Internal Audit Manager

Role Overview

You will lead the internal audit function for the life assurance arm of a major insurance group, working under the Director of Internal Audit to deliver independent, objective assurance and advisory services. Your days will involve evaluating how effectively the subsidiary manages risk, maintains internal controls, and upholds governance standards, then translating those findings into actionable recommendations that improve business operations. This role matters because your insights directly support board-level decisions and help safeguard the company’s stability, reputation, and long-term growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify and assess the most significant risks across the life assurance business, then shape an annual audit plan that prioritises those exposures and aligns with the group’s enterprise-wide risk framework.
• Evaluate how subsidiary leadership identifies, responds to, and monitors financial and operational risks, and challenge the effectiveness of those processes where needed.
• Plan and execute audits for the subsidiary, ensuring work is completed on schedule and that findings are documented clearly, accurately, and with appropriate evidence.
• Coordinate with other internal and external assurance providers to avoid duplication, align coverage, and ensure a comprehensive view of risks across the organisation.
• Review audit workpapers, reports, and conclusions to verify quality, precision, and relevance before presenting results to the Audit and Risk Committee.
• Advise subsidiary management on process improvements and internal control weaknesses through formal reports and constructive discussions.
• Prepare board papers and present key risk and control issues to the Board Audit and Risk Committee, then track implementation of recommended actions and report on progress.
• Promote a culture of integrity, ethical conduct, and high-quality standards throughout the subsidiary and the wider group, while staying alert to regulatory changes and emerging audit trends.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, accounting, finance, or a closely related field.
• Professional certification such as CPA (K) or Chartered Accountant designation is required.
• At least eight years of progressive audit experience, with a minimum of two years in a leadership or supervisory role.
• Experience at a Big 4 firm or within an organisation of comparable scale to the CIC Group is a distinct advantage.
• Demonstrated understanding of the life assurance business, including products, regulatory environment, and unique operational risks.
• Familiarity with current technology trends, especially software used to audit IT systems and processes.
• Ability to work autonomously with minimal supervision, manage competing priorities, and meet tight deadlines.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including report writing, presentations, and the ability to translate complex findings into clear recommendations.
• Sound decision-making abilities, critical thinking, and a commitment to maintaining the highest levels of objectivity and confidentiality.
• Willingness to continuously learn, adapt to evolving business needs, and work flexibly across different teams and locations.