Audit and Risk Manager

Sanderson are partnering a leading organisation in Kildare to recruit an experienced Audit & Risk Manager to join its Governance, Risk & Compliance function. Reporting to the Head of Governance, Risk & Compliance, this role plays a central part in strengthening internal controls, driving effective risk management, and overseeing internal audit and insurance processes across multiple entities.

This is a key strategic role requiring strong analytical capability, excellent stakeholder engagement skills, and the ability to influence and drive best practice across the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Risk Management
• Maintain and continuously enhance the organisation's Risk Management Strategy, Policy, and Processes.
• Review and measure key risk and performance indicators, including risk modelling and assessments.
• Embed risk management principles into operational decision-making across senior management teams.
• Support department heads and risk owners through workshops, training, and structured risk reporting.
• Conduct comprehensive reviews of the operational risk landscape and develop comparative risk profiles.
• Prepare risk assessments and reports for Senior Management, the Board, and Risk Committees.
• Provide expert risk advice and support to all stakeholders.
• Deliver risk management services to entities under shared service agreements.
• Leverage technology to enhance oversight, productivity, and innovation.
• Internal Audit
• Manage the full internal audit cycle, from planning to reporting, in partnership with an outsourced provider.
• Monitor and ensure timely implementation of internal audit recommendations, escalating issues where necessary.
• Support operational teams to ensure efficient and effective audit completion.
• Insurance
• Manage the relationship with the organisation's insurance broker, including quarterly service reviews and annual renewals.
• Oversee claims management and reporting in collaboration with the broker and risk management team.
• Strengthen incident reporting processes across the organisation.
• Provide insurance-related services to entities under shared service agreements.
• Annual Report & Statutory Reporting
• Lead the production of the annual report in collaboration with finance and communications teams.
• Introduce and support sustainability reporting in line with emerging standards.
• Continuous Improvement
• Drive process improvement initiatives across governance, risk, and reporting functions.
• Identify opportunities to automate and streamline reporting processes to enhance data integrity.
• Support adoption of technology and BI tools such as Power BI.
• Governance & Compliance
• Ensure data integrity and accuracy across financial systems and reporting.
• Promote strong financial controls and governance across all business functions.
• Ensure compliance with internal policies and relevant legislation.
• Team Leadership
• Provide leadership, guidance, and mentorship within the governance, risk, and audit team.

Qualifications required

• Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, or a related field
• Professional accounting qualification ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or CPA

Experience required

• Minimum 10 years post-qualification experience, including at least 4 years in a risk-focused role within a commercial or semi-state environment.
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent business acumen and understanding of operational drivers.
• Proven ability to influence, negotiate, and manage stakeholders effectively.
• Track record of delivering compliance outcomes while maintaining strong relationships.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment with resilience and adaptability.
• High proficiency in Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Experience leading systems improvements and developing reporting frameworks.
• Strong teamwork and internal customer service orientation.
• In-depth knowledge of accounting principles and regulatory frameworks.
• Interest in ESG reporting standards is an advantage.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality at all times.

For more information contact Elaine Liston in Sanderson on 0863516302 or apply online.