Senior Auditor

The Senior Internal Auditor will support the UK Head of Internal Audit to implement and embed a risk-based assurance strategy and set of plans which are aligned with the nature, size and complexity of Lowell and its environment. The role can suit somebody who is looking for a career in Internal Audit or, alternatively, someone who is seeking to develop their knowledge, bank of experience and profile in Lowell audit over a 2-3 year period.

In summary, the Senior Internal Auditor will be required to:

• Understand the organisation's risk profile in the context of its strategic objectives and plans in order to effectively input to the risk-based internal audit planning process
• Lead on internal audit assignments with support and oversight from the UK Head of Audit
• Communicate effectively (in the written and verbal form) and collaboratively with peers in the Internal Audit function and stakeholders across Lowell
• Build and maintain constructive working relationships with key stakeholders of the Internal Audit function across Lowell including the second line of defence functions
• Provide a positive contribution to the development of the Internal Audit function and the Lowell risk and internal control environment

As such, this role will provide the successful candidate with exposure to a range of stakeholders (including senior management) and subject matter experts across Lowell. Therefore, applications would be appreciated from individuals from all technical backgrounds (for example, Risk, Finance, Commercial and IT) with a genuine interest in risk management, internal control and most importantly, Internal Audit.

The role is based in Leeds. However, there will be an opportunity for the successful candidate to gain exposure to their peers and stakeholders in other parts of the Group across Europe.

Key areas of responsibility:

• Support the development of the risk-based Internal Audit assurance strategy, delivery plan and the processes which underpin them
• Plan, lead and deliver audit reviews ensuring they are completed in line with the Group Internal Audit methodology, to a high standard and within the allocated days and budget that is set.
• Ensure that the progress of reviews is understood and that any potential issues and/or control gaps are discussed as they arise.
• Prepare and present audit findings to the UK Head of Internal Audit, auditees and key business stakeholders, as appropriate.
• Prepare written reports that detail the audit findings, the root causes of them and proportionate recommendations in accordance with the Lowell Risk Appetite .
• Conduct ad hoc reviews and special investigations as requested from time to time by UK Head of Internal Audit and/or Group Head of Internal Audit.
• Assist in the monitoring of agreed Internal Audit actions to allow for the closure of audit findings and associated reporting, in line with the Group Internal Audit methodology.
• Work with peers across Internal Audit to support the development of its working practices.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the UK regulatory environment, the operations of Lowell and its environment (including the strategic, commercial and regulatory factors) on a current and forward-looking basis to ensure that audit work is proportionately focused and meets (internal and external) stakeholder needs and expectations
• Proactively keep up to date with any mandated IIA guideline changes.
• Develop relationships with the UK business, in particular Managers and Senior Managers, in order to raise the profile of Internal Audit and generate business buy in for the work that is delivered.
• Develop effective relationships with the Second Line of Defence.
• Promote audit activity across the UK region.
• Supporting the design and implementation of internal audit data analytics solutions for continuous auditing and monitoring.
• Evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of management controls for managing risks around information security, change management, system operations, and system design and development.

Requirements:

• If you are from an internal audit background. comprehensive experience in the delivery of Internal audit assignments end to end, including:
  - Completion of planning and fieldwork; including the identification and evaluation of risks and associated controls, and the design and delivery of testing strategies
  - Provision of feedback to management; including issues as they arise, audit findings and proposed solutions
  - Report writing.
• If you are not from an internal audit background, we expect you to have experience of:
  - Providing feedback in a sensitive and diplomatic way to management and peers;
  - Identifying, assessing and introducing controls to proportionately mitigate risks in accordance with Risk Appetite in a 1st line role or facilitating/monitoring it in a 2nd line Risk or Compliance role
• Strong and demonstrable experience of stakeholder engagement and relationship management.
• Hold a recognised professional qualification (CIA, CISA, ACCA etc.), or be qualified by experience.
• Experience working in relevant environments with high volume of transactional data ie Analytics/Business Intelligence, Data science, Audit or Risk Analytics
• Experience of using relevant analytics software packages, ie ACL, SQL, Qlickview, SAS, Python, or other analytical tools
• Financial Services and financial product knowledge is desirable

Personal Characteristics:

• Logical, organised and analytical working approach
• Pro-actively use initiative to solve problems and address challenges
• Work both as part of a team and individually
• Prioritise work to tight timelines
• Attention to detail and working with a high level of accuracy
• Identify and escalate issues on a timely basis
• Confidentiality, discretion, diplomacy and professionalism
• Multitask - while managing both time and work load
• Written and verbal communication skills a must; strong interpersonal and influential skills essential.