Head of Internal Audit & Risk

With over 35 nationalities and a range of backgrounds represented in our Benevolent team, we aim to build an inclusive environment where our people can bring their authentic selves to work, be respected for who they are and the exceptional work they do. We welcome and actively encourage applications from all sections of society and are committed to offering equal employment opportunities regardless of sex, race, religion or belief, ethnic or national origin, marital, domestic or civil partnership status, sexual orientation, gender identity, parental status, disability, age, citizenship, or any other basis. We see our diversity as an asset as we tackle challenging problems that bridge the gap between drug discovery and technology.

The Role

This is a newly created role, in response to the Group transitioning from a Private to Public setting. Risk Management and the related Enterprise level Framework are key areas of Governance that the Audit Committee is responsible for. The role will be responsible for the development, deployment and maintenance of the Enterprise wide Risk Management Framework, including Risk Reporting and Tracking to closure.

The right candidate will likely be a Chartered Internal Auditor (or similar background), and/or with 3-5 years post qualification experience. You will ideally have meaningful Pharma/ BioTech experience, with some exposure to a Listed Company environment. The role may represent the first step up to a 'Head of' role.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Work enterprise-wide to design and implement a Risk Management and Control Framework with appropriate Governance structures.
• Create, Manage and Maintain a Company-wide Risk Register, as well as owning and operating the Groups Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) Framework.
• A key activity of the role will be focused on risk; identifying, measuring and mitigating with coordination across the group and with quarterly reporting to EMT and annual reporting to the Audit Committee and Board.
• Chair the Group / Divisional Risk Committees. Build and maintain a comprehensive risk register that covers every part of the group across the key categories of Strategic Risk, Compliance Risk, Operational Risk, Financial Risk, and Reputational Risk. Proactively embed positive, confident and informed risk-taking through training, communication and promotion of the agreed risk framework.
• Develop and implement a plan with other members of the finance team to mitigate specific risks. Reporting back on a monthly and quarterly basis to the Finance Leadership Team (FLT).
• Design and create optimized risk reporting for Stakeholders including the CFO, Audit Committee, Executive Leadership Team and Board.
• Foster a culture of Risk Management and Control, top-down. Training staff on what a strong risk management and control environment looks like.
• Provide assurance to the Board, Audit Committee and Executive Team over the design and effectiveness of internal controls across the Group. Make recommendations to improve or strengthen internal controls as appropriate.
• Regular interaction with the Group's external financial regulators.
• Support the Group in preparing its annual risk management statement within the Annual Accounts and Audit Committee Report.
• Continuously develop, enhance and embed the risk framework for managing risks across the business, ensuring that processes are fit for purpose. Developing the risk competency and capability frameworks.
• Work with the various teams across the group focused on Process (development and simplification) to ensure Risk is measured and mitigated throughout. Participating in the continuous improvement of processes and procedures.
• Working with Finance in support of a strong Control environment, as would be relevant to a SOX compliance regime.
• Establishing an Internal Audit function, with an increasing Independent challenge on Management and the Business about its Risk and Control environment, evolving to match the maturity of the Organisation.
• As part of the Enterprise Risk Management Strategy ensure that Insurance is used effectively as a tool in support of Groups overall Objectives, spanning D & O, General Liability and Cyber Risks.

We are looking for someone with:

• Chartered Internal Auditor (or similar background), and/or with 3-5 years post qualification experience.
• Ideally have meaningful Pharma/ BioTech experience, with some exposure to a Listed Company environment.
• A highly motivated individual who can communicate well at all levels with finance and non-finance individuals and Senior Leadership/ Department Heads.
• Can adapt and embrace change in a fast-moving and challenging environment, where the infrastructure is yet to be implemented and agility to navigate an efficient and rigorous framework implementation will be key.
• Advanced skills in Presenting, Reporting, and being able to navigate and simplify complex information and situations would be a notable advantage.
• In-depth knowledge of the Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS)
• Excellent research and analytical skills, to give objective and evidence-based findings
• High levels of integrity and ethical standards
• A keen eye for detail to successfully scrutinize data
• In-depth knowledge of accounting software and standards

About us

BenevolentAI (AMS: BAI) is a leading, clinical-stage AI-enabled drug discovery and development company listed on the Euronext Amsterdam stock exchange. Through the combined capabilities of its AI platform, scientific expertise, and wet-lab facilities, BenevolentAI is well-positioned to deliver novel drug candidates with a higher probability of clinical success than those developed using traditional methods. The Benevolent Platform™ powers a growing in-house pipeline of 13 named drug programmes and over 10 exploratory programmes, and it maintains successful collaborations with AstraZeneca, as well as leading research and charitable institutions. BenevolentAI is headquartered in London, with a research facility in Cambridge (UK) and a further office in New York.

We share a passion for being part of a mission that matters, and we are always looking for curious and collaborative people who share our values and want to be part of our journey. If that sounds like a fit for you, hit the 'apply' button and join us.

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