Head of Risk and Audit

WH Smith PLC; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

WH Smith PLC is seeking a Head of Risk and Audit to oversee compliance and audit functions within the organization. The role involves managing audit assignments, ensuring effective risk management, and collaborating with various teams to enhance corporate governance. Ideal candidates will have internal audit experience and strong leadership skills, contributing to a culture of continuous improvement and compliance.

Benefits

Competitive Salary

Profit-related Bonus

25 Days Holiday plus Birthday Off

Pension

Qualifications

• Experience managing a team.
• Essential internal audit experience.
• Retail experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Completing audit assignments and internal audit work.
• Liaising with auditees and planning fieldwork.
• Drafting reports and coordinating with management.

Skills

Team Management

Internal Audit

Report Writing

Interpersonal Skills

Proactivity

Education

Accounting Qualifications

Job description

Head of Risk and Audit

Swindon - Hybrid working

Following the recent acquisition, the High Street enters an exciting new chapter as TGJones, filled with opportunity and growth. We have a number of positions allowing you to explore new pathways, broaden your expertise, and play a key part in shaping the future of the business. It's a perfect time to take charge of your career at TGJones.

Contributing to the overall corporate governance and effective risk management of the business, this role is part of the Legal & Compliance team, based in our Support Centre in Swindon. The Head of Risk and Audit oversees the Health and Safety, Compliance, and Audit functions.

The role involves completing planned audit assignments and other internal audit work, reviewing core systems, functions, and processes across TG Jones. Internal audits assess the effectiveness of controls and procedures addressing financial, operational, reputational, and compliance risks.

As part of a small team, you will be responsible for completing audit assignments, liaising with auditees, planning, conducting fieldwork, drafting reports, and coordinating with the Head of Function and auditees to finalize findings for reports to the TGJones Operating Board.

What you will be doing:

1. Undertaking audit assignments across the business as per the annual audit plan approved by the TG Jones Operating Board.
2. Liaising with auditees to confirm timings and contacts involved in audits.
3. Producing 'terms of reference' documents to define audit scope.
4. Applying risk-based methodologies to ensure all relevant risk issues are considered.
5. Conducting fieldwork to understand, evaluate, and document controls within systems and processes.
6. Interviewing staff and testing system controls for effectiveness.
7. Documenting findings and drafting audit reports, including an executive summary and supporting details.
8. Reviewing draft reports with the Company Secretary/Legal Director for approval.
9. Collaborating with management to review reports, gather comments, and agree on action plans.
10. Following up on previous audit actions to ensure implementation.
11. Performing additional audit tasks, including ad hoc reviews, fraud investigations, stocktakes, and risk register support.
12. Maintaining key audit documentation.
13. Visiting UK sites to establish audit processes.
14. Reviewing and implementing business policies.
15. Supporting ongoing corporate governance and risk management programs.
16. Coordinating with external auditors and SMEs to align with best practices.
17. Maintaining close contact with the Legal and Compliance team.
18. Managing line reports and leading a small team.

What we are looking for:

1. Experience managing a team.
2. Essential internal audit experience.
3. Retail experience preferred but not essential.
4. Fire Risk Assessment training advantageous.
5. Excellent report writing skills.
6. Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
7. Strong interpersonal skills and relationship-building ability.
8. Proactive and driven.
9. Accounting qualifications are a plus.

About Us:

We value our people and support their development through training, career opportunities, and benefits such as a competitive salary, profit-related bonus, 25 days holiday plus your birthday off, pension, and more. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity and inclusion.

Other details

• Job Family HO
• Pay Type Salary

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