Senior Internal Controls Manager

Do you have experience in driving improvements to business processes and risk management and controls Are you looking to further your leadership skills and to work with a variety of stakeholders Social Security Scotland are looking for a Senior Internal Controls Manager to be a part of the Benefit Payments Projects and Controls branch in Finance Unit.

The Internal Controls team work alongside key stakeholders from across the Agency and Social Security Directorate to help document key benefit delivery processes identifying associated risks and assessing existing internal controls. Where any control gaps or weaknesses are identified the team provides suggestions and advice on potential improvement addition the team also contribute to the wider activity in relation to internal control working across the organisation to help mature the internal control capability including important work on three lines of defence and the enterprise level approach to controls.

The successful candidate will report to the existing C2 Benefit Payments Projects and Controls Lead and be responsible for providing leadership direction and oversight of the Internal Controls team and its work. This includes responsibility for the teams delivery of the benefit control mapping work within agreed timelines and line management of the B3 Internal Control Manager.

In addition to this overall responsibility the postholder will also be required to map controls for individual benefits working with key stakeholders to identify document and assess the key controls in the end-to-end processes before presenting findings to the Internal Controls Steering Group and other relevant governance groups.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for the internal controls team and associated workstream including effective line management of one B3 Internal Control Manager including maintaining the Control Framework for Benefit Delivery.
  
• Drive the delivery of baseline assessments of internal controls for each live benefit both through the direct delivery of baseline assessments and by providing direction oversight and support to Internal Controls Manager empowering them to conduct baseline assessment for select live benefits.
  
• Present control findings in relevant governance forums to drive decision making around risk appetite and tolerance ownership and accountability of risk and prioritisation of improvement actions.
  
• Build and maintain a wide internal and external network of risk control and assurance stakeholders to facilitate delivery of baseline assessments and maintain expert knowledge.
  
• Ensure Internal Controls Steering Group remains fit for purpose and operates effectively providing challenge support and advice to the teams work.
  
• Provide subject matter expert advice on internal control issues e.g. through quality review and change processes strategic level engagement on organisational approach to risk control and assurance.
  
• Support the effective running of the Benefit Payments Projects and Controls branch including representation at selected divisional and organisational level meetings and deputising for the Branch Lead when required.
  

Success Profiles
We use an assessment framework called Success Profiles which lists the elements we test and provides detailed descriptions of each. Find out more about how we assess the Success Profile elements.

Experience

• Experience of driving improvements to business processes through the identification and assessment of risks controls and means of assurance.
  

Behaviours

• Making Effective Decisions (Level 4)
  - Use evidence and knowledge to support accurate expert decisions and advice. Carefully consider alternative options implications and risks of decisions.
• Leadership (Level 4)
  - Show pride and passion for public service. Create and engage others in delivering a shared vision. Value difference diversity and inclusion ensuring fairness and opportunity for all.
• Working Together (Level 4)
  - Form effective partnerships and relationships with people both internally and externally from a range of diverse backgrounds sharing information resources and support.
• Delivering at Pace (Level 4)
  - Take responsibility for delivering timely and quality results with focus and drive.

You can find out more about Success Profiles Behaviours here.

How to Apply
Apply online you must provide a CV and a Supporting Statement (of no more than 1500 words) which provides evidence of how you meet the Success Profiles above.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can be used to support your application but all statements and examples provided must be truthful factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others or generated by artificial intelligence and presented as your own) applications will be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.

Please see our candidate guidance for more information on acceptable and unacceptable uses of AI in recruitment.

If invited for further assessment this will consist of an interview and assessment in the form of a presentation.

We aim to provide feedback on request. However if we receive a large number of applications it may not be possible for us to provide specific feedback on your application. We will provide feedback on request to candidates who attend an interview/assessment.

Information Session
We are holding a candidate information session to provide you with information about the application and interview process as well as further information on the role and team.

The session will be held on Wednesday 14th January at 13:00 - 14:00

Please join us using the link below.

Click here to join the meeting

Expected Timeline (subject to change)
Sift w/c 21st January 2026
Interview w/c 2nd February 2026

Reserve List
In the event that there are more successful candidates than posts available a reserve list will be kept for up to 12 months.

About Us
Social Security Scotland is an Executive Agency of the Scottish Government. Our benefits help people from all walks of life in Scotland. We offer rewarding careers and employ people across Scotland in a wide range of professions and roles. We are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that is representative of the clients we serve. Find more about us here.

We offer a supportive and inclusive working environment along with a wide range of employee benefits. Find out more about what we offer.

As part of the UK Civil Service we uphold the Civil Service Nationality Rules.

Working pattern
Our standard hours are 35 hours per week and we offer a range of flexible working options depending on the needs of the role. We embrace a hybrid working style where all colleagues will spend time in either our Glasgow or Dundee offices. There is an expectation of a minimum 2 days per week in your assigned location which will be either Glasgow or Dundee. If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for please contact us.

Equality Statement
Social Security Scotland are committed to equality and inclusion and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation.

Social Security Scotland are a Disability Confident Employer. We will consider and implement any reasonable adjustments you may require throughout the recruitment process and during the course of your employment should you be successful in securing a post. If you feel you may require assistance with any part of our recruitment process please contact us at .

Find out more about our commitment to diversity and how we offer and support recruitment adjustments for anyone who needs them.

Further Information
This role is only available to existing permanent civil servants who have successfully completed their probation period within Social Security Scotland or the broader Scottish Government.

Find out more about our organisation what we offer staff members and how to apply on our Careers Website.

Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes.

The successful candidate will be expected to remain in post for a minimum of 3 years unless successful in gaining promotion to a higher Band or Grade.

If you experience any difficulties accessing our website or completing the online application form please contact the Resourcing Team via

Apply before 20th January 2026 at 23:55

Contact Name - Colin McGinty
Contact e-Mail -