Financial Controls Accountant

About Us

We are Ocado Group, and we're bringing world-class automation to online grocery. Our Ocado Smart Platform (OSP) combines cutting-edge robotics, AI, and IoT within our advanced CFCs (Customer Fulfilment Centres). We've mastered the single pick, transforming online delivery for our global partners. Join us and be part of a team pushing the boundaries of retail technology.

About the Role

Reporting directly to the Head of Financial Controls, this hands-on role in a tight-knit team offers a high degree of autonomy to shape and maintain Ocado Group’s financial controls framework. Operating within the second line of defence, you will balance deep-dive execution with big-picture governance. You will be driving everything from controls testing to UK Corporate Governance Code (Provision 29) submissions, external audit coordination, and risk register management. You will also act as a key business partner, delivering control training and guiding both finance and non-finance stakeholders across the business. 

Responsibilities

• Support the design, implementation and continuous monitoring of the Group's Financial Controls environment. This includes both business processes (e.g. Record to Report) and IT General Controls (ITGC) for finance applications (e.g. Oracle Fusion). 
• Business partnering controls stakeholders (finance and non-finance). Act as a subject matter expert in the application of the Group's Financial Controls methodology, providing guidance and challenge to control owners.
• Design, build and maintain Financial Risk and Control Matrices (RACMs) and manage the first line Self-Assurance and Certification process.
• Coordinate and support the provision of the Financial Controls evidence provided to Ocado’s external auditors (business process and ITGC)
• Support the Finance Risk Register and manage the financial risk inputs to the Fraud Risk Assessment.
• Controls testing (test of design, implementation, and operating effectiveness)
• Review Segregation of Duties (SoD) across key financial processes and systems, flagging conflicts and supporting resolution.
• Deliver tailored training, workshops and advice to finance and non-finance teams, building visibility and ownership of Financial Controls.
• Contribute to papers for committees on Financial Control matters (e.g. Audit & Risk Committee).
• Help develop control metrics and dashboards to monitor the control environment across end-to-end processes.
• Get involved early in changes to processes and systems, identifying control weaknesses and designing controls to mitigate risk.
• Support Finance’s Material controls submissions as described by UK Corporate Governance Code provision 29

Essential Criteria

• 3+ years' Post-Qualified Experience (PQE), ACA / ACCA / IIA or equivalent.
• Demonstrable experience in a  similar  role and level within second line, Internal Audit, or other assurance roles.
• In depth knowledge and understanding of RACMs and controls testing concepts (e.g.walkthroughs, sampling, test types etc).
• Thorough understanding of internal control processes for multinational operations, and best practice for risk-appropriate financial and operational assurance.
• A working knowledge of ITGC.
• Enthusiastic, confident and a team player.
• Excellent stakeholder communication (including senior stakeholders) including presentation and report writing skills. Proven ability to explain technical matters to non-experts.
• Ability to deliver with a high degree of autonomy.
• Highly organised, with the ability to prioritise and meet deadlines.
• Highly analytical. Strong complex problem-solver who seeks innovative solutions.
• Ability to forge strong working partnerships with other teams and functions. 

What we offer

We believe in supporting our people with meaningful, flexible benefits that prioritise well-being and work-life balance. Here’s a snapshot of what you can expect:

• Time to recharge:
  25 days annual leave (rising to 27 after 5 years), plus the option to buy more – and 30 days a year to work from anywhere in the world.
• Health & wellbeing:
  Private Medical Insurance from your first month, wellbeing support through specialist apps and EAP, plus Income Protection and Life Assurance.
• Family-first policies:
  22 weeks paid maternity/primary carer leave and 6 weeks paid paternity leave
• Financial support:
  Pension with employer matching up to 7%, share schemes (Sharesave & BAYE), and interest-free loans for train tickets.
• Commuter perks:
  Cycle to Work Scheme and free shuttle buses to/from Hatfield and Welwyn Garden City stations.
• Exclusive discounts:
  15% off at Ocado.com with free delivery (starting in your first month).

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