Audit Director

Columbia Threadneedle Investments; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

In-office collaboration

Job summary

Columbia Threadneedle Investments is seeking a senior leader for Risk & Control Services to oversee the EMEA region. You will manage audits across multiple businesses, coordinating with Risk & Compliance, Legal, and Finance to uphold governance and control standards. A strong background in financial services and asset management is essential.

You will lead a team, drive strategy, and ensure timely, high-quality assurance outcomes across geographies, including North America, as needed.

Qualifications

• Experience leading multiple concurrent audits or assurance activities.
• Strong written and verbal communication with senior stakeholders.
• Knowledge of ISAE 3402, SOC 1 and SOX 404 controls testing and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Plan and oversee multiple RCS activities, delivering the audit plan on time and within budget.
• Lead regional RCS function across EMEA; coordinate with North America where required.
• Build relationships with Risk & Compliance, Legal, Finance and other RCS teams; ensure governance.
• Mentor and coach the team; set goals and provide feedback.
• Oversee testing, issue resolution and closure of actions; ensure quality outputs.

Skills

Project leadership

Internal audit

Financial services knowledge

Regulatory awareness

Team leadership

Education

Degree in Accounting, Finance or related field

CIA/CISA/CPA/CFSA or equivalent

Job description

About Columbia Threadneedle Investments

Working at Columbia Threadneedle Investments you'll find growth and career opportunities across all of our businesses.

We're intentionally built to help you succeed. Our reach is expansive with a global team of 2,300 people working together. Our capability is diverse with more than 550 investment professionals sharing global perspectives across all major asset classes and markets. Our clients have access to a broad array of investment strategies, and we have the capability to create bespoke solutions matched to clients' specific requirements. Our unwavering focus on our clients and strong financial foundation connects each of our enterprise businesses — Ameriprise Financial, Columbia Threadneedle Investments and RiverSource Insurance and Annuities.

Job Description

Where you’ll fit in & what our team goals are…

The Risk and Control Services (RCS) team provides independent assessment and advice on the control and risk implications of the firm’s activities. This is achieved through internal audit reviews, involvement in business change projects, special investigations, and regular and proactive liaison with business areas. You will report to the Head of Global Asset Management Audit, leads the EMEA RCS team and oversees planned and ad hoc audit and review activity across EMEA and APAC, with support for North America where required. Your role covers Columbia Threadneedle Investments business activities and operations and may oversee multiple businesses, functions, subsidiaries and geographies concurrently.

In your role you will use a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve risk management, control and governance processes, and is accountable for consistent, high-quality delivery in line with RCS methodology, technology and department policies. You will build credible relationships through insightful audits, informed relationship management and clear thought leadership.

You will work closely with Risk and Compliance, Legal, Finance and other RCS teams to coordinate assurance activity, resolve complex issues and support effective governance. A clear understanding of, and commitment to, applicable regulation is expected, together with the ability to lead the regional RCS function in line with regulatory and IIA best practice.

How you'll spend your time…

• Plan and oversee multiple RCS activities concurrently, delivering the allocated audit plan on time, within budget and to required quality standards.
• Respond to emerging risk, schedule and deliver ad hoc reviews, and recommend ongoing changes to the plan so activity remains appropriately focused.
• Maintain detailed business, industry, regulatory and company knowledge to support complex risk assessments and issue resolution.
• Lead, develop and coach the team; set and cascade goals, provide action-oriented feedback and hold others accountable.
• Undertake capacity and resource planning across the Asset Management team and wider RCS to deploy resources effectively.
• Coordinate across RCS, including Technology and North American peers, to deliver the plan and contribute to strategic, process and methodology improvements.
• Review reports and workpapers to a final-draft standard.
• Recruit and develop talent, arranging training and other experiences that foster learning and capability.
• Oversee closure of RCS-identified actions to ensure adequate implementation.
• Maintain detailed understanding of SOX and other relevant assurance plan status, and oversee testing and walkthroughs in line with methodology.
• Prepare clear plan reporting and materials for executive, Board and governance forums, as necessary.
• Coordinate with appropriate control groups and relevant third‑party assurance providers in planning and executing assigned work.
• Deputise for the Head of Global Asset Management Audit and present findings and recommendations to senior business leaders and governance forums to gain alignment and timely corrective action.
• Proactively communicate and escalation challenges or roadblocks that affect established timelines.

To be successful in this role you will have...

• Extensive experience in a similar role.
• Experience leading and overseeing multiple concurrent projects or assurance activities.
• Financial services experience in public accounting, internal audit or a related field, preferably including asset management and an understanding of funds, fund structures, services and operating models.
• Broad knowledge across multiple business lines and/or demonstrated expertise in a critical subject matter area, with strong project leadership skills.
• Strong communication, influencing and relationship‑building skills, with the ability to analyse complex situations and present balanced summaries of issues, risks, actions and recommendations.
• Ability to lead, energise, motivate, manage, develop and coach a diverse team, transfer knowledge and help others build audit and business proficiency.
• A structured approach to problem solving, concise report writing and effective prioritisation of own work and the work of others.
• Good understanding of technology in the audit process and of technology application controls, alongside well‑developed commercial and regulatory awareness.
• Commitment to high‑quality, timely and insightful work, global collaboration, innovation and continual professional development.

• Degree in Accounting, Finance or a related field.
• Advanced degree or relevant professional certification, such as CIA, CISA, CPA, CFSA or an equivalent accountancy/internal audit qualification.
• Public company experience and knowledge of ISAE 3402, SOC 1, SSAE 16 and SOX 404 controls testing and reporting.
• Experience with a professional firm of accountants, ideally focused on financial services, or in internal audit at another financial institution.

In-Office Collaboration

We are a client-centric, relationship-based business. Working together, in‑person, is foundational to how we achieve results. By fostering a culture of face‑to‑face collaboration, idea sharing, productivity and personal connection, we deliver for our stakeholders — clients, advisors, employees and shareholders. Our employees work in the office at least four (4) days per week, with flexibility to work from home one (1) day per week. Some roles may require additional in‑office time or different in‑office expectations, and specific requirements will be discussed during the hiring process.

Full-Time/Part-Time

Full time
Worker Sub Type
Permanent
Job Family Group
Finance

Columbia Threadneedle is a people business, and we recognise that our success is due to our talented people, who bring diversity of thought, complementary skills and capabilities. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and performance‑based culture where everyone can belong, grow, contribute and realise their potential.

We appreciate that work‑life balance is an important factor for many when considering their next move so please discuss any flexible working requirements directly with your recruiter.

Columbia Threadneedle Investments is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to racial or ethnic background, religion or belief, sex or gender, nationality, genetic information, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, marital status, pregnancy or maternity or any other basis prohibited by law.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible recruitment process for individuals with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to aid your participation in the application or interview process, speak to your recruiter to discuss how we can support you.