Pearson
Lead Specialist, Internal Audit
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Job Title: Lead Specialist, Internal Audit
Description: This is a senior IT audit role leading audits across cloud, cybersecurity, and emerging tech, working with leadership to identify risks and strengthen controls across the business. This role aligns to industry-level titles such as IT Audit Manager or Technology Audit Manager.
Belfast (Hybrid – minimum 1 day per week in office)
About Pearson
Learning is the most powerful force for change in the world. More than 20,000 Pearson employees deliver our products and services in nearly 200 countries, all working towards a common purpose – to help people realise the life they imagine through learning.
We do this by providing high quality digital content and learning experiences, as well as assessments and qualifications that enable people to build skills and grow in a rapidly evolving world. We are the world’s lifelong learning company.
Learn more at pearsonplc.com
About the Role & Team
We are looking for a highly motivated and experienced Technology Audit Manager / IT Audit Manager to join our dynamic, innovative, and collaborative Internal Audit team (14 people across the UK and US).
The team provides forward-looking assurance, insight, and advice to support Pearson in achieving its strategic objectives.
In this role, you will:
Lead the planning, execution, and reporting of IT and cybersecurity audits
Work across a diverse and fast-changing technology and digital environment
Engage directly with Senior Management and key stakeholders
Support audit planning, audit committee reporting, and continuous improvement initiatives
You’ll report into the Internal Audit Leadership team and play a key role in strengthening stakeholder relationships across the business.
This opportunity is ideal for someone who enjoys:
Working in an international environment
Exposure to a wide range of technology risks and audit topics
Building relationships with senior stakeholders
Being part of a supportive and collaborative team
Location & Working Pattern
Based in Belfast (Clockwise River House)
Hybrid working – minimum 1 day per week in the office (required)
Up to 10% international travel
Collaboration across UK and US time zones (flexibility occasionally required)
Key Responsibilities Audit Delivery & Leadership
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Lead delivery of complex technology, application, infrastructure, and security audits
Deliver project/programme audits and integrated audits
Cover a wide range of topics including:
Cloud
AI
IT governance
Cybersecurity
Take full ownership of audit delivery:
Define risk-based audit scope
Design audit approach and work programmes
Plan and project manage delivery
Conduct fieldwork and testing
Validate findings with business and IT stakeholders
Manage reporting through to file closure
Integrate AI tools and agents as standard to support audit delivery
Stakeholder Management & Reporting
Discuss findings with management and agree risk mitigation actions
Produce clear, concise, commercially relevant reports
Provide actionable recommendations to:
Improve internal controls
Address weaknesses
Drive process efficiency
Build and maintain strong working relationships across:
Internal Audit
Technology teams
Wider business stakeholders
Governance, Follow-Up & Continuous Improvement
Track and follow up on audit actions and remediation progress
Liaise closely with action owners and business leadership
Support:
Annual audit planning
Audit committee reporting
Internal improvement initiatives
Stay current with emerging audit techniques and practices
Champion new approaches and continuous improvement
Team Contribution
Support and coach team members
Contribute to a collaborative and high-performing environment
Support investigations and ad-hoc projects as required
Qualifications
Degree (or equivalent) in:
Information Security
Computer Science
Or related field
Professional certification such as:
CISA
QICA
CISSP
CRISC
SSCP
Experience Required
5+ years’ experience in cybersecurity and IT audit
Strong experience across:
IT processes and controls
Applications, infrastructure, and IT security
Cloud services and emerging technologies
Hands-on experience with:
Auditing:
Web applications/services
Networks
Operating systems
Databases
Cloud environments
AI technologies
Cybersecurity and audit frameworks:
NIST CSF
ISO 27001/27002
PCI DSS
COBIT
ITIL
AI tools in audit delivery
Data and analytics tools:
Tableau
Power BI
Alteryx
Supporting complex data extraction and analysis
Exposure to major ERP systems ( Oracle preferred )
Key Skills & Capabilities
Strong understanding of:
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IT risk management
Security controls
Relationship between technology and business risk
Knowledge of:
Cybersecurity controls
Network architecture
Secure coding
Website/platform development
Virtual computing
Ability to:
Interpret complex technical issues
Develop practical, business-focused solutions
Strong:
Organisational and project management skills
Communication and stakeholder engagement skills
Ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical audiences
Collaborative and team-oriented approach
Commercial awareness and digital mindset
Flexible, innovative, and proactive mindset
Comfortable working independently in less structured environments
Why Join?
Global organisation with meaningful impact
Exposure to cutting-edge technology environments (AI, Cloud, Cybersecurity)
Opportunity to work closely with senior stakeholders
Collaborative, supportive, and international team
Strong focus on innovation and continuous improvement
Who we are:
At Pearson, our purpose is simple: to help people realize the life they imagine through learning. We believe that every learning opportunity is a chance for a personal breakthrough. We are the world's lifelong learning company. For us, learning isn't just what we do. It's who we are. To learn more: We are Pearson.
Pearson is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a member of E-Verify. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit and business need. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status or any other group protected by law. We actively seek qualified candidates who are protected veterans and individuals with disabilities as defined under VEVRAA and Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act.
If you are an individual with a disability and are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career site as a result of your disability, you may request reasonable accommodations by emailing TalentExperienceGlobalTeam@grp.pearson.com.
Job: Finance
Job Family: ENTERPRISE
Organization: Corporate Finance
Schedule: FULL_TIME
Workplace Type: Hybrid
Req ID: 24476
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