Weir Group is a highly regarded FTSE 250, Glasgow headquartered engineering business with a global footprint spanning over 70 countries. The company employs more than 14,000 people and is organised into three sector focused divisions: Minerals, Oil & Gas and Flow Control.

With an auspicious history in Glasgow industry the company has in recent year’s undergone significant growth both operationally and in terms of its geographical footprint. In 2015, the Group reported profits before tax, exceptional items and intangibles amortisation, of £220m against revenue of £1.9bn. These are impressive results, particularly during an extended period of general economic uncertainty, and unprecedented downturn in minerals and oil markets more specifically.

Certainly, Weir Group represents a true global success story headquartered in Scotland. The new Glasgow city centre purpose built headquarters comprises the Board of Directors, Group Heads of Tax, Treasury, Internal Audit, Company Secretary/Legal, Procurement, IS, IR, Strategy and Business Development, HR and Finance

The Opportunity

An opportunity has arisen for an ambitious individual to join the business in the role of Group Internal Audit Manager. The Internal Audit function is a value add, globally mobile part of the group structure. The team currently consists of 3 members of staff based from Head office in Glasgow being the Head of Internal Audit, Senior Group Internal Auditor and Group Internal Auditor.  The team is supported by ad-hoc local resource and the use of specialist outsourced providers as required.

The overriding focus within this role will be the assessment and improvement of the risk and controls framework affecting all of the companies within a PLC group structure; being a diverse global business this will require significant international travel exposing the role holder to a wealth of different cultures, operating units and senior figures within the business.

The role of Group Internal Audit Manager has come about due to the current Senior Internal Auditor transferring internally to a Divisional role and a review of the needs and requirements of the internal audit function going forward. The role presents an excellent opportunity for a first class, qualified individual to join a highly visible division of an impressive multinational, with the opportunity to help shape the future direction of the Internal Audit function.

An overview of core responsibilities includes:

• Define, develop and manage Internal Audit standards and procedures
• Contribute to the strategic direction of the Internal Audit function, developing and driving the Internal Audit agenda within the wider business to raise the profile of the function
• Establish and manage the planning of the annual Audit Plan
• Assessment of key risks, and the controls in place to mitigate those risks, within the areas under review
• Manage and undertake internal audit assignments based on the annual Audit Plan, reviewing business processes within the area under review and recommend efficiency improvements
• Communication of audit findings and recommendations for improvement at the conclusion of audits with relevant business personnel, both written and verbal
• Provide assurance on management controls and make recommendations for improvement
• Advising the business on control issues as and when required
• Works with others to implement plans and projects that improve the internal control environment, and aligned processes to remediate risk to a level which meets the business risk appetite
• Supporting the Head of Internal Audit to undertake ad hoc projects as and when required, including the investigation of whistle-blowing allegations
• Be a key member of the internal audit team providing effective team management, mentoring, development and support, whilst consistently driving an effective audit approach and high quality deliverables.

The Candidate:

It is likely that the individual will be CA/ACA qualified and, ideally, have trained with a Big 4 or large accountancy practice. However, the nature of the role may also lend itself to candidates who are Internal Audit professionals (e.g. IIA qualified) and/or trained in an industry environment. Prior experience of internal audit is required, and a background of working with large manufacturing/engineering clients would be a distinct advantage, as would exposure to ERP systems and data analytics.

It is critical that the Internal Audit Manager can work closely with senior management including the Chief Finance Officer. In particular, it is crucial they can take responsibility for decision making and possess sufficient gravitas to challenge current thinking and drive positive change.

The ability/desire to travel internationally is essential to this role.

A summary of the key candidate requirements are as follows:

• Qualified accountant with extensive experience operating in a global internal audit function
• Track record of identifying and implementing change within a progressive Internal Audit department
• Experience of undertaking internal audits for a global organisation
• Awareness of best practice approaches to risk management and internal controls
• Strong IT skills (ERP system and data analytics experience an advantage)
• Previous manufacturing experience (from audit or industry) desirable but not essential
• Additional languages to English (especially Spanish, French or Chinese) would be highly regarded
• Willing and able to travel globally (around 50-60%)

Key Personal Attributes

• High level of accuracy and attention to detail
• Excellent analytical and problem solving skills combined with business acumen, pragmatism and a good sense of diplomacy
• Proven ability to build relationships at all levels
• Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills
• A strong team player, with a desire to make a significant contribution to the Internal Audit Department

Remuneration:

Basic salary of £50,000- £60,000 (depending on experience) with an annual bonus of up to 30% and additional benefits such as pension and private health care etc.

What to do next:

To apply, for a confidential discussion, please contact our advisor John Ramsay at Rutherford Cross at [email protected] or 0141 6117770

Please note that all third party or direct applications will be forwarded to Rutherford Cross for inclusion in the assessment process.