Job Description

To support the Head of Internal Audit and Senior Internal Audit Manager as part of DLA Piper's Internal Audit team. DLA Piper's third line of defence provides independent and objective assurance to the Board, Executive Management and Audit Committee on the design and effectiveness of the firm's internal controls, including compliance by DLA Piper’s first and second lines of defence teams with internal policies and procedures as well as best practice, applicable laws and regulations.

Carry out internal audits and reviews and oversee the delivery of the auditors in delivering audit activity in accordance with the approved Internal Audit Plan to provide assurance on the design and effectiveness of the firm’s internal controls and processes, including compliance with internal policies and procedures across the international firm.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Support the Head of Internal Audit and Senior Internal Audit Manager to develop the annual risk-based Internal Audit Plan for the international firm.
• Support the the Head of Internal Audit and Senior Internal Audit Manager to scope and deliver individual audit reviews across the international firm in accordance with the approved annual Internal Audit Plan ensuring technical excellence and a practical/business driven approach. This will include the identification of risks and controls within specific audit engagements, and drafting of audit tests to address the audit objectives.
• Coach and review the work of Internal Auditors.
• Prepare structured and clear internal audit reports for all completed audits detailing the agreed audit findings.
• Track the delivery of all recommended actions by auditees to address and remediate audit findings, obtain supporting evidence for closure of audit actions and prepare reports for updating the Board, Executive & Audit Committees on remediation progress status.
• Test and monitor the compliance with internal policies and procedures as well as best practice, applicable laws and regulations across the international Firm.
• Deliver ad-hoc assurance reviews and deep dives of strategic initiatives and issues as requested by the Executive Committee and Board members.
• Develop Internal Audit MI for presentation and discussion in senior governance forums of DLA Piper including the Executive, Board, Risk and Audit Committees.
• Contribute to improvement and evolution of internal processes and templates of the Internal Audit team.
• Work in a collaborative manner with other teams across the International Risk Group to ensure a consistent approach to risk management, internal controls and assurance is maintained throughout DLA Piper.
• Develop effective relationships with partners, fee earners and business services teams and work closely with key business stakeholders.
• Develop meaningful relationships, becoming a trusted advisor for the partnered business areas.
• Contribute to continuous monitoring of changes in business activities, operations and evolving risks through participation in regular meetings with Management.

About you

• A qualified audit professional (ACA / ACCA / CIA) with direct internal or external audit experience from a Big 4 Accounting Firm; minimum 5 years experience.
• Experience in the definition and delivery of firm-wide Internal Audit Plans.
• Practical knowledge and experience of audit procedures, from scoping, planning, testing, agreement of actions and reporting of findings.
• Experience in the tracking and oversight of the delivery of audit actions with management owners in accordance with agreed audit timescales.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, skilled at drafting structured and precise audit reports.
• Experience of working effectively with cross-functional areas within a matrix structure.
• Be a self-starter who is able to work on their own initiative and independently, as well as being part of a team.
• A relationship builder able to influence a diverse stakeholder group across international locations.
• Possesses a high level of commercial acumen and analytical skills.
• Comfortable operating in ambiguous situations, demonstrating a flexible and collaborative working style.
• High level of professionalism and personal accountability.

The practice group

The International Risk Group is responsible for managing the risk and internal control environment of DLA Piper International and consists of Internal Audit, the Risk & Resilience function and Information Security. Internal Audit is led by the Head of Internal Audit whoreports to the Managing Director, Sustainability & Resilience and provides independent and objective assurance to the Board, Executive and Audit Committee on the design and effectiveness of the firm's internal controls.

The Risk & Resilience function is made up of 3 complementary areas:

• Erterprise Risk Management
• Risk Culture and Awareness
• Business Continuity & Disaster Recovery

About us

We're a global law firm helping our clients achieve their goals wherever they do business. Our pursuit of innovation has transformed our delivery of legal services. With offices in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific, we deliver exceptional outcomes on cross-border projects, critical transactions and high-stakes disputes.

At DLA Piper, we understand that inclusion is not a one-size-fits-all concept. We embrace and celebrate the range of perspectives, backgrounds and experiences that each individual brings to our firm. By fostering a culture that welcomes and appreciates all aspects of our individuality, we ensure that everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

Our commitment to inclusion and positive social impact enables us to provide exceptional service to our clients and communities, while nurturing a unique and inclusive culture for all our people. We welcome the unique contribution that you will bring to our firm and actively encourage applications from all talented people – however your talent is packaged, whatever your background or circumstance and regardless of how you identify.

We are committed to being accessible and accommodating any reasonable adjustments needed throughout the recruitment process to ensure an inclusive experience for all. If you need any support or adjustments, please let us know.

Where local legislation permits, we will conduct relevant pre-engagement screening checks prior to your first day.