Are you ready to chart your own career path? At SJP we need talented individuals like yourself to support our evolving culture. If you’re seeking an employer that is passionate about excellence, innovation and autonomy, SJP could be the place for you.
At a glance:
Location: Cirencester Office
Workplace Type: Hybrid
Employment Type: Permanent
Seniority: Mid-Senior Level
The Head of Professional Practices ensures the quality of the Internal Audit function is maintained to provide an effective third line oversight function to support the St. James's Place plc ("the Group") Audit Committees; advising on, evaluating and reporting on the Group's Internal control arrangements In accordance with regulatory requirements and Industry best practice. The Head of Professional Practices is a member of the Internal Audit Management Team.
The primary role of Internal Audit is to help the Board and Executive Management to protect the assets, reputation and sustainability of the Group. Internal Audit’s objective is therefore to drive continuous improvement in these areas by assessing and reporting on the overall effectiveness of the risk management, control and governance processes across the Group and by appropriately challenging Executive Management to improve the effectiveness of these processes.
Key Responsibilities of the Job:
Lead, manage and develop Internal Audit’s Professional Practices, and associated control framework, ensuring the function has the methodology, processes and tools to deliver its work in conformance with the Global Internal Audit Standards and Internal Audit Code of Practice, and an effective Quality Assurance and Improvement Programme (QAIP) to ensure its continued quality.
Lead and direct team members in the delivery of the QAIP, in particular Quality Assurance and Closed Action Assurance reviews, working with other members of the Internal Audit Management Team to implement identified improvements.
Support the Senior Audit Managers and the members of the core audit teams in the delivery of their allocated audits through the provision of independent technical advice and consultation.
Develop the annual Audit Plan, maintaining the Internal Audit Universe, ensuring appropriate risk assessment and other supporting analysis is carried out, and collating the overall annual plan through the quarterly roll process.
Own the reporting of the Internal Audit’s activities to its key stakeholders, including GEC, the Group Audit Committee, the SJPI Audit Committee and Tier 2 ExCos, ensuring reporting is timely and insightful and continually driving improvements in reporting.
Co-ordinate Internal Audit’s annual opinion on the effectiveness of the internal control framework, for presentation to the Group Audit Committee.
Direct team members in delivering audits as required, and deliver complex / higher risk audits, ensuring:
Delivery on a timely basis and to a high quality in accordance with the Division’s methodology, professional standards and industry benchmarks.
Insightful, concise and timely audit reporting to stakeholders.
Appropriate follow-up of audit recommendations.
Develop and maintain strong relationships with senior stakeholders across the Group and represent Internal Audit at key governance groups as required.
Develop and maintain an external network, to introduce suggested improvements, industry areas of focus and best practice ideas to Internal Audit.
Perform work with honesty and professional courage.
Who we're looking for:
Essential Criteria
Professional qualifications in Accountancy or Audit and strong previous audit experience (Internal or External)
Excellent understanding of Internal Audit professional standards and associated best practice
Strong interpersonal skills and excellent written and verbal communication skills
Professional scepticism, with the ability to critically assess the quality of audit work
A proven aptitude for providing appropriate feedback and coaching improvements
Special Requirements:
Role will be based in Cirencester with occasional travel required
What's in it for you?
We reward you for the work you do, whether that’s through our discretionary annual bonus scheme that reflects both personal and company performance, competitive annual leave allowance (28 days plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase an additional 5 days), or online rewards platform with a variety of discounts.
We also have benefits to support whatever stage of life you are in, including:
- Competitive parental leave (26 weeks full pay)
- Private medical insurance (optional taxable benefit)
- 10% non-contributory pension (increasing with length of service)
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.
