We’re 1st Central, a market-leading insurance company utilising smart data and technology at pace. Rapid growth has been based on giving our 1.4 million customers exactly what they want: great value insurance with an excellent service. And that’s the same for our colleagues too; we won Insurance Employer of the Year at the British Insurance Awards 2024 and our Glassdoor score is pretty mega too!
We're on the lookout for a Head of Internal Audit (based in Gibraltar). Are you passionate about making a difference through high-quality audits and strong stakeholder relationships? Do you enjoy helping businesses stay sharp, compliant, and confident under regulatory scrutiny? If you're nodding your head and looking for your next big opportunity in a friendly, ambitious business - read on!
We’re 1st Central – a tech-led insurance company that’s always evolving, and we’re on the hunt for someone special to join our Internal Audit team in Gibraltar (you must already live here or be willing to relocate, as this is a Regulated Individuals Regime (RIR) role)
As Head of Internal Audit, you’ll play a key role in delivering high-quality internal audits across the business, with a focus on our Gibraltar operations. You’ll work closely with our Audit Director, senior leaders, and regulatory bodies to ensure our internal controls are effective and our obligations are fully met.
Skills that make you a great fit:
- You’re a confident communicator - you’re comfortable engaging with senior stakeholders and can influence decisions with clarity and credibility.
- You’ve got a solid grasp of audit, risk, and governance - especially within the insurance world – and you know how to apply that knowledge in a practical, commercial way.
- You understand Gibraltar’s regulatory landscape - particularly the GFSC – and you know how to navigate its requirements with confidence.
- You think strategically but never miss the detail - you're able to step back and see the bigger picture while staying on top of the finer points that matter.
- You’re a pro at juggling priorities – especially in a fast-moving, regulated environment where things don’t always go to plan.
What’s involved:
- Contributing to the overall strategic direction of the Group Internal Audit function and participating in the annual planning process.
- Lead the planning, execution, and reporting of internal audits, ensuring alignment with regulatory expectations in Gibraltar.
- Leading audit fieldwork, evaluating the effectiveness of controls, drafting audit findings, writing up conclusions, and preparing audit reports.
- Ascertaining compliance with established policies and procedures, and identifying actual and potential weaknesses in controls, cost savings and efficiencies.
- Challenging risk management approaches with Management and recommending improvements.
- Adopting innovative and efficient audit techniques, such as use of data analytics, embedded/real-time assurance, auditing risk culture and principles of agile audit methodology.
- Managing positive senior stakeholder engagement throughout the audit timeline to encourage auditees to collaborate fully to achieve the purpose of the audit.
- Proactively evaluating risks and internal controls against changing trends and market/economic conditions.
- Sharing with the results of the audit with auditees and agreeing appropriate actions and timelines to remedy any audit findings.
- Tracking agreed audit actions through to completion.
- Supporting the preparation of papers for audit and risk committees, incorporating Gibraltar-specific regulatory insights.
- Supporting continuous improvement in the internal audit service and processes.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of Gibraltar’s regulatory landscape and ensure audit practices reflect current requirements.
- Comply with the requirements, and act in accordance with, the Group Code of Conduct and Fitness and Propriety policies at all times.
- Ensure compliance with Company Policies, Values and guidelines and other relevant standards/ regulations at all times, including compliance with the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission (GFSC)
Experience, qualifications, skills & knowledge:
- Extensive experience in internal audit within financial services, ideally with exposure to Solvency II and Gibraltar regulatory frameworks.
- Strong understanding of audit, risk management, and governance in an insurance context.
- Experienced in building relationships with senior management.
- Influencing and networking with senior people to achieve consensus and collaboration.
- Evidence of proven career track record and consistent record of achievement.
- Prior experience interacting with the GFSC or similar regulatory bodies.
- Familiarity with the UK and Gibraltar personal lines insurance markets.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, including with regulators and senior executives.
- Strong analytical and strategic thinking capabilities.
- Ability to balance regulatory scrutiny with commercial awareness.
- High attention to detail and problem-solving ability.
- Proficient in IT tools including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
- Recognised compliance, audit, or legal qualification preferred, such as Chartered Internal Auditor (IIA) or CCAB qualification (e.g., ICAEW).
- Cert CII qualification desirable
Behaviours
- High integrity and reliability, with a strong sense of accountability.
- Calm and confident under pressure, with a collaborative and proactive approach.
- Demonstrates leadership in upholding corporate values and regulatory standards.
- Self-motivated, organised, and capable of working independently or as part of a team.
- Committed to continuous improvement and driving high standards.
This is a unique opportunity to bring your audit expertise into a key role within a fast moving, growing company. You’ll be based in beautiful Gibraltar (or relocating here), playing a major part in ensuring we meet our regulatory responsibilities and stay ahead of emerging risks.
If you're passionate about doing things the right way and love working with people across all levels of a business – we’d love to hear from you!
What can we do for you?
People first. Always. We’re passionate about our colleagues and know the best people deserve an extraordinary working environment. We owe it to them so that’s what we offer. Our workplaces are energetic, inspirational, supportive. To get a taste of the advantages you’ll enjoy, take a look at all our perks in full here.
Intrigued? Our Talent team can tell you everything you need to know about what we want and what we’re offering, so feel free to get in touch.
