Head of Audit, IT & Central Functions

Overview Join to apply for the Head of Audit, IT & Central Functions role at Aberdeen . The Aberdeen Group is seeking a talented Head of Audit for IT & Central Functions to support delivering against strategic ambitions in the Internal Audit team and to help manage risks across central functions (IT, Compliance, Finance, Human Resources, Legal, Corporate Secretariat, Change, etc.). At Aberdeen, our ambition is to be the UK’s leading Wealth & Investments group.

Strengthening talent and culture is a strategic priority, and we strive to make Aberdeen a great place to work so we can attract and retain the industry’s best talent.

Our people put stakeholders at the heart of what they do, helping us make a positive difference to clients, customers, colleagues, shareholders and society.

We are focused on growing our direct and advised wealth platforms and repositioning our specialist asset management business to meet client demand, supported by leading technology and talent.

Aberdeen comprises three businesses: Interactive Investor (ii), Investments, and Adviser, each focusing on meeting and adapting to evolving client needs.

Key Responsibilities The Head of Audit for IT & Central Functions is responsible for ensuring robust governance, risk management, and internal control frameworks for all central functions (IT, Compliance, Finance, Human Resources, Legal, Corporate Secretariat, Change, etc.). This role provides strategic oversight of audit planning and execution, delivering objective insights to Senior Leadership and the Audit & Risk Committee.

Responsibilities (detailed) Understand Group Strategy & Functional Objectives to focus IA's work on high-risk areas and feed this into the audit plan.

Deliver the IT & Central Functions audit plan and performance as a portfolio, accountable to the Chief Internal Auditor.

Ensure consistent, high-quality audits by reviewing key deliverables and providing feedback to enhance clarity, relevance and impact.

Lead agile development and innovation across teams, empowering everyone to drive continuous improvement.

Collaborate with business audit teams (Investments, Adviser and Interactive Investor) and the Data Analytics team, sharing knowledge and resources.

Investigate complex situations and propose practical, innovative, and value-add solutions to issues identified.

Contribute to a High Performing Team culture with a focus on quality to meet or exceed expectations set by the Chief Internal Auditor.

Lead through periods of change while maintaining trust and support of the team.

Manage relationships with external regulators to build Aberdeen and IA presence and reputation.

Represent IA at external forums and benchmark practices with external peers to stay aligned with industry trends and standards.

Build relationships with and influence senior managers and executive directors across all central functions.

Foster and maintain positive relationships with clients, including engagement with relevant Non-Executive Directors (NEDs) and Board members.

Attend Entity Boards and senior governance committees, representing the function and providing management insights, including presenting audit results.

Communicate complex information effectively to senior stakeholders amid ongoing regulatory change.

Provide line management for colleagues including Senior Manager, Managers and Specialists; identify strengths and development areas for coaching.

Support peers in the IA Leadership Team to develop a High Performing team.

Identify the most effective use of co-source expertise for your portfolio and manage engagements efficiently while leveraging provider strengths.

About The Candidate The ideal candidate will possess the following: Education to degree level with a relevant professional qualification (e.g., CISA, CISM, CRISC) or 7–10 years minimum in financial services (recent experience preferred). Strong understanding of an investment platform and/or wealth management business.

Leadership exposure to audits spanning Technology, Operational Resilience, Finance, and HR.

Internal or external audit experience.

We are proud to be a Disability Confident Committed employer.

If you have a disability and would like to apply for UK roles under the Disability Confident Scheme, please notify us by completing the relevant section in our candidate questionnaire.

One of our team will reach out to support you through your application process.

Our Benefits There’s more to working life than a good salary.

We offer an environment where you can learn, get involved and be supported.

When you join us, your reward will be among the best around, including 40 days’ annual leave, a 16% employer pension contribution, discretionary performance-based bonus (where applicable), private healthcare and a range of flexible benefits including gym discounts, season ticket loans and access to an employee discount portal.

You can read more about our benefits here.

Our Business Enabling our clients to be better investors drives everything we do.

Our business is structured around three distinct areas—our vectors of growth—focused on our clients’ changing needs.

You can find out more about what we do here.

An Inclusive Way of Working Aberdeen supports a blended working approach combining in-office collaboration, coaching, and the flexibility to work from home.

We value an inclusive culture where diverse perspectives drive our actions.

If you need assistance with your application or an adjustment for interview arrangements (e.g., neurodivergent considerations, disability accommodations), please let us know and we’ll help.

We define diversity in its broadest sense and promote meritocracy, fairness and transparency.

If you need an adjustment due to a disability, please let us know as part of your application.

Seniority level Executive Employment type Full-time Job function Accounting/Auditing and Finance Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Aberdeen by 2x.

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