Group Internal Auditor

Howdens is seeking a skilled and ambitious Group Internal Auditor (Finance) to join our Audit and Risk team at our Raunds, Northamptonshire office, with some home working. This is a prime opportunity to play a pivotal role in driving finance and accountancy-focused internal audits and reviews across our rapidly growing FTSE 100 business, with the capability to broaden your horizons into operational audit areas.

As a Group Internal Auditor, you will report directly to the Group Internal Audit Manager, leading a diverse range of audit and review assignments. You'll have the chance to shape the future of our business by building strong relationships with key stakeholders, influencing leadership teams, and partnering with the Risk Management team to identify and assess significant and emerging risks.

This role is ideal for a finance audit professional looking to advance their career in-house or transition from practice, with the potential to progress into a management position in the future.

What you'll do as a Group Internal Auditor?

• Lead and manage the delivery of audit and review assignments, ensuring high-quality outcomes.


• Build and nurture relationships with key stakeholders, effectively influencing leadership teams.


• Collaborate with the Risk Management team to identify and assess current and emerging risks.


• Evaluate significant risks across processes, projects, services, and business applications.


• Assess the design, effectiveness, and efficiency of key internal controls.


• Prepare clear, concise, and informative audit reports.


• Provide insightful advice to the business on areas of change and risk mitigation.


• Participate in major change programmes, offering critical support on governance and control development.


• Develop actionable recommendations to reduce risk, including in areas such as Fraud, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG), and Financial Reporting.
  
  Proven experience in finance internal audit and risk, with a track record of presenting in close-out meetings to Finance Directors within a dynamic environment.


• CIMA/ACCA/ACA qualification or nearing completion.


• Strong knowledge of finance auditing and risk management.


• Deep understanding of internal audit practices, principles, and procedures, including sampling methodologies and risk prioritisation.


• Experience in managing audit projects, including the use of data analytics tools.


• Exceptional relationship-building and stakeholder management skills.


• Attention to detail, with excellent literacy and numeracy skills.


• Highly motivated with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.


• Integrity, confidentiality, and professionalism in all interactions.


• Experience in auditing ESG controls and operational as well as financial audit assignments is advantageous but not essential.
  
  Howdens Joinery is a constituent of the FTSE 100 and UK's number one trade kitchen supplier providing thousands of products across kitchens, joinery, and hardware. We have over 900 depots throughout the UK and Europe and employ more than 12,000 staff. Last year, our sales reached over £2bn, and we have an ambitious growth agenda.


As well as the opportunity to develop within a high-profile company, you will be part of a rewarding organisation recognised for excellence in the workplace in the Best Big Companies to Work For.

How to apply:

This is more than just a job; it's a chance to shape the future of a leading FTSE 100 company. If you're a driven, finance audit professional looking to make your mark and potentially grow into a management role, we want to hear from you.

When you apply, you will need to attach a CV. You will need to activate your account when you apply for this role. Please check your email carefully to ensure that you have completed this step. We are unable to view your application if you have not activated your account. Good luck with your application.

Howdens is founded on the principle of being Worthwhile for ALL concerned. We're working hard to ensure we provide an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome. We will do everything we can to support you during your application. If you need us to make any adjustments to our recruitment process, please email with the job title and location, and we will be happy to help you.


• Competitive salary and annual bonus scheme


• Award winning pension scheme (company contribution of up to 12%)


• Life assurance


• Staff discount


• Exceptional Reward and Recognition events