Senior Controls Analyst

Job Description: Senior Controls Analyst

Location: Dunstable, hybrid - a minimum of 3 days per week in the office.

Job Type: Permanent

Whitbread, owner of the leading budget hotel brand Premier Inn, is seeking a Senior Controls Analyst to ensure robust controls over accounts payable, accounts receivable, banking, finance system user access, and accounting & control processes.

The role involves:

1. Ensuring segregation of duties across financial transactions through monthly reviews of access conflicts.
2. Serving as the technical lead for the SOFY system.
3. Leading internal reviews on fraud vulnerability and developing response frameworks.
4. Representing the team as a key presenter at the quarterly Fraud Steering Committee meetings.

This position is suitable for someone looking to transition from an accounting practice into industry.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct fraud reviews and controls to mitigate fraud risks, maintaining the fraud risk register.
• Lead COSO activities in response to BEIS guidelines and UK corporate governance code.
• Perform monthly controls testing through process walkthroughs and sample controls testing.
• Manage SOFY system controls and monthly segregation of duties controls.
• Review IT General Controls and service auditor reports.
• Document controls validation results thoroughly, maintaining complete working papers.
• Monitor progress on control deficiencies and audit actions, reporting to the Controls Steering Group.
• Participate in period-end reviews linked to SOFY and FCF sign-offs.
• Assist in training and awareness workshops for control owners and teams.
• Build relationships with stakeholders to improve processes and controls.
• Coordinate disaster recovery plans.
• Engage with external auditors (Deloitte) to ensure controls are effectively reflected in audits.
• Promote a strong control culture within the organization.

Minimum Requirements:

• Excellent academic background.
• Part-qualified or qualified in ACCA, CIMA, or ACA.
• Understanding of business processes, risk evaluation, and control implementation.
• Knowledge of control frameworks such as COSO.
• Technical expertise across accounting and financial areas.
• Analytical and methodical approach to business analysis.
• Broad commercial experience and understanding of end-to-end processes.
• Knowledge of fraud mitigation and control processes.

Why Join Us:

At Whitbread, we are evolving with ambitious plans for growth. Our Finance team is central to this, driving budget, forecasting, and strategic initiatives. Join us to experience rapid career development and be part of shaping our future. #LI1-MS