuracy of financial reporting, and promote operational efficiency.

The role will be responsible for establishing and confirming the adequacy of financial operational and IT internal controls over financial reporting (in both design and application) working towards a SOX 404 compliance framework.

Working at Waterstones

At Waterstones, everything we do is about our customers, and we work hard to provide them with the best possible shopping experience, one that will make them want to visit time and time again.

We strive to consistently deliver fantastic customer service, whether recommending a book or a gift, keeping our shops beautifully stocked, helping out in our lovely Caf?

Ws, or keeping the wheels turning efficiently behind the scenes.

Working with us, you will get to use your expertise and enthusiasm to bring to our customers the irreplaceable pleasures of a good bookshop (including a virtual one).

Key responsibilities will include:

• Develop and implement internal control policies and procedures. Collaborating with senior management and stakeholders across the business to develop comprehensive internal control policies and procedures.
• Design and implement control activities, including the relevant documentation, to mitigate risks associated with financial reporting, operational processes and compliance.
• Plan and execute internal control testing procedures to assess the effectiveness of existing controls
• Monitor control deficiencies and deviations and conduct remediation activities as required.
• Conduct risk assessments to identify potential areas of risk and develop strategies to mitigate them.
• Monitor changes in regulatory requirements and industry standards to ensure compliance and update in internal control requirements.
• Ensure compliance with financial reporting standards, e.g., GAAP, IFRS, SOX etc.,
• Provide training and guidance to employees on internal control policies, procedures and best practices
• Foster a culture of compliance and awareness throughout the organisation.
• 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.
• Additionally, you will lead other special projects to ensure the company has implemented effective internal controls.

Experience and Qualifications:

• You are a qualified Accountant (ACA or equivalent) or Internal Auditor (MCIIA, CIA or equivalent) with a range of post-qualified experience and a proven internal audit and SOX background
• You have significant experience and have held a management internal position. This position will have been in a publicly listed company
• You have significant and demonstrable people and stakeholder management experience
• You have a detailed understanding of the IIA Professional Practices Framework and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act 2002 and COSO 2013

Person Profile:

• You pride yourself on being a highly motivated and organized self-starter, with excellent verbal and written communication skills, interpersonal skills and the ability to interface with all levels of management up to and including Board level and across different cultures
• Excellent analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Experience of internal control software/ tools is preferred.
• Flexibility to travel occasionally, as needed.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately.

In return, you will be working in a role that can make a real difference to Waterstones, work in a friendly and dynamic team and get to benefit from our excellent discount in shops and waterstones.

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