Principal Information Technology Auditor

Description:

As a Principal Information Technology Auditor, you will be responsible for providing independent assurance over the effectiveness of technology security, cyber security and infrastructure controls across the organisation. Working closely with Technology, Information Security and business stakeholders, you will perform and support audits covering areas such as network security, cloud security, identity and access management, infrastructure security, vulnerability management, security operations, databases, operating systems and other critical technology platforms.

This is a key role within the Internal Audit function for an experienced technology security professional with strong technical audit expertise. The successful candidate will be capable of independently planning and executing audit fieldwork, leading walkthrough discussions with stakeholders, assessing controls and identifying risks and control weaknesses with minimal supervision.

The role is intended to bring the role holder up to the level where they have:

strong knowledge of Digital security and Technology resilience risks, controls and industry good practice;
strong technical understanding of networks, operating systems, databases, cloud platforms, identity and access management, infrastructure security and security monitoring capabilities;
a strong understanding of the workings of both a Financial Services Group and an Internal Audit function;
the ability to independently lead walkthrough meetings and control discussions with technical stakeholders;
strong analytical skills and attention to detail when evaluating control design and operating effectiveness;
the ability to identify root causes, security vulnerabilities, control weaknesses and associated business risks;
excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences;
strong stakeholder management and influencing skills;
a collaborative working style and commitment to supporting team success; and
an ability and willingness to leverage technology, data analytics and AI-enabled tools such as Microsoft Copilot to enhance audit effectiveness and efficiency. 

To Succeed You Will Need to Demonstrate the Following Qualities

be highly motivated, proactive and capable of working independently;
possess strong technical curiosity and a desire to remain current with evolving cyber threats and technology security developments;
demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities;
have excellent attention to detail and a disciplined approach to audit execution;
be a strong team player who contributes positively to team objectives and supports colleagues;
communicate technical matters clearly, concisely and confidently;
be able to translate technical risks and control weaknesses into business-focused language;
build trusted relationships with stakeholders across Technology and Information Security functions;
challenge constructively whilst remaining open to alternative viewpoints; and
demonstrate integrity, professionalism and sound judgement in all interactions. 

Your Main Responsibilities Will Include

Planning & Risk Assessment

Supporting the planning and scoping of technology security audits. 
Identifying key cyber security, infrastructure and technology risks relevant to audit objectives. 
Reviewing documentation, architectures, standards, procedures and control frameworks. 
Developing audit testing approaches for complex technical environments. 
Leveraging data analytics, automation and AI-enabled tools where appropriate to enhance audit activities. 

Audit Performance

Independently performing audit testing across technology security, cyber security and infrastructure domains. 
Leading walkthrough meetings with Technology and Information Security stakeholders to understand processes, controls and technologies. 
Assessing the design and operating effectiveness of security controls across networks, databases, operating systems, cloud platforms and infrastructure services. 
Reviewing controls relating to identity and access management, privileged access, vulnerability management, security monitoring, incident management and infrastructure hardening. 
Evaluating technical evidence to determine whether controls are appropriately designed and operating effectively. 
Producing high-quality workpapers and audit evidence in accordance with Internal Audit standards. 
Delivering assigned work to agreed quality standards and timelines with minimal supervision. 

Audit Reporting

Translating complex technical findings into clear business-focused risk and control observations. 
Drafting high-quality audit observations that clearly articulate risks, impacts, root causes and recommendations. 
Communicating findings professionally and constructively with stakeholders. 
Presenting technical issues in a clear and simple manner that can be understood by business management. 
Supporting audit managers in the preparation of audit reports and stakeholder communications. 

Business Partnering

Building effective relationships with Information Security, Technology Infrastructure, Engineering and Cyber Security stakeholders. 
Establishing credibility through technical expertise, professionalism and constructive challenge. 
Maintaining an understanding of key technology initiatives, security programmes and emerging risks. 
Providing objective and balanced challenge whilst maintaining positive working relationships. 

Team Working

Contributing positively to a collaborative and inclusive team environment. 
Supporting junior auditors through coaching, knowledge sharing and informal mentoring. 
Sharing technical expertise and industry good practice across the Internal Audit function. 
Working effectively with colleagues across multiple audit assignments and initiatives. 

Audit Community

Supporting the continuous improvement of technology audit methodologies and practices. 
Sharing knowledge relating to cyber security, technology security and infrastructure risk management. 
Promoting the effective use of data analytics, automation and AI-enabled tools such as Microsoft Copilot. 
Contributing to audit innovation and continuous improvement initiatives. 

Experience And Skills

Significant experience performing Technology Security Audits and Cyber Security Audits within Financial Services or similarly regulated environments. 
Strong technical knowledge of:
Network Security and Network Architecture
Firewalls and Perimeter Security
Windows, Linux and Unix Operating Systems
Database Security
Active Directory and Identity & Access Management
Cloud Security (Azure)
Vulnerability Management
Security Monitoring and SIEM Technologies
Endpoint Security
Infrastructure Security Controls
Experience assessing control design and operating effectiveness across technology and security processes. 
Good understanding of industry standards and frameworks such as ISO 27001, NIST Cybersecurity Framework, CIS Controls and COBIT. 
Strong report writing, communication and stakeholder management skills. 
Proven ability to communicate highly technical matters in a simple, risk-focused manner. 
Demonstrated ability to work independently whilst also contributing positively within a team environment. 
Experience using data analytics and AI-enabled tools such as Microsoft Copilot to improve audit effectiveness and efficiency. 
Professional certifications such as CISA, CISSP, CISM, CRISC, CCSP or equivalent would be highly advantageous. 

What we offer:

We’re dedicated to supporting your wellbeing and helping you thrive, both at work and beyond. Our benefits are designed to help you balance your professional and personal life, and financially plan for the future. Our UK benefits include:

A valuable pension scheme of up to 18% (13% made up of employer contributions and 5% employee contributions). 
Access to our Share Save and Share Incentive Plan, alongside financial wellbeing and support services to help give you real confidence to put your money to work. 
Enjoy 38 days annual leave (including bank holidays), with the opportunity to purchase up to five extra days. Our Time Off When You Need It policy gives you the flexibility - to balance work and personal commitments. 
Our market-leading Inspiring Families policy includes comprehensive support and paid parental leave covering maternity, adoption, surrogacy, and paternity leave - because supporting families is an important part of our inclusive culture. 
Health & Protection cover includes Private Healthcare, Critical Illness cover and Life Assurance for you, with additional family options - for peace of mind.