Internal Controls Manager - 6 Months contract

About us

With over 200 brands sold in nearly 180 countries, we're the world's leading premium drinks company. Bring your passion and use your curiosity as you explore, collaborate, and innovate to build brands consumers love. Together with passionate people from all over the world, you'll test new ideas, learn and grow, and unlock a brighter, more exciting future.

Join us to create a career worth celebrating.

About the Function:

Our Finance team deliver sustainable growth for our business, customers, and much-loved brands. We're part of a $12.2 billion gross profit organisation, responsible for driving an exceptional level of performance and creating the potential for future growth.

Whether we're utilising our digital capabilities and analytics to inform our business strategy or creating capacity to invest in the future - no two days are the same in our Finance team. Wherever your skills lie, we'll help you to learn and develop, supporting you along the way in our inclusive culture.

About the role

The role is responsible for supporting in the implementation of a robust controls agenda and uphold compliance requirements in alignment with the Supply Chain & Procurement business strategy and objectives. The role requires the implementation of internal controls relevant for the business and ensures controls are embedded into the day-to-day activities and consistently applied. It serves as the frontline defence in identifying and managing control gaps in processes, procedures and operations before they escalate.

Support Senior Internal Controls Manager/head of manage the following stakeholders:

• Heads of Categories and Functions, Site Operational Directors, Finance Directors/Controllers, Governance Managers. Collaborate with a wide range of business partners to ensure robust and effective internal control environment to deliver on commercial and operational objectives.

• Global BI Team - will be a key partner with regards to risk management across the market/function and governance where controls mitigate risks

• CARE - Controls Assurance: maintain an effective and open line of communication with Diageo's controls assurance team to ensure strong collaboration and shared learnings. You are the point of escalation should gaps are identified and mitigations required

• Auditors - maintain an effective and open line of communication with Diageo's internal/external auditors regarding key decision points, risks, gaps and mitigations. Ensure actions are closed timely with evidence

• To support senior internal controls manager (SICM) and head of controls (HOC) in raising awareness of internal control objectives
• Perform spot checks to ensure controls are embedded in day-to-day procedures and are consistently applied.
• Where there are opportunities for automation to improve efficiency and effectiveness, reducing risks, highlight them to SICM/HOC.
• If and when there is a need for new controls as a result of changes in the risk environment, work with SICM/HOC to implement these controls.
• Support SICM/HOC in implementing internal controls within business processes (local specific controls which are not covered by Diageo's Global Control Framework).
• Lead and support spot checks, deep dives on risk areas, as required by management or as issues arise. Investigate control gaps, implement corrective actions timely and monitor remediation to prevent recurrence.
• Support in monitoring the effectiveness of controls through key indicators.
• Support the internal controls team in their scoping & testing. If a control fails, work closely with SICM/HOC on training and remediation.
• Ensure CARM design assessments are fit for purpose by reviewing them with control owners and any changes should be reflected in the designs timely.
• If you identify opportunities to strengthen or redesign controls, work closely with SICM/HOC.
• Escalate issues, control failures, or emerging risks to SICM/HOC.
• Support in working closely with second-line functions (GCA team) to align on control standards, compliance expectations, control scoping, deficiencies and remediation actions.
• Provide support with external auditor testing programme if and when needed.
• Prepare an update on CARM/other controls as part of updating senior stakeholders or quarterly finance townhalls and review with SICM/HOC.
• Support in preparing for internal audits and ensure actions are closed as per target completion dates.

• Chartered Accountant or MBA Finance, CIA/CMIIA or a relevant audit qualification
• 8+ years in Risk and Controls profile in Big 4 or FMCG or related manufacturing industry.
• External/Internal Audit experience.
• Experience in Financial Reporting, SOX and related control.
• Fluent English is a must
• Technical expertise in internal controls and audit practices including expertise in risk and control frameworks, financial policies and procedures, process and internal controls leading practices and best in class compliance practices.
• Leadership skills including proven business partnering and communication skills across a large global, public company.
• Experience as a finance leader managing a diverse, cross-functional, and matrixed organization. Additional experience as a compliance/ethics/business integrity leader is preferred.
• Highly motivated self-starter with the ability to build and maintain strong relationships with senior business leaders and different teams across the organization.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify root causes and recommend effective solutions.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and presentation skills (verbal and written).
• Eye for detail.
• Ability to work independently and with minimum supervision.
• Ability to influence senior people to implement change.

• Proactive, curious and thrives in a changing environment