Principal Auditor - Technology and Security - M&G plc. - #2112848

At M&G, our purpose is to give everyone real confidence to put their money to work. With a heritage dating back more than 175 years, we have a long history of innovation in savings and investments, combining asset management and insurance expertise to offer a wide range of solutions.

Our two distinct operating segments, Asset Management and Life, work together to provide access to balanced, long-term investment and savings solutions.

Through telling it like it is, owning it now and moving it forward together with care and integrity; we are creating an exceptional place to work for exceptional talent.

We will consider flexible working arrangements for any of our roles and offer workplace adjustments to ensure you have the support you need to succeed in your role.

Description of the Role

Internal Audit is an independent, objective assurance function that is critical to meeting our business ambitions whilst also protecting the interests of our customers by ensuring that the internal control, risk and governance frameworks are always fit for purpose. We look beyond financial risks and statements to consider wider issues such as the organisation's reputation, growth, its impact on the environment and the way we treat our customers and employees.
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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.