Field Auditor (ABL - Block)

The Client Auditor is responsible for performing independent client audits across the Block Discounting and Asset Based Lending (ABL) portfolios (c£1.5bn exposure), providing assurance over the quality and existence of the collateral securing these facilities. The role will ensure client audits are delivered to a high quality in-line with risk appetite and audit frameworks focusing on robust oversight designed to protect capital, detect fraud and conduct risks, identify systemic control weaknesses, and provide transparent, consistent reporting & insight. The role will require building strong relationships across Credit, Originations and Portfolio Management Teams providing constructive challenge and value add insights to provide comprehensive audit outputs on the quality of collateral we are financing and identify underlying issues with our borrowers. The role requires accurate data capture, analysis, data driven decision making and data governance, working closely with the Client Audit Manager to ensure audit outcomes are recorded and reported consistently. The successful candidate must have a desire to challenge the status quo, while using AI to drive automation to super-charge delivery and drive process consistency to deliver insightful reporting and escalation. This role offers the opportunity to build and develop deep specialist expertise across Block Discounting and Asset Based Lending products within a growing Risk Services function. Key Responsibilities - Perform on-site surveys & audits of Block Discounting and ABL client collateral as well as fraud and conduct checks to ensure compliance with audit and risk frameworks and policies. - Audits are normally conducted at the client's premises and involve full analysis of complex management accounts and business management systems. - Conduct complex audits and perform due diligence on new and existing Asset Based Lending clients to assess their financial security and identify potential areas of risk. - Complete audit testing, sampling and analysis to verify the existence, quality and valuation of collateral supporting client facilities. - Perform peer quality checking to ensure consistency in audit testing, findings and actions. - Follow procedures and control documentation to demonstrate consistency and transparency of activities. - Review audit scope, sampling, and testing strategies independently for each client collaborating with Portfolio & Operations teams, including stepping beyond standard templates where risk indicators arise. - Operate as a front line touch point with the client representing Shawbrook’s culture and behaviours, - Provide insightful and succinct reporting on audit outcomes and emerging risks. - Escalate material audit findings to the Client Audit Manager to ensure transparency and risk mitigation. - Utilise and help embed AI solutions to automate and systemise audit processes in core business applications. - Support the embedding of Conduct controls into the Audit process. - Attend key stakeholder meetings and forums to present audit outcomes and provide insights from audit performance. Skills & Experience - proven experience in auditing Asset-Based Lending and/or Block discounting products in UK financial services. - Experience in auditing financial performance and/or forensic accounting may also be beneficial in the role. A strong grounding in financial accounting is preferred to interrogate management accounts and identify accounting-driven risk indicators. - Strong technical knowledge of Block Discounting and/or ABL structures and collateral models, including Revolving Credit Facilities, Property Bridging, Consumer and SME Lenders within Block, and Confidential Invoice Discounting (CID), Inventory and Plant & Machinery facilities within ABL - Experience using generative AI tools (e.g. ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot) to improve efficiency in analysis, reporting, documentation, and operational processes, while applying appropriate governance, confidentiality, and data handling controls. - Meticulous attention to detail with the ability to work independently and manage a varied audit caseload. - Strong data literacy with experience applying analytics to risk identification and fraud detection. - Understanding of the three lines of defence model and PRA/FCA expectations. - Demonstrated ability to constructively challenge stakeholders and communicate audit findings clearly and confidently. - Full UK driving licence and willingness to undertake national travel on a regular basis, including overnight stays where required by the audit schedule. - Proficient in MS Office especially MS Excel. Education/Professional Qualifications - Relevant professional qualifications are desirable (e.g., ACA, ACCA, CIA or equivalent). - We assess candidates on experience, skills, and impact Key Attributes - Independent and courageous. - Strong commercial and risk judgement. - Analytically rigorous and data curious. - High integrity and professional scepticism. - Forward-looking with a progressive view of assurance