Head of Financial Controls & Governance

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Job reference 335969

Head of Financial Controls & Governance
Location: Hybrid – Farringdon, London (3 days in the office)
Contract Type: Permanent, Full-Time
Reporting to: Director of Group Finance
Salary: Negotiable + Benefits - 30 days + public holidays, car allowance, full family healthcare, 35% bonus and a company pension scheme with highly competitive contribution rates.

Join one of the UK’s most iconic organisations at a pivotal moment in its transformation journey. Our Finance team is at the heart of strategic decision-making, driving growth and shaping the future of our business. From forecasting and planning to governance and controls, this is a place where finance professionals make a real impact.

We’re looking for a dynamic and experienced Head of Financial Controls & Governance to lead and develop the team within our Group Finance function. This is a high-profile leadership role, ideal for someone with deep expertise in financial controls, governance, and risk, and a passion for driving excellence in complex, fast-paced environments.

About the Role

As Head of Financial Controls & Governance , you’ll lead the strategic agenda for financial control, risk, and assurance across IDS Group and Royal Mail UK. You will set the strategic direction for the financial controls environment, provide second-line assurance and advise the Board on financial control and governance matters.

You’ll lead a team of five, providing coaching, development, and direction, while building strong relationships across the business and with external partners. This is a hybrid role, with presence required at our Farringdon office.

Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Advisory
• Set the strategic direction for the financial controls environment and second line assurance team
• Advise the Board and Executive teams on financial reporting risk and control-related decision-making
• Collaborate with Internal Audit and Risk to develop assurance requirements for non-financial material risks

Controls & Assurance
• Deliver a comprehensive, risk-based FC&G annual plan, including controls testing, training, remediation tracking, and reporting
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance control effectiveness and efficiency
• Oversee the ICFR quality assurance process and AuditBoard system application
 

Governance & Reporting

• Provide regular reporting to the Audit and Risk Committee on the design and effectiveness of controls.
• Stay current with UK Corporate Governance Code, regulatory developments, and industry standards
• Produce high-quality reports identifying financial reporting risks and recommending pragmatic solutions

Stakeholder & External Engagement
• Build trusted relationships with Executive Directors, senior leaders, and external auditors
• Liaise with the GLS Head of Financial Control to align group-wide strategies
• Manage co-source partners and oversee the ICFR test plan
• Leverage automation tools (e.g. GRC systems, data analytics, continuous auditing) to optimise compliance

Team Leadership
• Lead and develop the FC&G team, including recruitment, training, and succession planning
• Foster a high-performance culture through visible leadership and mentoring

About You

You’re a confident and strategic leader with deep technical expertise and a passion for financial governance. You thrive in complex and evolving environments and bring a collaborative, solutions-focused mindset.

What You’ll Bring

Technical Expertise
• Qualified Accountant (ACCA, ACA) with external or internal audit experience and extensive ICFR/SOx implementation experience
• In-depth knowledge of corporate governance, SOx best practices, Wates principles, and financial control frameworks
• Proven experience in controls implementation, remediation, and process simplification

Leadership & Influence
• Strong track record of operating at Board and Executive level
• Exceptional stakeholder management and communication skills
• Proven ability to build and develop high-performing teams
• Adaptable, decisive, and able to challenge accepted thinking
• Collaborative team player with a “can-do” attitude and enthusiasm for progression

Extra Benefits

• Family friendly support - enhanced maternity pay, paternity leave, adoption leave and shared parental leave
• Discounts and offers - there are more than 800 offers to help you save on things like groceries, days out, holidays and your household bills*.
• Supportive and generous company sick pay
• Your Wellbeing - you and your family have 24/7 access to services and tools to help you get the most out of life. From your physical and mental health to financial and social support and advice. It’s free, and it’s for everyone.
*Available only to perm employees

Next Steps

The next stage of the selection process will be a face to face/virtual interview consisting of competency based and role specific questions.

We are committed to ensuring an inclusive recruitment process. If you require any adjustments to support you during the hiring process, please discuss these with your recruiter when contacted.

We are Forces family friendly and a Gold signatory to the Armed Forces Covenant. We welcome applications from ex-Armed Forces personnel, reservists, veterans, cadet instructors and military spouses/partners.

For more information on Royal Mail Group and our values please click here:

Closing Date: Thursday 5th March 2026 . Please note, this advert may close early if the appropriate number of applications has been reached.

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