Group Internal Auditor (Interim)

About the role

THG is seeking an Interim Group Internal Auditor to join our team in Manchester. This position involves ensuring that risk management practices are effectively implemented across the organization. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in internal and external auditing and will play a key role in enhancing our audit processes. You will be responsible for establishing robust audit schedules that align with the strategic objectives of the business. Your work will provide assurance on the effectiveness of governance, risk management, and internal control systems. You will act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on matters of risk and control. This role requires a proactive approach to identifying areas of improvement within existing frameworks. Your contributions will directly support the integrity and reliability of THG's operational and financial reporting.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Conduct comprehensive audits across various departments and business units globally, concentrating on both financial and non-financial aspects to ensure compliance.
• Create tailored audit engagement programs and adapt swiftly to new and evolving areas of the business to maintain relevance.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders to address audit findings, develop actionable recommendations, and rigorously track their implementation to closure.
• Identify and assess emerging internal and external risks proactively, ensuring potential issues are flagged before they escalate.
• Provide strategic insights on risk exposure and mitigation strategies to the business, supporting informed decision-making.
• Contribute to the ongoing enhancement of Risk and Internal Audit processes, methodologies, and documentation.
• Build and maintain trust-based relationships with key stakeholders throughout the organization to facilitate open communication.
• Perform detailed testing and analysis of controls to verify their design and operational effectiveness.
• Prepare clear and concise audit reports that communicate findings, conclusions, and recommendations accurately.
• Utilize a risk-based approach to plan and prioritize audit activities, ensuring resources are focused on high-risk areas.
• Monitor the effectiveness of remediation plans and provide follow-up assurance on previously reported issues.
• Leverage professional skepticism to challenge assumptions and identify potential weaknesses in business operations.
• Assist in the coordination of external audit procedures, ensuring timely and efficient responses to auditor inquiries.

Requirements

• A minimum of 3 years of experience in internal or external auditing, particularly within finance or shared services, providing a solid foundation for this role.
• Comprehensive understanding of risk management, control frameworks, and assurance activities to navigate complex audit scenarios.
• Professional qualification such as ACA, ACCA, or CIA is required to demonstrate professional credibility and expertise.
• Proven ability to foster relationships and engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to navigate ambiguity and draw conclusions efficiently, even with limited information.
• Team-oriented mindset with collaborative thinking capabilities to work seamlessly within a shared services environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, adaptable to different audiences to ensure clarity and impact.
• Experience in negotiating and managing difficult conversations, particularly around contentious issues that may arise during audits.
• Commercial awareness is essential, as many audits will involve commercial considerations impacting business performance.
• Familiarity with entry-level AI tools is advantageous for automating routine audit tasks and improving efficiency.
• A commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity, confidentiality, and professionalism in all audit engagements.
• The ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Willingness to adhere to THG's policies, procedures, and code of conduct in all professional activities.
• A detail-oriented approach ensuring accuracy and thoroughness in all audit assignments and deliverables.

Nice to have

• Experience in Risk Management to further enhance the evaluation of organizational threats and opportunities.
• Knowledge of task mining and process mining techniques to identify operational inefficiencies.
• Proficiency in data analytics, business intelligence tools, SQL reporting, and Tableau to derive actionable insights from data.

Skills & tools

• Internal and external audit methodologies to ensure a structured and effective audit approach.
• Risk assessment and management frameworks to evaluate and mitigate potential threats.
• Data analysis and reporting tools to communicate findings and trends clearly.

Practical notes

This role does not require visa sponsorship. The position is based in Manchester, and candidates should be willing to work on-site at our Icon Campus, WA15 0AF. Benefits include competitive salary, comprehensive leave policies, and access to wellness resources. Applications will be reviewed within 14 days of submission. Please ensure your application reflects your relevant experience and qualifications to be considered for this interim opportunity. The role is integral to maintaining the control environment and requires a proactive, self-starter who can hit the ground running. Success in this position will be measured by your ability to deliver high-quality audit assurance and drive improvements across the business. You will be expected to integrate quickly with the existing team and contribute to the department's goals immediately. The interim nature of the position demands flexibility and adaptability to changing priorities and project needs. This is a hands-on role that will provide significant exposure to the inner workings of a growing global business.