Financial Controls Specialist

Howden; Witney; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A global insurance group in the UK is seeking a Financial Controls Specialist to enhance their control environment to SOx standards. This role involves leading remediation plans for SOx control deficiencies, collaborating with process owners to redesign controls, and aligning activities with COSO framework. The ideal candidate will be a qualified accountant with strong knowledge of SOx 404 and experience in a formal control environment. This position promotes a diverse and supportive work culture.

Qualifications

• Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA).
• Strong knowledge of SOx 404, COSO framework, and ICFR principles.
• Experience in accounting/audit within a formal control environment or SOx compliance role.
• Proven track record in control remediation and process documentation.
• Skilled in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
• Highly collaborative, with excellent communication skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Experience in insurance brokerage or financial services is desirable but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead remediation plans for SOx control deficiencies across UK&I Retail entities.
• Collaborate with process owners to redesign and implement effective controls.
• Review and update process documentation, including narratives, flowcharts, and risk/control matrices.
• Perform testing for design and operating effectiveness of remediated controls.
• Partner with internal and external auditors to provide evidence and resolve findings.
• Align activities with COSO framework and US GAAP requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement by streamlining processes and introducing tools like eClose and dashboards.

Job description

Who are we?

Howden is a global insurance group with employee ownership at its heart. Together, we have pushed the boundaries of insurance. We are united by a shared passion and no-limits mindset, and our strength lies in our ability to collaborate as a powerful international team comprised of 23,000 employees spanning over 56 countries.

People join Howden for many different reasons, but they stay for the same one: our culture. It’s what sets us apart, and the reason our employees have been turning down headhunters for years. Whatever your priorities – work / life balance, career progression, sustainability, volunteering – you’ll find like-minded people driving change at Howden.

Financial Controls Specialist

Location: UK&I Retail | Type: Full-time

We’re looking for a Financial Controls Specialist to join our team and play a key role in enhancing our control environment to SOx standards. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real impact by addressing control gaps, implementing remediation plans, and supporting audit readiness across our finance operations.

What you’ll do

• Lead remediation plans for SOx control deficiencies across UK&I Retail entities.
• Collaborate with process owners to redesign and implement effective controls.
• Review and update process documentation, including narratives, flowcharts, and risk/control matrices.
• Perform testing for design and operating effectiveness of remediated controls.
• Partner with internal and external auditors to provide evidence and resolve findings.
• Align activities with COSO framework and US GAAP requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement by streamlining processes and introducing tools like eClose and dashboards.

What we’re looking for

• Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA).
• Strong knowledge of SOx 404, COSO framework, and ICFR principles.
• Experience in accounting/audit within a formal control environment or SOx compliance role.
• Proven track record in control remediation and process documentation.
• Skilled in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
• Highly collaborative, with excellent communication skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Experience in insurance brokerage or financial services is desirable but not essential.

What do we offer in return?

A career that you define. At Howden, we value diversity – there is no one Howden type. Instead, we’re looking for individuals who share the same values as us:

• Our successes have all come from someone brave enough to try something new
• We support each other in the small everyday moments and the bigger challenges
• We are determined to make a positive difference at work and beyond

Reasonable adjustments

We're committed to providing reasonable accommodations at Howden to ensure that our positions align well with your needs. Besides the usual adjustments such as software, IT, and office setups, we can also accommodate other changes such as flexible hours* or hybrid working*.

If you're excited by this role but have some doubts about whether it’s the right fit for you, send us your application – if your profile fits the role’s criteria, we will be in touch to assist in helping to get you set up with any reasonable adjustments you may require.

*Not all positions can accommodate changes to working hours or locations. Reach out to your Recruitment Partner if you want to know more.