Local Controls Auditor - Finance

Position Description

Applications are invited for the position of Local Controls Auditor within the Local Key Controls Testing team, in ESB Networks. ESB Networks are licensed to build, operate, maintain and develop the electricity network in the Republic of Ireland. We are committed to futureproofing Ireland’s electricity network and making the country’s goal of net zero by 2050 a reality. This will require deploying innovative solutions today which are scalable to meet the electricity needs of the nation by 2040.  The Networks for Net Zero Strategy will underpin an energy transition that will enable electricity customers to adopt new technologies, products and services in the decade ahead, changing how they generate, store and consume electricity. 

The ESBN Local Key Controls Testing Team is a small team whose focus is to promote the effective and continuous improvement of the governance, risk management and control framework and processes across the ESB Networks business.  This involves working proactively with management across ESB Networks to drive out improvements and through the delivery of a programme of testing and validation of controls. 

The successful candidate will support local management, across a range of activities and processes in ESB Networks: 

• Enhancement of Internal Controls: Strengthen the internal control environment by regularly testing and validating controls.  

• Risk Mitigation: Identify and address control weaknesses to mitigate potential risks.  

• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure compliance with company policies and regulations through testing of controls.  

• Operational Efficiency: Improve operational efficiency by identifying and rectifying control deficiencies.  

The position will involve occasional visits to ESBN sites for testing of controls and also proactively working with and supporting the business managers to develop and enhance internal control frameworks and providing support on various governance, risk management and control issues on an ad-hoc basis. 

Key Responsibilities 

The key responsibilities of this role include:  

• Delivering local controls audits and reporting on same to management,  

• Delivering, through data analytics, continuous controls testing and monitoring and reporting on same,  

• Working proactively with business managers to develop and enhance their internal control frameworks and to develop remedies for governance, risk management and controls deficiencies as required, 

• Working with business managers to support the provision of effective, evidence-based quarterly governance sign-offs,  

• In conjunction with the business managers, identifying key fraud risks and delivering, a program of fraud risk assessments and the identification of appropriate controls, 

• Supporting the investigating and reporting on operational control incidents within the business including making recommendations around any control deficiencies and improvements required, 

• Support the development and delivery of training and awareness activities around effective governance, risk management and controls processes.  

• Supporting the preparation of ongoing quarterly and annual reporting to Group Finance, Group Internal Audit and Group Risk. 

Experience and Qualifications 

Essential 

• A recognised professional accounting qualification is essential 

• Minimum of 5 years' experience with 2 of those in a similar role 

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills 

• Proficient in the use of MS Office Suite, particularly Excel 

• Ability to problem solve, work on own initiative and as part of a team 

• Ability to plan and organise work in a methodical way to deliver to required timescales  

• Knowledge of control testing methodologies and best practices 

• Understanding of risk management principles and techniques 

• Familiarity with relevant regulations and standards 

• Ability to analyse control data and identify trends and anomalies 

• Ability to communicate clearly and to work collaboratively 

Desirable 

• Institute of Internal auditors certification or similar  

• Industry certifications in governance, risk management or compliance management 

• Experience using Data Analytics in planning and execution of compliance and controls testing 

Location