Head of Internal Audit and Risk

Competitive Salary plus benefits

Reporting to the Audit Committee the Head of Internal Risk and Audit has responsibility for the Internal Audit & Risk function. This role is critical in supporting the business achieve its strategic objectives by providing timely and value-add insight to senior management and an independent view to the Audit Committee.

Your role

• Responsible for setting the strategy for Internal Audit and Risk in alignment with Asda’s strategic objectives and values. Able to draw on diverse sources of information and leverages external stakeholders to develop strategies and identify business improvement opportunities.
• Provides leadership in the development of audit plans, procedures, and methodologies to evaluate the adequacy of the company’s internal control environment. Ensures audit plans are risk-based, focused on providing value-add insight to management, and adjusted in response to changing business risks.
• Directs and oversees the delivery of high-quality assurance reports and recommendation plans to the Audit Committee and senior management which address key business risks and control issues.
• Partner the business in implementing these plans and keep the Audit Committee up to date on overdue or high-risk actions.
• Lead the Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) programme across Asda to ensure that it becomes an enabler to the business, providing confidence to take opportunities which will add value whilst managing associated risks.
• Develops and maintains strong relationships and communications with the Audit Committee to ensure concerns are addressed and expectations met.
• Develops and maintains strong relationships with Asda leadership, providing guidance and/or consultation in the development of strategies to improve financial and operational performance of the business.
• Develops and maintains strong working relationship with key external stakeholders. This includes external auditors, to ensure effectiveness of service delivery and appropriate resolution of findings/issues identified, and co-source partners, to provide specialist support on assurance as required.
• Drives a culture of continuous improvement within wider business and the audit function by identifying, sharing, and integrating best practices. Remain up to date on industry and market regulations.
• Attracts, develops, and retains a high performing team by making sure key people processes are enacted and enforced

Let's find out about you?

• Extensive experience auditing in a large private-equity backed or FTSE-listed company
• Experience leading a large team with a track record of creating value through assurance and advisory engagements
• Proven ability to influence and skillfully negotiate situations of conflict in a constructive manner
• Excellent business partnering and communication skills at C-suite level
• Steps forward to address difficult issues and guide others toward the accomplishment of identified, meaningful goals
• An ability to deliver at pace and be a positive and engaging leader in a complex and ever-changing environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential with the ability to prepare and present engaging and impactful reporting for the Board and other key stakeholders
• Experience coordinating and successfully embedding an Enterprise Risk Management programme cross-functionally
• Experience of project assurance or change management engagements
• Qualified accountant either ACA, CIMA or ACCA; or other relevant financial qualification including MBA
• Experience in the grocery or retail industry is preferable
• Strong working knowledge of information technology and its implications for business commerce and managing and controlling business operations

Everything you'll love

To ensure we balance moments where we know we need to collaborate together and the need for flexibility, Asda has a hybrid way of working with a minimum 3 days a week in one of our Home Offices.  Over and above this, each area of Asda may have additional requirements which may require spending more days in the office, visiting suppliers, stores or depots.

You will also get an excellent benefits package including:

• Discretionary company bonus
• Company pension up 1.5 times colleagues' contribution (Max 15%)
• Company Car allowance of £8000
• 15% colleague discount in store and online
• Free access to wellbeing services such as Wagestream
• 24/7 virtual GP, counselling, health and dental cash plans and a 24/7 employee assistance helpline, alongside discounts across a range of services and activities, from airport parking, enhanced  to theme parks and cinemas
• Asda Allies Inclusion Networks – helping colleagues to make sure everybody is included and that our differences are recognised and celebrated
• Excellent parental leave policies, including maternity & adoption leave, paternity leave, shared parental leave, neonatal care leave, and support for those doing fertility treatments.

We want all colleagues to be able to bring their best and true selves to work, every day. Simply put, we want our colleagues to be Proud to be Asda and proud to be themselves