Role Summary
The Internal Auditor is a newly created role and will play a key part in delivering the firm’s expanding internal audit programme. The role will support the planning, execution and reporting of risk-based audits across the firm’s international operations and business support functions.
The primary objective of Internal Audit is to provide independent assurance on the effectiveness of the firm’s governance, risk management and internal control framework. Through the identification of risks, control weaknesses and process inefficiencies, the Internal Auditor will make practical, commercially focused recommendations that help improve controls, strengthen operational resilience and support the achievement of the firm’s strategic objectives.
The role offers exposure to a broad range of business areas, including finance, operations, technology, information security, the Legal Department, HR and other key business service functions. While operationally based within the Finance function, Internal Audit has a firm-wide mandate and is continuing to expand its breadth of coverage across all key risk areas.
The successful candidate will work closely with senior stakeholders across the business, developing a strong understanding of firm processes and emerging risks. The role requires excellent analytical, communication and relationship management skills, together with a proactive and collaborative approach.
The position will be based primarily in the firm's Manchester office, with periodic planned travel to London and the firm's international offices to support audit assignments and stakeholder engagement activities.
Key responsibilities:
Assist in the planning and delivery of risk-based internal audits across the firm.
Evaluate the design and effectiveness of controls, identifying risks and opportunities for improvement.
Conduct audit fieldwork, including interviews, process walkthroughs, data analysis and testing.
Prepare clear, concise and well-supported audit reports and recommendations.
Track and validate the implementation of agreed management actions.
Build effective working relationships with stakeholders across all functions and geographies.
Contribute to the continuous development of the Internal Audit function, methodologies and audit tools.
Support ad hoc reviews, investigations and advisory projects as required.
Key requirements (Communication/skills/experience)
2–3 years' internal audit experience, ideally gained within a professional services firm, large corporate environment, public practice or similar organisation.
Experience of planning and executing risk-based audits, including process walkthroughs, control testing, stakeholder interviews and report writing.
A recognised professional qualification, such as ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CA, or an equivalent accounting qualification, and/or a relevant internal audit qualification such as IIA
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify risks, evaluate controls and develop practical recommendations.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the confidence to engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels of the organisation.
Ability to work independently while managing multiple assignments and competing priorities.
High levels of professionalism, integrity and attention to detail.
Comfortable working in different cultures. A positive and friendly inter-personal manner;
A good understanding of financial processes and controls and the risks arising from these;
An enquiring mind that likes to ‘think outside the box’ rather than only follow a pre-determined audit programme or checklist;
Desirable
Experience within a law firm or similar professional services partnership will be considered positively.
Exposure to audits across a variety of operational, financial, technology and compliance risk areas.
Experience working in a global or multi-jurisdictional environment.
Additional language skills, relevant to key markets the firm operates in e.g. German, French or Mandarin, would be advantageous but are not essential.
Experience using data analytics and technology-enabled audit techniques.
Experience using AI to effectively accelerate internal audit work, while being mindful of the risks and limitations.
Inclusion
Freshfields is an equal opportunities employer and all applications received by the firm will be considered on the basis of their merit alone. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals regardless of background. All offers of employment will be conditional on the candidate having/securing the right to work in the UK in the role in question and providing the firm with evidence of that right (as required by the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006) prior to employment commencing.
Freshfields is a Ban the Box employer. We ask applicants to disclose criminal convictions only if and when a conditional job offer is made. A conviction does not automatically lead to withdrawal of the offer: we make decisions on a case-by-case basis and take a number of relevant factors into account (e.g. the role you are applying for and the circumstances of the offence). You would have the opportunity to discuss the matter with us before we make a decision.
