The Controls Analyst will be an integral part of the primary second line of defence for Whitbread in ensuring AP, AR, Banking, Treasury, Finance system user access and Accounting & Control are well-co...

Role: Controls Analyst

Reports to: Senior Controls Analyst

Location: Dunstable

Salary: £competitive + bonus + benefits

The Controls Analyst will be an integral part of the primary second line of defence for Whitbread in ensuring AP, AR, Banking, Treasury, Finance system user access and Accounting & Control are well-controlled.

Inside the role:

• You will ensure segregation of duties exists across financial transactions through monthly review of access conflicts and of our SOD conflict tool
• Review Whitbread’s fraud vulnerability through review of process and controls whilst benchmarking against other organisations. Key presenter at Fraud Steering Committee on quarterly basis.
• Key contact for external auditors on IT General Controls.
• Testing of monthly controls and preparation of monthly controls pack for Director of Reporting & Control.
• Support the wider Financial Control team to provide assurance to the business on the adequacy and effectiveness of key financial controls by gaining a good understanding of financial and business processes.
• Support the quarterly Financial Control Framework (FCF) control self-assessments, asserting that the business has a robust financial controls framework in place.
• Track action plans for control deficiencies identified, support rolling out training and providing guidance to the business, help embed internal controls as BAU and undertaking ad hoc tasks or projects, as required.
• Support the COSO activity in response to the BEIS Paper on audit effectiveness
• Controls testing through performance of process and control walkthroughs and/or carrying out sample controls testing as required.
• Adequate and accurate documentation of the controls validation results carried out, maintaining a complete set of working papers to support resulting outcomes.
• Assist the Financial Risk & Control – Process Improvement Manager in preparing and rolling out training and awareness workshops to control owners and their teams, capturing feedback to continuously improve the overall FCF process.
• Build effective relationships with key stakeholders, in order to work better together and identifying opportunities for improving or strengthening existing processes or controls.

Open to you:

• Studying towards/ Committed to studying towards ACCA, CIMA or ACA.
• A broad understanding of business processes, evaluating risks and designing and implementing controls
• Understanding of fraud mitigation and control processes
• Able to take a holistic review of process, controls and risk
• Confident in challenging others, whilst maintaining a strong, professional relationship
• Confident in dealing with stakeholders in all areas of the business
• Able to prioritise and stay organised
• Strong excel skills
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Times are changing, but our ambition is bigger than ever. This means huge things when it comes to budget and forecasting, and that’s where our Finance team really springs into action. Finding the right answers to drive us forwards. With new concepts launching, new spaces secured and reams of plans in motion, there’s no more exciting time to join than right now. Get to experience career growth that moves as fast as we do, and be part of framing where we’re headed.

We’re 1,200 hotels and restaurants in the UK, Germany and the UAE, but we’re more than that. We’re the 35,000 people supporting our brands every day. The ones sourcing the nation’s favourite breakfast, plating up family favourites, and the great night’s sleep guaranteed people. We’re also always preparing for new openings, looking ahead and revamping our online presence. We do it for our guests, and it’s the details that keep them returning time and time again. We could be at the end of their road, their trusty choice for business trips, or we could be the place they associate with big celebrations up and down the country. We’re a constant in a changing world, and we’d love you to join us.  Bring your energy, ideas and sense of fun, we’re waiting and so are our brands.

In return for your commitment, we’ve got some great benefits to offer:

• Competitive Salary + 10% bonus potential.

• Share save scheme

• A collaborative work culture that focuses on supporting your success

• A flexible working policy you can rely on

• Individual BUPA healthcare

• Optional contributory pension matched up to 10%

• Up to 25% discount off our brands

Whitbread is an inclusive employer. We believe that everyone is unique and there should be no barriers to entry and no limits to ambition. We welcome your application whatever your background or situation. Under-represented groups such as women, ethnic minorities, people with disabilities & members of the LGBTQ+ community (those who identify as gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, trans sexual, non binary or use another term), are strongly encouraged to build a career with us. We are open to part-time and flexible working and, where possible, will try to support this.