The Company

Neogen provides a comprehensive range of solutions and services for the food processing, animal protein and agriculture industries, not only helping to protect the world’s food supply, but also enabling their customers to produce more efficiently and effectively than they could before. With a wide-ranging portfolio across food safety, animal safety, life sciences, and genomics, providing a product or service is only part of the journey — Neogen believe we’re all in this together and their partnerships make them and their industries stronger.

Most recently, in September 2022, Neogen announced that it had completed its merger with 3M’s Food Safety business to create an innovative leader in the food safety sector with a comprehensive product range and a strategic focus on the category’s long-term growth opportunities. Based in beautiful offices at a country estate near Ayr, the team supports the European, Middle Eastern, African and Indian (EMEAI) territories for Neogen Corporation, a top performing NASDAQ listed business employing over 2,000 people worldwide. Hybrid working and flexibility are now embedded in the way Neogen do business.

The business’s culture combines stability with a deep belief in providing professional and personal growth. Neogen’s Pillars of Trust – the principles which guide everyday decision-making, include Openness, Honesty, Credibility, Respect, and Service. It’s the belief in these characteristics that provide a consistent, happy and healthy work environment for employees.

Background to the Opportunity

Job Title: Senior Internal Auditor
Reports to: Director of Internal Audit
Location: Ayr (hybrid working available)

Neogen is seeking to recruit a Senior Internal Auditor. This is an excellent opportunity for a qualified audit professional to join a fast-paced, growing business. In this newly created role, the post-holder will execute all aspects of the Company’s Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) internal control program and internal audit function within the EMEA region for Neogen.

The Internal Audit Department’s mission is to enhance and protect Neogen’s organisational value by providing risk-based and objective assurance, advice, and insight. The department plays an integral role in the assurance of accurate financial reporting, compliance with policies, procedures, and applicable laws, and the evaluation and enhancement of the Company’s critical business processes.

As a member of the Internal Audit team, the Senior Internal Auditor will execute the annual Audit Plan by evaluating, concluding, and providing recommendations to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of internal controls and underlying business processes. This individual will work closely with management, collaborate with the external audit team in supporting the integrated annual financial audit, and provide tactful and meaningful delivery of results to various levels of Company leadership.

As a Senior Internal Auditor, the post-holder will contribute directly to Internal Audit’s vision: to be recognized by Neogen and our Board of Directors as a value-add and trusted advisor, and partner to the business.

The Individual

This role will suit a qualified accountant or auditor who wants to develop their career by joining a high-growth global business, who are committed to raising the standards of their internal audit function. Reporting to the Global Director of Internal Audit based in the company’s HQ in Lansing, Michigan, this role is the first dedicated EMEA Internal Audit role, with a view to grow into additional responsibility over time. The post-holder will need to be self-motivated and proactive, with the confidence to build positive working relationships across a wide range of stakeholders across the EMEA region and with counterparts in the U.S. Helping an already large business to grow and achieve its potential will, in turn, help the appointed candidate to develop their career.

Skills & Experience Required:

• 4+ years of experience in public accounting and/or professional internal auditing
• ICAS, ACCA, CIA qualification required
• Strong technical skills, including knowledge of Sarbanes-Oxley, internal auditing Standards, US GAAP, and PCAOB standards
• High degree of motivation and strong work ethic with the ability to excel in a team environment and work independently
• Proven ability to manage several projects concurrently, delivering high-quality and timely results
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with ability to interact positively and build relationships with all levels of the organisation
• Advanced technical and analytical skills, including Microsoft Office proficiency and advanced Excel skills
• Willingness to travel domestically and occasionally to the U.S.

The Role

Key Responsibilities:

• The Senior Internal Auditor will support the annual Audit Plan, including annual SOX evaluation, Operational Audit, and Enterprise Risk Management over Neogen Europe and its subsidiaries
• Execute internal control testing procedures to evaluate, conclude, and enhance Neogen’s internal control over financial reporting and global control environment
• Execute on-site Operational Audit programs at Neogen’s global locations
• Collaborate with individuals across various departments and functions, utilising interpersonal skills to achieve cooperation and consensus with management
• Identify and evaluate control deficiencies and improvement opportunities, providing professional and tactful communication of results
• Deliver value-add recommendations to address areas of elevated risk or deficiency and enhance business productivity and efficiency
• Uphold the IIA Core Principles during the course of work, exercising due professional care, avoiding conflict of interest, maintaining independence and objectivity, and assuring the protection of confidential information
• Provide support to the external audit team as required
• Assist in the performance of special projects and investigations as assigned

Remuneration and Recruitment Process

Basic Salary: £Competitive
Company Pension:

• 0-2 years of service - Employee contribution: 5%, Employer contribution: 4%
• During 2-5 years of service - Employer contribution rises to 5%
• After 5 years of service – Employee contribution: 6%, Employer contribution: 6%

Holiday Entitlement: 23 days plus 8 bank holidays. This rises to 24 days after one year of service, 25 days after two years of service and 27 days after 5 years of service
Healthcare: Subsidised Private Medical cover
Further Benefits: Cycle2Work scheme and enhanced maternity, adoption and paternity leave