Department: Accounts
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Company: Canary Wharf Limited
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Reporting to: Group Financial Controller
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Job Summary
The Senior Manager Internal Controls will lead the design, implementation, and ongoing monitoring of the Group’s internal control framework, ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements and operational excellence. This position will also serve as the primary liaison with internal audit functions, contributing to robust risk management and effective governance across the Canary Wharf business. The role requires a proactive leader with in-depth knowledge of internal controls and audit practices. The individual must be particularly experienced in the implementation of new controls and working with a range of stakeholders.
The role will report directly to the Associate Director – Group Finance but also have significant interaction with the Group Financial Controller and other senior stakeholders across the business. The role will be required to report to the Risk Management Committee and Audit Committee on a quarterly basis.
Salary: £100-110k
4 days office / 1 WFH
Main Responsibilities
Internal Control Framework Design & Implementation
- Develop and implement a comprehensive internal control framework aligned with the Group’s objectives, risk appetite, and regulatory obligations.
- Assess current processes, identify control gaps, and recommend enhancements to improve efficiency and mitigate risks.
- Create and maintain documentation of policies, procedures, and controls (Risk and Control Matrices), ensuring clarity and accessibility for relevant stakeholders.
- Work closely with key departments and stakeholders across Finance, Legal, Operations, and Development to embed internal control processes into daily operations.
Monitoring and Continuous Improvement
- Develop key performance indicators (KPIs) and reporting mechanisms to measure the effectiveness of the internal control environment.
- Perform regular reviews of controls to ensure compliance with established frameworks and evolving business needs.
- Lead periodic risk assessments and update control frameworks accordingly.
- Partner with operational teams to promote a culture of accountability, transparency, and awareness of internal controls.
Audit Liaison and Coordination
- Act as the primary point of contact for internal auditors, ensuring a collaborative and effective audit process.
- Coordinate audit schedules, ensuring timely availability of required documentation and information.
- Address audit findings by developing and implementing remediation plans in collaboration with relevant teams.
- Provide regular updates to senior management and the Audit Committee on audit outcomes, remediation progress, and control effectiveness.
Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management
- Stay updated on relevant UK regulations and best practices in internal controls and risk management.
- Ensure internal controls comply with regulatory requirements and industry standards.
- Partner with the compliance and legal teams to address any emerging risks or regulatory changes.
Team Leadership and Stakeholder Engagement
- Lead cross-functional teams to achieve internal control objectives, providing guidance and support as needed.
- Deliver training programs and workshops to ensure employees understand their roles in maintaining an effective control environment.
- Build strong relationships with key stakeholders, including the Audit committee, and external consultants.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Technical Skills
- Expertise in designing and implementing internal control frameworks (e.g., COSO or Sox).
- Experience with internal audit processes, risk assessments, and financial controls.
- Advanced knowledge of governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) systems and tools.
- Experience of using technology solutions to enhance the control environment is critical. Yardi experience would be an advantage but not essential.
- Strong understanding of UK regulations, with experience of those regulations applicable to real estate and development businesses an advantage but not essential.
- Knowledge of IFRS/UK GAAP financial reporting standards. Qualified accountant (ACA) an advantage.
Soft Skills
- Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and guide senior leaders
- Analytical and problem-solving skills to identify control weaknesses and recommend practical solutions.
- Strong leadership and team management abilities to inspire cross-functional teams.
- High level of integrity and commitment to maintaining ethical standards.
Qualifications And Experience
- Professional certifications such as ACA, ACCA, or equivalent are highly desirable.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in internal controls (post qualification), audit, or risk management. Real estate, property development, or a related sector an advantage but not essential.
- Proven track record of working with senior leadership teams and audit committees to deliver successful outcomes.
Experience managing complex projects and driving change within an organisation
Health Safety And Welfare Responsibilities
All staff are required to fulfil their legal duty to take reasonable care for the health and safety of themselves and others who may be affected by their acts and omissions, and to follow all guidance and instructions given in this respect. Further details regarding Health & Safety responsibilities are set out in the Health & Safety Policy in the Administrative Rules and Procedures, and the Health, Safety & Welfare Manual.
Environmental, Social & Governance (esg) Responsibilities
Recognising the centrality of ESG principles within our organisation, we have developed a comprehensive ESG Strategy. It is imperative that all staff members understand and adopt this strategy into their respective roles. This includes adhering to environmental regulations, minimising waste, supporting nature within our urban environment, and facilitating positive change for those in need within our community and utilising our volunteering.
Quality Management Responsibilities
In line with the latest ISO 9001 requirements and our dedication to quality management, all staff are mandated to comply with system requirements as detailed within the Company Quality Manual & Policies. Additionally, it's vital to ensure the effective implementation of all Procedures, Plans, and Forms within our Electronic Document Management Systems (EDMS) to meet the ISO 9001: Quality Management Standard.
Company Values
Commit to Excellence
- Act with integrity and deliver high performance
- Put our customers at the heart of what we do
- Resolve issues by providing high quality solutions
Foster Collaboration
- Find opportunities to collaborate with others across the business to achieve shared goals
- Encourage inclusive networks and treat others with respect and fairness
- Use knowledge to work effectively with suppliers / contractors to meet shared goals
Encourage Engagement
- Confident in making decisions appropriate to the role
- Learn from mistakes and listen to constructive feedback to improve performance
- Prioritise safety and actively support community, wellbeing and sustainability programmes
Take Ownership
- Take pride in delivering high quality service which exceeds expectations
- Committed to opportunities for self-development
- Take responsibility for my own performance and look for ways to improve
Embrace Innovation
- Embrace change and innovation
- Proactively suggest ways to improve our business and encourage others to share ideas
- See new challenges as opportunities to deliver effective change
What We Offer
Diversity and Inclusion
We recognise the importance of embracing diverse experience, skills and perspectives at all levels and operating in an inclusive working environment, in order for everyone to reach their full potential. We also recognise that it makes business sense, since being an inclusive employer leads to better business performance and higher levels of employee engagement and satisfaction. We welcome applicants with diverse backgrounds, perspectives and skills and are committed to fostering a culture whereby everyone can reach their full potential.
Flexible Working
As an inclusive employer, we recognise the positive impact flexible working can have on an individual, their wellbeing, engagement and productivity. Therefore, we are open to consider flexible working arrangements, both temporary or permanent.
Learning and Development
At Canary Wharf Group, our employees receive a wide range of support to help improve their skills and achieve their career goals. We offer development opportunities through classroom and e-learning training, mentoring, cross department experience and on the job learning. We heavily invest in our staff attaining accreditations to develop existing and new skills, support chartered status, sponsorships and provide further educational opportunities which are job and business related. We never stand still and continually invest in developing skills and knowledge to ensure individual and company growth.
Other Benefits
We are committed to building a safe, happy and healthy community for our employees and we offer a comprehensive range of benefits, all designed with our employees and their wellbeing in mind. From generous pension and insurance plans, to health benefits, subsidised gym membership, store discounts and family leave, our benefits package allows our employees to choose the benefits that suit them and their individual needs.
If you are interested in joining our highly professional and skilled team for our next exciting phase of development, please complete the form on this page to apply online.
Early applications are encouraged as we reserve the right to appoint at any point.
