Finance Assurance Analyst

Aegon Asset Management ,
Edinburgh, City of Edinburgh
More Details

Overview

Job Description

Summary Job Description The Finance Assurance Analyst will perform a range of oversight and assurance activities compliant with relevant regulations including Sarbanes-Oxley and Solvency II, and with Aegon methodologies and practices. The focus will be on monitoring adherence and driving improvements to controls over finance and business risks. This role acts as a pivotal link between the Risk and wider business functions including finance and actuarial, operations, and IT. The job holder will conduct risk assessment and control testing to assess the effectiveness of the design and operation of controls. Effective communication with process and control owners is an essential element of the role to agree timetables, evidence requirements, results and deficiency remediation actions. External audit place reliance on controls testing undertaken by Finance Assurance Analysts therefore there is a requirement to be able to maintain an effective working relationship with the external auditors. Key Tasks * Review documentation of business processes, risks and controls. Arrange and conduct process walkthroughs to confirm the accuracy of the documentation and assess the design effectiveness of the controls, including through effective challenge. Produce related documentary evidence of walkthroughs. * Develop test plans designed to provide assurance of the effectiveness of controls, primarily those relevant to financial reporting. * Conduct testing of key controls to assess effectiveness, to identify deficiencies and related control improvements. Liaise with process and control owners to identify solutions to control issues, at the earliest opportunity, and agree remediation actions and timescales for control weaknesses and deficiencies identified. Produce and maintain high quality documentation and other records of the testing performed to meet the standards of those who place reliance on the work conducted, including external audit. * Plan and deliver own tasks in accordance with the overall programme of risk and assurance activities of the Finance Risk Team. * Build relationships with 1st and 2nd line colleagues and others to support collaborative work, whilst also maintaining a suitable level of independence. * Providing challenge, support and advice to process and control owners within Finance and the wider business to influence them to develop, embed and maintain a strong risk and control culture. * Deliver reporting and management information to meet the needs of stakeholders, including the Sarbanes-Oxley Steering Committee, Management Committees, Aegon Group and external audit. * Contribute to the development of improvements to the methods and processes of the Finance Risk Team and wider business to add value and to drive control improvements and efficiency. * Assist with wider Risk activities as may be reasonably required. * Demonstrate in all aspects of the role Aegon's four Future Fit Behaviours - Acting as One, Agility, Customer Centricity and Accountability. Skills * Logical/analytical thinking - able to understand processes and assess related risks and controls, and to analyse data * Stakeholder management - consulting, building relationships, influencing and challenging * Written and oral communication * Problem solving * Attention to detail Knowledge * Knowledge of assurance principles and techniques is essential * Knowledge of risks and controls relevant to finance and related functions is beneficial Experience * Prior experience of working in an oversight role is an essential requirement - either in Risk, IT, Internal Audit or External Audit * Experience of Sarbanes-Oxley, Solvency II, external audit and controls testing is an advantage * Financial Services experience is beneficial Qualifications Part Qualified or Fully Qualified Accountant, or a relevant Internal Audit qualification, or a relevant IT qualification. Salary This is a full-time role with a competitive salary, dependent on experience. Benefits In return, we offer career development and a range of benefits including: * Non-contributory Pension between 8% and 12% dependent on age * Private Health Care * Income Protection (after 12 months service) * Life Assurance (6 x basic annual salary) Please submit your application by the closing date of 23 June 2020. Additional Job Description Equal Opportunity Employer: We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age

People also viewed