Advanced Associate, Internal Audit, Controls, Compliance, and Risk
Pearson
Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom£30,000+["Full time"]
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Belfast or London (Hybrid) · Finance, Accounting and STEM graduates
Are you curious to understand a global organisation end to end?
Join Pearson Internal Audit and build a broad understanding of how a global
organisation operates. Over three years, you will work on audits spanning
financial processes, technology and cyber, HR, AI and major transformation
programmes—turning your analysis into practical insights for senior leaders.
From day one, we will fund and support you towards your ACCA professional
qualification. Successfully complete the programme and you will be offered a
permanent role within the team.
SALARY
£28,000 Belfast / £30,000 London, plus annual bonus
LOCATION
Belfast or London, hybrid
PROGRAMME
3 years, then permanent role
QUALIFICATION
Fully funded (ACCA)
START DATE
By July 2027
CLOSING DATE
6 November 2026
About Pearson
Our purpose is simple: to help people realise the life they imagine through
learning. We are bold thinkers and innovators who push the boundaries of
technology to empower learners across the globe.
Internal Audit gives independent assurance and advice across Pearson’s global
business units. You will be based in Belfast or London and work with colleagues
across the organisation.
What you will do
• Work on audits across financial, operational and IT areas, including audits
over the use of AI in our business, as part of our annual audit plan.
• Test how well controls work – identify risks and recommend improvements the
business can act on.
• Use AI and data analytics to plan audits and draft workpapers, and to analyse
complete data populations for fuller insight than traditional sampling
allows.
• Write clear audit reports and present your findings to senior stakeholders.
• Collaborate with Finance, Risk, Legal and Technology teams on assurance and
advisory engagements.
• Contribute ideas to how the audit function works through continuous
improvement initiatives.
What is in it for you
• Breadth of experience – a structured 3-year programme across a wide range of
internal audit topics.
• A professional qualification – full funding and support for ACCA
qualification.
• A clear next step – a permanent role on successful completion of the
programme.
• Salary and bonus – £28,000 a year in Belfast or £30,000 in London, plus an
annual bonus scheme.
• Hybrid working – in our Belfast or London office at least one day a week,
with remote working the rest of the time.
• Visibility – a view of the global Pearson organisation and a professional
network across the business, including colleagues at our head office at 80
Strand, London.
• Benefits – Pearson’s wider benefits package, learning resources and employee
networks.
About you
You are a recent graduate, or due to graduate in 2027, with a degree in Finance,
Accounting, a closely related discipline or a STEM subject. You are also:
* interested in internal audit, risk management and corporate governance
* analytical, a good problem-solver and careful with detail
* a clear communicator, in writing and in person
* curious, proactive and keen to learn
* comfortable working on your own and as part of a team
* confident with using MS Office tools (Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint)
How to apply - (please note that the application date may close earlier than
advertised based in volume)
Our process has three stages:
1. Apply online. Send your CV and a short cover letter telling us why the
programme interests you.
2. Assessment. First, complete two online tests – one numeracy and one
reasoning. Then join our assessment centre for group exercises and
individual tasks that let you show your skills and potential.
3. Final meeting. Meet our Head of Internal Audit – a chance for you to find
out more
about the role and for us to get to know you.
Inclusion
We value diversity in all its forms and are committed to an inclusive
environment where everyone feels they belong. We welcome applications from all
backgrounds and are proud to be an equal opportunities employer.