Head of Internal Controls

Company Description

Sports betting, gaming and interactive entertainment is changing, and we’re leading that change. By putting people first. By placing exciting, engaging and entertaining experiences at more fingertips than ever before. We're pulling into pole position by pushing boundaries further. With innovation. With technology. But most importantly, with people like you. Because when you join Entain, it’s your game. So let’s win together.

Job Description

As the Head of Internal Controls you'll be responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining a robust internal control framework across the organisation, ensuring compliance with applicable regulatory standards (e.g. UK Corporate Governance Code), and supporting accurate financial reporting.

Reporting to the Group Financial Controller , this role will ensures the financial controls of the Group are identified, assessed, and reflect the enterprise risk of the Group. This includes monitoring and reporting of the design and effectiveness of internal controls of the Group.

With the vision to grow ahead, Entain is looking to appoint a Head of Internal Controls to further cement the Group’s financial capability as it contributes to scale. The Head of Internal Controls will have full accountability for the internal control framework, ensuring they are relevant, designed and operating appropriately. This role will play a key leadership role in the successful transformation journey of the Group’s finance function.

Key Responsibilities
Internal Control Framework

• Document business process, mapping end-to-end processes, identifying internal controls
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve the internal control framework (aligned to COSO or equivalent).
• Own the Internal Control over Financial Reporting (ICFR) program, ensuring compliance with relevant standards (e.g., SOX 404).
• Define and update internal control policies and procedures in coordination with finance, IT, operations, and compliance teams.
• Design and implement and annual control cycle to ensure controls are up to date.

Risk Assessment & Control Design

• Lead enterprise-wide risk assessments related to financial and operational processes.
• Partner with business units to design and implement preventive and detective controls.
• Assess whether existing controls are appropriately designed and operating.

Control Testing & Monitoring

• Establish a control testing methodology and plan (e.g., walkthroughs, sample testing).
• Feedback key findings of control deficiencies to the owner of relevant processes and business units.
• Monitor the execution of key controls, identify deficiencies, and oversee remediation actions.
• Liaise with internal and external auditors to coordinate audits, walkthroughs, and control testing.
• Develop efficient ways to manage the testing cycle and continues improvements.

Governance & Reporting

• Present regular reports to the Audit Committee and executive leadership on control effectiveness, issues, and remediation.
• Track and report on control gaps, risk exposures, and the status of mitigation plans.
• Serve as the control subject matter expert for projects such as ERP upgrades, new system rollouts, or business integrations.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have the following skills, competencies and experience:

• Experience in internal controls, external/internal audit, or risk management, ideally within a listed or regulated company.
• Strong knowledge of ICFR (e.g., Provision 29), COSO framework, and corporate governance requirements.
• Experience managing audits and working with Big 4 auditors.
• Exposure to ERP systems (Oracle Fusion an advantage).
• Deep understanding of financial reporting, business processes, and control best practices.
• Strong project management and process improvement capabilities.
• Strong ethical standards and professional integrity.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field.
• Professional qualifications (CPA, ACA, CIA, CISA, or equivalent) strongly preferred.

Additional Information

At Entain, we know that signing top players requires a great starting package, and plenty of support to inspire peak performance. Join us, and a competitive salary is just the beginning.

Depending on your role and location, you can expect to receive benefits like

• A regular bonus
• Healthcare support
• A stake in our success through our ShareSave scheme
• Great development opportunities
• Wellbeing support, and so much more

And outside of this, you’ll have the chance to turn recognition from leaders and colleagues into amazing prizes, join a winning team of talented people and be a part of an inclusive and supporting community where everyone is celebrated for being themselves.

Should you need any adjustments or accommodations to the recruitment process, at either application or interview, please contact us.

At Entain, we do what's right. It's one of our core values and that's why we're taking the lead when it comes to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive future - for our people, and the wider global sports betting and gaming sector. However you identify, our ambition is to ensure our people across the globe feel valued, respected and their individuality celebrated. 

We comply with all applicable recruitment regulations and employment laws in the jurisdictions where we operate, ensuring ethical and compliant hiring practices globally.