Head of ICFR Testing

Software Engineering Recruitment (UK & Europe) -

Head of ICFR Testing (Internal Controls / Finance / Risk & Compliance) – Nottingham/London

Duration: 12 months

Start: ASAP

My new client is looking for an experienced Head of ICFR Testing (Contractor) to lead, develop, and scale our Internal Controls over Financial Reporting (ICFR) testing function during a period of significant growth. This role will play a pivotal part in designing, implementing, and embedding a robust ICFR testing and SOC assurance program across our global organization.

The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience in building ICFR and SOC control programs from the ground up, extensive IT and business controls expertise, and a proven track record of managing and scaling high-performing teams in complex, global environments.

• Leadership & Team Development
  • Lead and manage the ICFR Testing team (currently 7, growing to 14), fostering a culture of quality, accountability, and continuous improvement.
  • Build team capability through recruitment, mentoring, and upskilling initiatives to support the growing scope of the control environment.
  • Establish clear testing methodologies, KPIs, and quality assurance mechanisms to ensure consistency and excellence across all testing activities.
  • Design, implement, and oversee the end-to-end ICFR testing framework, ensuring alignment with global regulatory and compliance standards (e.g., SOX/SOC).
  • Drive hands-on implementation of SOC controls and assurance processes, ensuring readiness for external attestation.
  • Develop testing procedures, templates, and documentation standards from scratch, embedding best practices across business and IT control areas.
  • Lead walkthroughs, control design assessments, and operating effectiveness testing for key financial, operational, and IT controls.

• Governance & Reporting
  • Partner with internal stakeholders, external auditors, and assurance providers to ensure effective communication and coordination across testing cycles.
  • Deliver timely and insightful reporting on control testing results, deficiencies, and remediation progress to senior management and audit committees.
  • Support global control standardization and harmonization initiatives to drive efficiency and consistency across regions and business units.

• Continuous Improvement & Capability Building
  • Identify opportunities to enhance automation, tooling, and analytics within the control testing process.
  • Build and mature the organization’s SOC assurance and ICFR capabilities, ensuring scalability and sustainability.
  • Stay abreast of emerging trends and regulatory developments in ICFR, SOC, and IT controls, proactively adapting practices as needed.

• 10+ years of experience in internal controls, ICFR, SOX, or SOC assurance programs, including leadership of testing or compliance functions.
• Proven experience designing and implementing ICFR/SOC testing frameworks from scratch.
• Strong IT general controls (ITGC) and business process control testing experience.
• Prior external audit or assurance background (Big 4 or equivalent experience strongly preferred).
• Demonstrated success in rolling out SOC control programs and achieving assurance readiness.
• Experience working within global, complex organizations, preferably across multiple jurisdictions and business models.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.
• Ability to work independently, manage ambiguity, and deliver high-quality results under tight timelines.

• Director

• Contract

• Finance and Information Technology

• IT Services and IT Consulting, IT System Testing and Evaluation, and Software Development