Vargo Group
Director of Controls

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Director of Controls
Up to £200,000 | London | Hybrid | Permanent
Vargo is recruiting a Director of Controls for a large financial services business. This is a first-line leadership role with responsibility for building and leading a controls function across a complex technology and operations environment.
You will shape how controls are designed, operated, tested and improved, giving senior leaders a clear view of risk and making sure weaknesses are addressed with sustainable fixes.
The role
- Build and lead a team responsible for the full controls lifecycle.
- Develop a risk-based approach to control design, testing, monitoring and reporting.
- Identify material weaknesses, agree practical remediation and track actions through to completion.
- Work with product, engineering, architecture, operations and risk teams to embed controls early in change and delivery.
- Use data, telemetry, automation and appropriate AI tools to improve visibility and control effectiveness.
- Provide clear reporting and constructive challenge to senior stakeholders.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
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Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
What we are looking for
- Experience owning and leading a first-line controls function at director level or equivalent.
- A strong understanding of technology and operational controls, with practical experience across design, testing, monitoring and remediation.
- Experience in payments or financial services and an understanding of the three lines model.
- The ability to build teams, influence senior stakeholders and turn complex risks into clear priorities.


Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
Experience with real-time payment systems, critical infrastructure, GRC platforms or automation would be useful.
Package
Up to £200,000, with hybrid working in London. Benefits package - details available during the process.
Applicants must have the right to work in the UK without sponsorship. Sponsorship is not available for this role.
For a confidential discussion, contact Tom Miller at Vargo or apply below.
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