OverviewPlease tick to confirm you agree with our terms and conditions.Closing Date: 27/03/2026Location/Division: Leeds or ManchesterPlease see attached job description for full details including benefits and about the business.The Work: Accountabilities & ResponsibilitiesExternal AuditsCo-ordinate the timely provision of accurate information for external audits, ensuring all requests are met within agreed timescales.Act as the single point of contact between the business and external auditors,engaging through written communication, virtual meetings and face-to-face discussions.Build and maintain trusted, professional relationships with auditors, funders and other external stakeholders.Provide timely support and responses to audit queries, ensuring clarity and completeness.Interpret audit findings, provide constructive challenges where appropriate and ensure accurate assessment of risk and control issues.Review, agree and quality-assure draft audit reports, preparing clear and commercially sound management responses prior to finalisation.Ensure all audit findings and actions are addressed promptly, effectively and to the satisfaction of external stakeholders and senior leadership.Identity root causes of issues and make recommendations for improvements to internal processes, controls and systems.Report all audit themes and recommendations to senior leadership and the Board.Monthly Business Assurance Testing:Ensure that monthly/periodic Business Assurance Testing is completed across the Loan Book, including both Business Finance (BF) and Asset Finance (RAF), credit processes and data integrity, and that reports are issued within agreed timescales.Test the design and operating effectiveness of key controls, with a specific focus on data integrity and consistency.Continually enhance and evolve the BAT methodology and reporting framework to ensure relevance, rigour and effectiveness.Analyse recurring issues, identify root causes of repeat failings and provide clear recommendations to strengthen processes and prevent recurrence.Oversee the preparation and delivery of clear, insightful and commercially aware assurance reports.Periodic Internal AuditsDevelop and maintain a risk-based annual internal audit programme across lending, finance and operational areas.Design and execute audit plans that assess key risks and evaluate the adequacy and effectiveness of internal controls.Agree findings with departmental management, ensuring root causes are understood and actions are accurate, realistic and deliverable.Issue final internal audit reports to senior leadership and the Board, including clear, balanced and commercially appropriate recommendations.Monitor progress against agreed actions, escalating delays or concerns where necessary to ensure timely resolution.Identify systemic issues and provide guidance on strengthening the organisational control environment.LeadershipLead, motivate and develop a high-performing assurance team, fostering a culture of accountability, integrity and continuous improvement.Set clear team objectives, allocate work effectively and oversee the quality of outputs.Provide coaching, development opportunities and regular performance feedback to support ongoing professional growth.Ensure all HR responsibilities, reporting requirements and internal deadlines are met.Governance, Reporting & Senior Stakeholder EngagementProvide regular assurance updates and recommendations to the Senior Leadership Team, RFG Board and other governance forums.Ensure the organisation maintains a robust, embedded and continually improving governance and control environment across lending and finance.Communicate assurance outcomes clearly and confidently to senior stakeholders, ensuring transparency of risks, actions and emerging trends.Support the development and enhancement of policies, frameworks and governance standards that underpin effective risk management.Ensure reporting is accurate, timely and aligned to regulatory expectations, external stakeholder requirements and internal governance standards.The Person – Skills & ExperienceEssential5+ years’ experience in a 2nd or 3rd line defence internal audit or quality assurance role within a Financial Services environment.Excellent written and verbal communication skills, able to engage confidently with senior leaders and external stakeholders.Ability to produce clear, concise and well-structured assurance and audit reports.Strong analytical and critical- thinking skills, with the ability to identify themes and meaningful insightful.Ability to work collaboratively and build effective relationships with the wider business, key stakeholders, and third-party partners.Strong time-management skills, with the ability to prioritise effectively, manage competing deadlines and maintain accuracy under pressure.Demonstrate high ethical standards.Proven ability to lead, develop and build high-performing teams.DesirableExperience in property-backed lending, or a broader asset-based lending background.Ability to analyse and interpret financial accounts.Strong financial and commercial awareness.Requirements: You will be required to attend events and travel to other locations and Reward offices –this may include an overnight stay.Diversity StatementAs an equal opportunities employer, we will ensure that no candidate receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of their race (including nationality, ethnicity or national origin), religion or belief, sex, marital status or civil partnership, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, age or disability.Selection criteria and procedures are regularly reviewed to ensure that individuals are treated on the basis of their relevant merits and abilities. #J-18808-Ljbffr