Control Assurance Specialist

Overview A role has arisen for a Control Assurance Specialist who will report directly to the Control Assurance Manager. The successful candidate will function autonomously while working alongside a driven, successful and extremely competent team of risk and governance professionals. This position would suit someone who is adaptable, who can work to high standards and across multiple disciplines. The successful incumbent will thrive in a challenging and pressured environment with exposure at all levels of the organisation. Key Responsibilities Process and Thematic ReviewsEngage at various levels of organisation both internally and externallyComplete process and thematic reviews, per the Control Assurance plan To assess control adequacy of controls by reviewing process documentation, risk and control self-assessments, etc Suggest and agree actions with Management to remediate any weaknesses identifiedPerform control effectiveness testing to ensure that suggested remedial actions/controls are implemented within processes/business areas Consider the risk management process outcomes (risk and control assessment, key risk indicators, feedback from Management) to assess areas of process and control improvementsOperational Risk Standard and Risk Analysis Facilitate the identification, assessment and monitoring of key risks and assessment of the adequacy and effectiveness of key controls per functional area within M&G SASupport Management to implement the relevant aspects of the M&G plc Risk Management Framework and Operational Risk Standards across the business and to manage any changes as required by the framework and standards. This includes review, assessment and facilitation of risk and controls self-assessments, analysis of incidents to determine root causes, trends and repeat incidents, identification and management of issues and actions, process documentation reviews to confirm that risks and controls are appropriately documentedUtilise control and assurance tools to assess, monitor, and report on key risks, providing clear feedback on control effectiveness and supporting the development of strong risk awareness and compliance practices across the organisationExternal Assurance ProvidersEngage with ISAE3402 service provider and Management across the organisation to co-ordinate the delivery of control effectiveness testing across the business Provide challenge and oversight into the ISAE review process with regards to updates to processes and controls, design adequacy and completenessEngage with Management and the ISAE3402 service provider to facilitate workshops, walkthroughs, status update meetings, and report sign off and resolve queries and exceptions Support Management to resolve exceptions and audit related queries to ensure a positive audit outcomeInternal Audit Reviews Facilitate business readiness reviews and engage with Management to assist in internal audit reviews Assist with the facilitation of internal audit reviews and provide input into draft report observations Follow up on review findings and engage with the business to ensure that findings are closed out in a timeous mannerQualifications, Skills & Experience Tertiary qualification in Commerce/Certified Internal Auditor A minimum of five years’ working experience in financial services or asset management Internal audit or risk management experience preferredExcellent verbal and written communication skillsExcellent numeracy skillsTechnical understanding of financial products and instruments Competencies & Personal Attributes Good problem solving and analytical skillsWell-developed communication skills Ability to constructively challenge assumptions, control weaknesses, and proposed actions, using evidence-based insights to influence decision-making and strengthen governance.Ability to work under pressure with limited supervisionAbility to maintain service standardsAbility to work accurately and in detailAbility to work in a team environmentAction orientatedExcellent planning and organisingAbility to liaise with all levels of management in a professional mannerStrong ability to persuade and influence stakeholders at all levels, using clear reasoning and evidence-based insights to drive alignment and support improvements in controls and risk managementAbility to deliver results through cross-functional teams by providing guidance, setting clear expectations, and ensuring accountability for control and risk-related deliverablesAbility to promote risk awareness and strengthen risk culture through proactive business engagement, thorough reviews, and constructive, actionable feedbackConfidentiality is an absolute requirement and any breach of confidentiality or honesty will not be tolerated. Integrity must be unquestionable.