Audit Cross-Function Associate

Who we are

United by a sense of purpose towards our customers – to be a trusted partner for the long-term – and our universal banking platform in EMEA, SMBC Group has an international growth agenda and award-winning products, meaning we provide exciting opportunities to work on a diverse range of projects and initiatives. We deliver a full suite of corporate finance products and solutions to our customers as well as investment banking and advisory services, and a range of innovative solutions in global capital markets. Read on to find out how you could enhance your skills and gain valuable experience, by joining us to support our clients transition to a sustainable future.

Role Summary

We are seeking an Associate who will provide administrative and operational support to the Audit Department, with a primary focus on supporting the General Managers. The role contributes to the effective day‑to‑day running of the department by managing diaries, supporting budget monitoring, processing invoices, coordinating travel, and assisting with reporting and management information.

This is a support role requiring strong organisation, attention to detail, and the ability to work proactively in a fast‑paced environment.

Business Area

The Internal Audit Department (IAD) is an independent function within SMBC Bank International plc, reporting to the Board Audit Committee. IAD provides assurance over the design and operating effectiveness of key controls across the organisation and delivers approximately 80 audit reports annually across EMEA.

The Audit Business Operations team supports the audit function by maintaining consistent processes, supporting audit delivery, and ensuring compliance with internal policies, professional standards, and regulatory requirements.

Position Description

This role exists to support the General Managers of IAD through a broad range of administrative and coordination activities. The Associate will assist with budget monitoring, invoice processing, preparation and distribution of reports, management information production, and diary management.

The role also supports business travel arrangements for visiting senior audit management from Tokyo, ensuring arrangements comply with bank policies and remain within departmental budgets.

Key Responsibilities

Administrative & Diary Management

• Provide administrative support to the Co General Managers, including proactive diary management.
• Coordinate meetings with senior management and ensure appropriate facilities are arranged.
• Maintain the department intranet and assist with publication of final audit reports.

Budget & Financial Administration

• Monitor departmental expenditure against budget on a monthly basis.
• Process invoices for approval and support the creation of departmental budget reports.
• Assist with expense claim support across the Audit Department.

Travel & Visitor Coordination

• Arrange flights, accommodation, and logistics for Co-GMs and audit senior management business travel in line with Travel and Entertainment policy.
• Obtain travel visas where required.
• Support visiting Tokyo-based senior audit management and auditors, including meeting coordination and logistics.

Reporting & Management Information

• Assist in the preparation and distribution of reports for Executive Committee, EMEA meetings, and Audit Committees.
• Support the Group Heads with the production of data for regular reporting.

Recruitment & Onboarding Support

• Coordinate recruitment interviews with Human Resources, internal interviewers, and recruitment agencies.
• Support the onboarding of suppliers specific to the Audit Department and maintain ABC and Coupa records.

General Departmental Support

• Provide ad hoc administrative support across the Audit Department as required.
• Contribute to Audit Department initiatives and work collaboratively with teams across EMEA.

Key Requirements

• Strong administrative and organisational skills with a high level of attention to detail.
• Understanding of, or ability to quickly learn, the Bank’s Travel and Entertainment Policy.
• Proactive and flexible approach, with the ability to manage changing priorities.
• Confidence in liaising with internal stakeholders, including senior management.
• Ability to appropriately question or challenge when required.
• Comfortable working with financial data, invoices, and reporting information, including proficiency in Excel.
• Previous administrative or operations support experience within a corporate or financial services environment is preferred.

Competencies

What we offer

For all the expertise and experience you bring to help us make a difference, it’s only sustainable if we support you to build your career and be your best self so we offer competitive company benefits, centred around promoting positive well-bring and work-life balance. We also believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment, where all team members perspectives and contributions are valued. Initiatives in place which promote a diverse and inclusive culture and healthy work life balance include hybrid working, Sport & Social Clubs and Diversity and Inclusion networks.

As an employee of SMBC you have access to a host of both useful and exciting benefit offerings. See below some of the benefits on offer to you:

• Hybrid and flexible working 
• Competitive paid leave days
• Benefits to support your physical wellbeing, including private medical insurance and life and invalidity insurance 
• Various policies to support your mental wellbeing, including a robust behavioural health network with counselling and coaching services  
• Access a wide range of learning and development opportunities and career progression opportunities 
• Ambitious remuneration package

So, if you like a challenge and want to continuously grow and develop in a role where you will be supported along the way by a dynamic and diverse team, apply today!!