Audit Cross-Function - Senior Audit Manager / Vice President

Job description

SMBC: A trusted partner for the long term Here at SMBC Group, we want to help you find the next step in your career so read on to discover if this opportunity is the one for you. We like to recognise potential in our people, so we welcome your application even when your experience doesn’t perfectly align with the job description. Whilst we’ll always strive to be better, we’re proud of our inclusive culture, and encourage our applicants and colleagues to be their authentic, unique selves. Who we are United by a sense of purpose towards our customers – to be a trusted partner for the long-term – and our universal banking platform in EMEA, SMBC Group has an international growth agenda and award-winning products, meaning we provide exciting opportunities to work on a diverse range of projects and initiatives. We deliver a full suite of corporate finance products and solutions to our customers as well as investment banking and advisory services, and a range of innovative solutions in global capital markets. Read on to find out how you could enhance your skills and gain valuable experience, by joining us to support our clients transition to a sustainable future. Role Summary This role exists to provide an independent view and assurance over the control environment operating across EMEA entities (SMBC Bank International plc (SMBC BI), SMBC branches, and other subsidiaries within the EMEA region). The role undertakes and manages audits across a range of activities and supports audit teams in delivering in-depth testing and reviews to support audit opinions. It contributes to the audit opinion provided to EMEA Regional Management and the SMBC Group Audit Committee in Tokyo. Business Area Internal Audit Department (IAD) are asked for an independent opinion on the changes and controls implemented by the organisations within EMEA Region, this role aims to provide insight and opinion on the key controls in operation in the business areas under review and therefore must have the expertise to provide advice and consultancy services as required. Position Description IAD is responsible for the delivery of around 90 internal audit reports per year across the EMEA region. Due to the nature of each business and the audit cycle, the number of audits each Audit Manager is responsible for can vary from year to year. On average an Audit Manager would be responsible for the delivery of around 6-8 audits per year, and contribute to other audit assignments through delivery of fieldwork for other Audit Managers. This may include technically complex and highly regulated areas, large assignments, including theme audits across more than one jurisdiction/ business. These are scheduled so that some will overlap so that two assignments may be open at the same time, closing one and planning another, an Audit Manager will be able to manage both successfully. Responsibilities Preparation of planning material to ensure that the internal controls covering the key risks are appropriately tested in order to provide reasonable assurance to the Board, Group Management, Entity Management and other stakeholders, including regulators, that an effective internal control environment exists. Overseeing the work performed for the audit assignment by other team members. Providing guidance and support to team members as necessary. Directing testing to cover key areas of risk and determine the scope and focus in agreement with the Audit Partner of the review, and share expertise in their area with other team members. Preparing draft Audit Findings for review by IAD Management. The Audit Findings must be factually accurate and clearly communicate the findings and recommendations. The Audit Manager / Vice President (VP) must clearly communicate the issues to IAD Management and then to business Management including senior stakeholders. In doing so, the Audit Manager / VP may experience some significant challenge and must therefore be resilient and articulate in their presentation of the issues. Preparing the final internal audit report. The report must clearly communicate areas of positive assurance as well as areas where improvement in the internal control environment is required. Undertaking follow-up and closure of internal audit recommendations. This process requires the validation of action taken by line Management for the closure of all High and Moderate Priority Findings and the provision of assistant and guidance to Management. May be also asked to assist the Audit Partner with maintaining relationships with Senior Management (D, ED and MD level) in a nominated area of responsibility, have insight into business activities and be able to comment on key areas of risk for those business areas. Contributing to IAD initiatives and work collaboratively across EMEA. Challenges The broad range of business areas subject to internal audit. Tight timelines for the delivery of internal audit assignments, and managing conflicting priorities. Challenge from IAD Management and line Management and the ability to successfully articulate issues identified. The need to manage different groups of IAD staff assigned to each audit assignment. Qualifications and Skills Experience: Internal audit experience within financial services or a regulated environment. Technical Knowledge: Strong understanding of internal control frameworks, risk assessment methodologies, and audit standards. Analytical Skills: Ability to identify key risks, design appropriate testing strategies, and interpret complex data to form conclusions. Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills to prepare clear, concise audit reports and present findings to senior stakeholders. Leadership & Team Management: Proven experience in overseeing audit assignments, guiding team members, and managing multiple priorities. Stakeholder Management: Ability to build and maintain relationships with senior management and influence decision-making. Resilience & Professionalism: Capacity to handle challenging discussions with senior stakeholders and articulate issues effectively. Preferred Experience Industry Knowledge: Familiarity with banking operations, financial products, and regulatory requirements in EMEA. Asset Management and Sales & Trading Middle Office & Operations Expertise: In-depth knowledge of these areas, supported by hands-on audit experience. Audit Tools & Technology: Experience using audit management systems and data analytics tools. Project Management: Exposure to managing audit projects end-to-end, including planning, execution, and reporting. Cross-Regional Collaboration: Experience working in multinational teams and contributing to departmental initiatives. Professional Certifications: CIA, ACCA, CPA, or equivalent qualifications are highly desirable. Competencies Customer Focus Driving Change Driving Results Embraces Diversity Enterprise Leadership Judgement and Decision Making Risk Management Strategic and Visionary Trust and Integrity What we offer For all the expertise and experience you bring to help us make a difference, it’s only sustainable if we support you to build your career and be your best self so we offer competitive company benefits, centred around promoting positive well-bring and work-life balance. We also believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment, where all team members perspectives and contributions are valued. Initiatives in place which promote a diverse and inclusive culture and healthy work life balance include hybrid working, Sport & Social Clubs and Diversity and Inclusion networks. As an employee of SMBC you have access to a host of both useful and exciting benefit offerings. See below some of the benefits on offer to you: Hybrid and flexible working Competitive paid leave days Benefits to support your physical wellbeing, including private medical insurance and life and invalidity insurance Various policies to support your mental wellbeing, including a robust behavioural health network with counselling and coaching services Access a wide range of learning and development opportunities and career progression opportunities Ambitious remuneration package So, if you like a challenge and want to continuously grow and develop in a role where you will be supported along the way by a dynamic and diverse team, apply today!! We recognise our role as a bank to support social change and welcome all applications, including those from groups often under-represented in financial services. We value the uniqueness of professional and personal, backgrounds and perspectives as they play a vital role in continuing the sustainable growth of our organisation. We’ll ensure reasonable adjustments to our recruitment process are offered due to a disability or long-term condition whenever requested. We are committed to transparent and equitable pay practices. Compensation is determined using objective criteria, including skills, experience, and role responsibilities, and applied consistently throughout our recruitment processes. We do not request candidates' pay history and are committed to preventing unjustified pay disparities.