Advanced Associate, Internal Audit, Controls, Compliance, and Risk

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.

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.

• 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.

• 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.

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)

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.

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.