Are you a Senior Auditor looking for a new role you can truly make your own? Are you looking to join an organisation at a truly unprecedented juncture in its history where you can make a tangible difference? Do you want to be at the centre of a highly agile and exciting entrepreneurial / PE backed consortium?

Having transitioned to new ownership, Asda is under-going transformational change.  Not only does the business have ambitious plans for growth, but we are also implementing an entirely new technology ecosystem as we separate from our former parent, Walmart.  

Leading the Asda Internal Audit team, you will be at the forefront of supporting business through this change; providing insight to effectively manage the associated risks and ensuring that the opportunities this presents are fully realised.

You will play a key role in the transformation of the internal audit and the risk management framework as we transition to a fully embedded "three lines" risk management strategy across the business.  This will be facilitated by the implementation of SAP GRC enabling real-time risk and control monitoring and aligned assurance.

Your role

• You will be responsible for setting the strategy for Internal Audit & Risk in alignment with Asda's strategic objectives and values. You will have a track record of using diverse sources of information and leveraging external stakeholders to develop strategies and identify business improvement opportunities;
• You will provide leadership in the development of audit plans, procedures, and methodologies to evaluate the adequacy of the company's internal control environment; ensures audit plans are risk-based, focussed on providing value-add insight to management, and adjusted in response to changing business risks;
• You will direct and oversee the delivery of high-quality assurance reports and recommendation plans to the Audit Committee and senior management which address key business risks and control issues. These actions plans should be pragmatic, drive down the cost of control and enable the business to operate at pace and in an agile manner. You will partner the business in implementing these plans and keep the Audit Committee up to date on overdue or high-risk actions;
• You will also lead the Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) programme across Asda to ensure that it becomes an enabler to the business, providing confidence to take opportunities which will add value whilst appropriately managing associated risks;
• Support the transformation of risk management and assurance within Asda through the effective implementation of SAP GRC;
• You will have a track record of developing and maintaining strong relationships and communications with the Audit Committee to ensure concerns are addressed and expectations met;
• You will also develop and maintain strong relationships with both internal and external stakeholder. You will provide guidance and/or consultation to Asda leadership in the development of strategies to improve financial and operational performance of the business.  And manage relationships with the external auditors and co-source partners, to ensure effectiveness of service delivery, appropriate resolution of findings/issues identified, and to provide specialist support on assurance as required;
• You will drive a culture of continuous improvement within wider business and the audit function by identifying, sharing, and integrating best practices. Remain up to date on industry and market regulations;
• You will use knowledge of Asda's business to make sound decisions that balance the priorities of relevant stakeholders. Makes resource decisions that involve greater risk and have significant impact on meeting long term enterprise objectives;
• You will be able to attract, develop, and retain a high performing team by making sure key people processes are enacted and enforced e.g. Colleague Engagement through Your Voice and visible support for Colleague Voice.

About you

• Extensive experience auditing in a large private-equity backed or FTSE-listed company;
• Experience directing a large team with a track record of creating value through assurance and advisory engagements;
• Proven ability to influence and skilfully negotiate situations of conflict in a constructive manner;
• Excellent business partnering and communication skills at C-suite level;
• Steps forward to address difficult issues and guide others toward the accomplishment of identified, meaningful goals;
• An ability to deliver at pace and be a positive and engaging leader in a complex and ever-changing environment;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential with the ability to prepare and present engaging and impactful reporting for the Audit Committee, Executive Committee and other key stakeholders;
• Experience of coordinating and successfully embedding an Enterprise Risk Management programme cross-functionally;
• Strong working knowledge of information technology and its implications for business commerce and managing and controlling business operations;
• Experience of project assurance or change management engagements;
• Qualified accountant either ACA, CIMA or ACCA; or other relevant financial qualification including MBA;
• Experience in the grocery or retail industry is preferable.