Controls Manager (12-month FTC)

Job Title: Controls Manager - 12-month Fixed Term Contract
Location: Hertfordshire (Hybrid - 3 days in the office per week)
Salary: Up to �75,000 (+20% bonus)

About Us:
Our client is a prominent global retailer dedicated to providing exceptional customer experiences while upholding the highest standards of integrity and compliance. Their commitment to excellence extends beyond their products and services, encompassing every facet of their operations. As they continue to grow and innovate, they are seeking a talented Controls Manager to join their dynamic team.

About the Role:
As the Controls Manager, you will be instrumental in shaping and strengthening the control and risk frameworks across core people processes and systems. You will oversee the development, implementation, and enhancement of both key and non-key controls, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and alignment with industry best practices.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop an end-to-end Controls Framework for new processes and HR systems.
• Own and continuously enhance Risk and Control Matrices.
• Define and monitor Control KPIs for end-to-end processes.
• Collaborate with Global Process Owners, Process Teams, and Service Leads on changes impacting the Controls Framework.
• Partner with Internal and External Audit teams, as well as other Second Line of Defense functions.
• Oversee second line of defense assurance activities, including self-assessments, Risk Management, IT Risk and Controls, Legal compliance, Fraud, Investigations, and Security.
• Lead and support Control Self-Assessments for the First Line.
• Assist in the preparation and documentation of reports for Governance and Audit Committees on control design and effectiveness.

Requirements:

• Strong knowledge of Controls, Compliance, IT, and Audit within an HR environment.
• Proven ability to review and re-engineer procedures, develop policies, processes, controls, and compliance measures to effectively mitigate risks.
• Experience providing technical guidance and delivering training to end users.
• Skilled in data analysis to identify issues, errors, and potential fraud.
• Competence in leading investigations and implementing corrective actions.

Experience:

• Expertise in payroll and related HR processes within large, complex organizations.
• Demonstrated experience in internal controls documentation, implementation, and improvement.
• Familiarity with enterprise control and compliance standards.
• Knowledge of IT Auditing and SOX Framework.
• Strong understanding of IT Controls, including the three lines of defense model.
• Proven ability to engage and manage senior stakeholders.