Audit & Assurance Specialist - Financial Services

Sopra Steria Group; London; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in financial services is seeking an Audit & Assurance Specialist to enhance its oversight and compliance efforts. This role focuses on evaluating controls, regulatory adherence, and fraud detection across critical processes. Candidates should have a solid background in audit and risk management, with strong communication skills and relevant qualifications. Join a team that values work-life balance while making a significant impact in the financial landscape.

Qualifications

• Professional experience in internal/external audit, risk, or compliance.
• Understanding of UK financial services regulation, including BCOBS, FCA Conduct Rules.
• Familiarity with Anti-Money Laundering and financial crime.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent reviews and assessments of compliance and fraud processes.
• Evaluate the efficiency of controls in place for regulatory compliance.
• Provide oversight during client audits and ensure timely resolution of complaints.

Skills

Internal/External Audit

Risk Management

Compliance

Communication Skills

Data Analytics

Education

Relevant Professional Qualifications (CIIA, ISO Auditor, ICA Cert in Compliance/Risk)

Job description

Are you an audit and assurance professional who enjoys digging into the details and making a real difference in financial services?

Following the successful attainment of a contract with National Savings & Investments (NS&I), we are looking for an Audit & Assurance Specialist to join our growing team! Our aim is to become the UK’s largest and most trusted financial service provider, providing both contact centre and administrative solutions to help assist its 25 million customers!

This role plays a key part in delivering independent assurance and oversight of fraud and compliance-related activities across the NS&I account. You will conduct independent reviews, assessments, and challenges of business services and processes.

We recognise that work-life balance isn’t a luxury – it’s a necessity. We give employees the flexibility to help them achieve a healthier work-life balance and perform at their best. You will spend 2 days a month in our Lytham and London offices and for the most part, manage your own calendar.

What you will be doing:

1. Evaluate and report on the efficiency of controls in place to ensure compliance with the UK regulatory environment, including Consumer Duty, Treating Customers Fairly, and the Money Laundering Regulations.
2. Provide assurance over the design and efficiency of the Risk Management Framework, aligning with regulatory expectations and best practices in compliance and Anti-Money Laundering processes.
3. Perform assurance reviews on policy design and implementation across critical risk areas such as conflicts of interest, financial crime, whistleblowing, and compliance risk, ensuring frameworks remain current and effective.
4. Test the efficiency of compliance, risk, fraud detection, and conduct screening procedures, identifying control weaknesses and recommending improvements to mitigate risk exposure and potential financial losses.
5. Provide oversight and challenge during client audits and reviews, assessing preparedness, adherence to Terms of Reference, and the adequacy of responses to audit findings in collaboration with the Sopra Steria Financial Services Risk & Compliance Lead. Ensure customer complaints and disputes are resolved in accordance with FOS guidelines, ensuring fairness, consistency, and timely resolution.

What you will bring:

1. Professional experience in internal/external audit, risk, or compliance, in a Financial Services or regulated services environment.
2. A strong understanding of UK financial services regulation and guidance, including BCOBS (National Savings Bank environment), SYSC, FCA Conduct Rules, Consumer Duty, and PRIN.
3. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, able to present findings clearly and credibly to senior leadership and clients.
4. Sound knowledge of Anti Money Laundering, financial crime, and control environments, and a strong advocate for risk-aware behaviours.
5. Familiarity with data analytics and the ability to underpin findings.
6. Working towards or holding relevant professional qualifications (e.g., CIIA, ISO Auditor, ICA Cert in Compliance/Risk).

Security Clearance: SC

Internal Recruiter: Rachel

Salary offered will be in line with experience and development needs.

Interested in learning more about us?

Our Specialist Private Sector team is experienced across various markets including Banking, Insurance, Retail, Travel, Transport, and Utilities. We help our customers develop, deliver, and operationalise their digital transformation strategies. We work in true partnership with our clients, gaining a deep understanding of their business and technology issues.

Our capabilities across Private Sector markets enable the design, delivery, and management of business transformation programmes. We help our clients respond to changing customer demands, stay ahead of the competition, and safeguard their systems from evolving risks.

The personal information we collect from you will be shared with Cifas to prevent fraud, misconduct, and malpractice. If any are detected, you could be refused certain services or employment. Your data will also be used to verify your identity. Further details can be found at https://www.cifas.org.uk/fpn.