Controls Assurance Advisor

Railpen; Tees Valley; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous annual bonus

Hybrid and flexible working

Railways Pension Scheme

Life Assurance 4x

Maternity leave 12 months

Paternity leave 6 months

Job summary

Railpen in the United Kingdom (Darlington) is seeking a Controls Assurance Specialist to join the Assurance and Standards team. This hybrid role (2 days in Darlington) focuses on testing controls across Member Services, producing reports, and using data to drive improvements.

You’ll collaborate with Risk, Compliance and Internal Audit while strengthening the control environment and supporting governance activities.

Qualifications

• Experience in financial services
• Experience in controls assurance, risk, governance or audit
• Strong analytical skills to interpret data and identify trends
• Experience producing reports and management information
• Advanced Excel skills
• Strong stakeholder management and communication

Responsibilities

• Testing controls across Member Services to assess whether they are operating effectively and delivering the intended outcomes.
• Producing assurance reports, management information and insights to inform decision-making and governance.
• Analyzing data and assurance outcomes to identify trends, risks and opportunities for improvement.
• Collaborating with stakeholders to review processes and implement improvements.
• Supporting the introduction of new controls and embedding assurance activities.
• Cooperating with Risk, Compliance and Internal Audit to maintain a robust control environment.

Skills

Financial services

Controls assurance

Risk & compliance

Data analysis

Reporting

Excel

Stakeholder management

Tools

Power BI

Case management systems

Job description

**Controls Assurance Specialist***Darlington **(hybrid working)** 2 days per week in the Darlington office, with flexibility depending on business needs and stakeholder engagement.***About the role**We're looking for a Controls Assurance Specialist to join our Assurance and Standards team and help us build confidence in the controls and processes that underpin Member Services. Working closely with colleagues across the business, you'll use assurance testing, reporting and data-led insight to identify risks, strengthen controls and support continuous improvementTo learn more about Railpen, including our values, culture and purpose, visit our careers page **here**.**What you’ll be doing*** Testing controls across Member Services to assess whether they are operating effectively and delivering the intended outcomes.* Producing assurance reports, management information and insights that help inform decision-making and support governance activities.* Analysing data and assurance outcomes to identify trends, risks and opportunities for improvement.* Working with stakeholders across the business to review processes, discuss findings and support the implementation of improvements.* Supporting the introduction of new controls and ensuring they are embedded within assurance activities.* Collaborating with Risk, Compliance and Internal Audit colleagues to maintain a robust and effective control environment.**What we’re looking for**We're looking for someone who enjoys understanding how processes work, identifying where improvements can be made and helping teams strengthen their control environment. You don't need experience in every aspect of assurance, but you'll bring strong analytical skills, a collaborative approach and the confidence to engage with stakeholders across the business.**Essential*** Experience gained within a financial services environment.* Experience working within controls assurance, risk, compliance, governance, audit or a similar discipline.* Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and identify trends.* Experience producing reports, management information and business insights.* Advanced Excel skills and confidence working with data.* Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, including the ability to present findings and recommendations clearly.* The ability to balance constructive challenges with a collaborative approach.**Desirable*** Experience within pensions administration or a pension-related environment.* Knowledge of controls assurance frameworks and methodologies.* Experience using Power BI or similar dashboard reporting tools.* Exposure to workflow or case management systems.* Experience supporting continuous improvement initiatives.* Relevant qualifications, or qualification through experience, in risk, audit or pensions administration.* undefined **Why is this role exciting now?** Member Services is continuing to strengthen how assurance activities are delivered, with an increasing focus on data-driven insight, effective controls and continuous improvement. This role offers the opportunity to work across the business, influence positive change and help shape the future of controls assurance within Member Services. You'll see the direct impact of your work through improved processes, stronger governance and better outcomes for our members, while collaborating with teams across Risk, Compliance, Internal Audit and Operations.**What you’ll get in return*** A competitive salary (depending on experience) plus generous annual bonus plan* 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays* We provide membership of the Railways Pension Scheme, a Defined Benefit arrangement under which you get a pension for life and a lump sum when you retire, based on your length of service and pay* 4x Life Assurance cover* We support hybrid and flexible working along with very generous family leave including 12 months full pay maternity leave and 6 months full pay paternity leave* Take a look at the full range of benefits available to support you, click here **Next steps** If you’re excited by the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution and grow your career with us, we encourage you to apply by 9th October 2026.