Halfords

OVERVIEW

A superb opportunity to join the growing Group Controls Team at Halfords Group plc, a listed retail and services business, with over £1billion turnover.

The Controls Testing Specialist is a role within the Group Controls Team which provides the second line of defence for financial, reporting, operational and compliance controls.

The right person for this role will be proactive and engaging, with strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

JOB PURPOSE

The Controls Testing Specialist role is to test the design and effectiveness of controls in line with the approved testing plan, recommend improvements to the process and controls with the support of the Group Control Accountants, monitor progress of the recommendations and report on the results.

This is an exciting role where you will have the opportunity to help build and grow the internal controls environment at Halfords.

The role will work as part of the Group Controls Team based out of the Support Centre, reporting directly to the Group Financial Control Manager, who in turn reports to the Head of Financial Reporting and Control. The Financial Reporting and Control team sits within a wider finance team of over 75.

Halfords Support Centre in Redditch, Worcestershire, supports all store and autocentre operations nationally. It’s Halfords engine room, and it’s where your expertise and ambition can fuel real career growth within teams that are supportive, inclusive, and confident. 

Key internal stakeholders to this role will be the CFO, the Group Financial Controller, internal audit. financial reporting, shared services, and business process owners across the group.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Test the design and effectiveness of controls in line with the approved testing plan.
• Document the controls testing work.
• Presents and discuss controls monitoring and testing results to key stakeholders.
• Review current processes to recommend controls improvements with the support of the Group Control Accountants.
• Monitor and report on recommendation completion.
• Support Controls Team projects as required.
• Support the rollout of the internal control framework.

WHAT WE SEEK

• Finance experience required with relevant controls, internal audit or external audit experience preferred.
• Relevant qualification (or part-qualified).
• Motivated and organised self-starter.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical skills, and attention to detail.
• Enthusiastic and keen to learn.
• Ability to absorb and process new information.
• Microsoft Office experience (Excel, Access, PowerPoint)
• Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately.
• Strong risk awareness and good understanding of key risk areas relevant to Halfords