Job Description
We are seeking a motivated and technically strong Internal Controls Manager – Assurance to join our growing FTSE 250 business. The role can based in Manchester or London. Reporting to the Senior Manager of Internal Controls, you will play a key role inplanning, coordinating, and delivering assurance activities over the design and operating effectiveness of the Group’s internal controls.
This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, ambitious setting and is passionate about providing independent, risk-based assurance and supporting continuous improvement through clear, evidence-based insight.
About the role:
You will support the planning and execution of the Group’s financial, operational and compliance internal controls assurance programme. You will work closely with senior stakeholders and subject matter experts to plan and deliver assurance reviews, assess control design and operating effectiveness.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Support the Senior Manager Internal Controls in the ongoing development and delivery of the Group’s internal controls assurance plan, aligned to key financial, operational and compliance risks.
2. Conduct design effectiveness reviews of financial, operational and compliance controls, create/review process maps, and work with the business and SMEs to identify control design gaps and agree remediation actions.
3. Perform operating effectiveness testing of controls, provide clear, evidence-based assurance conclusions and recommendations.
4. Provide guidance and best practice advice to financial, operational and compliance control owners on remediation activities and internal control improvements.
5. Assist in preparing control assessment findings and recommendations for Executive and Board Committees.
Competence, Knowledge & Skills:
Competence:
6. Proven experience in internal controls assurance, internal audit, or risk-based assurance roles, preferably within a regulated organisation.
7. Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to deliver clear, evidence-based assurance conclusions.
8. Strong ability to formulate proposals, provide recommendations, and collaborate with risk and control owners to address control weaknesses.
9. Ability to engage and influence stakeholders, providing constructive challenge while maintaining professional independence.
Knowledge & Skills:
10. Strong understanding of internal controls frameworks and assurance methodologies.
11. Strong planning, organisation, and time management skills, with the ability to prioritise effectively.
12. Confidence working to tight reporting deadlines.
13. Strong analytical and critical-thinking capability, forming sound judgements from control testing evidence.
14. Methodical and disciplined approach, balancing attention to detail with a clear understanding of the broader context.
About Us:
AJ Bell is one of the fastest-growing investment platform businesses in the UK offering an award-winning range of solutions that caters for everyone, from professional financial advisers to DIY investors with little to no experience. We have over 644,000 customers using our award-winning platform propositions to manage assets totalling more than £103.3 billion. Our customers trust us with their investments, and by continuously striving to make investing easier, we aim to help even more people take control of their financial futures.
Having listed on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange in December 2018, AJ Bell is now a FTSE 250 company.
Headquartered in Manchester with offices in central London and Bristol, we now have over 1,500 employees and have been named one of the UK's 'Best 100 Companies to Work For’ for six consecutive years and in 2025 named a Great Place to Work®.
At AJ Bell you can expect a friendly working environment with a strong sense of teamwork, we have a great sense of pride in what we do, and this is reflected in our guiding principles.
Our perks and benefits:
15. Competitive starting salary
16. Starting holiday entitlement of 27 days, increasing up to 31 days with length of service
17. Holiday buy and sell scheme
18. A choice of pension schemes with matched contributions up to 8%
19. Discretionary bonus scheme
20. Annual free share awards scheme
21. Buy As You Earn (BAYE) Scheme
22. Health Cash Plan – provided by SimplyHealth
23. Discounted private healthcare scheme and dental plan
24. Free gym membership
25. Employee Assistance Programme
26. Bike loan scheme
27. Sick pay+ pledge
28. Enhanced maternity, paternity, and shared parental leave
29. Loans for travel season tickets
30. Death in service scheme
31. Paid time off for volunteer work
32. Charitable giving opportunities through salary sacrifice
33. Calendar of social events, including monthly payday drinks, annual Christmas party, summer party and much more
34. Personal development programmes built around you and your career goals, including access to personal skills workshops
35. Ongoing technical training
36. Professional qualification support
37. Talent development programmes
38. Peer recognition scheme, with rewards including restaurant and shopping vouchers or time off
39. Monthly leadership breakfasts and lunches
40. Casual dress code
41. Access to a range of benefits from our sponsorship deals
Hybrid working:
At AJ Bell, our people are the heart of our culture. We believe in building strong connections by working together. That's why we offer a hybrid working model, where you’ll spend a minimum of 50% of your working time per month in the office. For new team members, an initial period will be full-time in the office to help you immerse yourself in our business and build valuable relationships with your colleagues.