Risk and Controls Testing Specialist CV Template Example

The role of a Risk & Controls Testing Specialist is a vital pillar in today’s corporate and financial sectors. Organisations rely heavily on professionals in this field to ensure that their risk management frameworks, internal controls, and compliance procedures are robust, effective, and audit-ready. This role typically involves designing and performing risk assessments, testing internal controls, identifying gaps, and recommending solutions to prevent operational failures or regulatory breaches. In the UK, salaries for Risk & Controls Testing Specialists vary depending on experience and the size of the organisation but typically range from £40,000 to £70,000 per year, with senior roles often exceeding £80,000.

Because this role sits at the heart of risk management, it requires not only technical expertise but also strong analytical and communication skills. Employers are looking for candidates who can demonstrate tangible experience in risk assessment, control testing, compliance reporting, and the ability to interpret complex regulations and frameworks such as SOX, COSO, or ISO standards. Crafting a CV that truly showcases these skills is crucial to standing out in a competitive job market.

Understanding the Job Description

Before you start drafting your CV, it’s essential to fully understand the job description. A Risk & Controls Testing Specialist job description typically includes:

• Conducting risk assessments and identifying control weaknesses.
• Performing control testing, documenting findings, and recommending remediation actions.
• Preparing detailed reports for senior management and external auditors.
• Ensuring compliance with internal policies, industry regulations, and best practice frameworks.
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to implement risk mitigation strategies.

Highlighting these responsibilities on your CV in a results-oriented manner is key to catching the attention of recruiters and hiring managers.

Crafting a Risk & Controls Testing Specialist CV

An effective Risk & Controls Testing Specialist CV should be clear, concise, and structured to highlight your experience, skills, and achievements. The goal is to present yourself as someone who can not only understand complex risk frameworks but also take actionable steps to mitigate risks and add value to an organisation.

CV Structure for Risk & Controls Testing Specialist

1. Professional Profile / Personal Statement
   Begin with a compelling professional profile summarising your experience, key skills, and career goals. Keep it focused, confident, and relevant to risk and controls testing. Example:

“Experienced Risk & Controls Testing Specialist with over 7 years in financial services, skilled in risk assessment, internal control testing, and regulatory compliance. Proven track record in improving control environments and reducing operational risk.”

2. Key Skills
   Include a bullet-pointed list of technical and soft skills relevant to the role:

• Risk assessment & mitigation
• Internal controls testing
• Regulatory compliance (SOX, COSO, ISO)
• Audit preparation & reporting
• Analytical & problem-solving skills
• Stakeholder communication & collaboration

3. Professional Experience
   List your most recent roles first, focusing on achievements and measurable results. Use action-oriented language. Example:

Risk & Controls Testing Specialist – XYZ Bank, London (2019 – Present)

• Conducted comprehensive risk assessments across business units, reducing operational incidents by 20%.
• Performed internal control testing in accordance with SOX requirements, improving compliance scores.
• Collaborated with management to implement remediation actions, mitigating high-risk exposures.

Remember: Quantifying your achievements with percentages, numbers, or outcomes makes your CV much more persuasive.

4. Education & Qualifications
   Include relevant academic qualifications and certifications, particularly those recognised in risk management and auditing, such as:

• BSc in Finance, Accounting, or Business Administration
• Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)
• Certified Risk Management Professional (CRMP)
• Relevant industry-specific training

5. Additional Sections
   Optional sections can include:

• Professional memberships (e.g., Institute of Risk Management, IIA)
• Key projects or secondments relevant to risk and control testing
• Technical proficiencies (risk software, data analysis tools)

Tips for Graduates Entering Risk & Controls Testing

For graduates, breaking into this field may seem daunting, but a well-crafted CV can help you stand out. Focus on:

• Relevant internships or placement experience.
• University projects demonstrating analytical or auditing skills.
• Transferable skills, such as attention to detail, problem-solving, and teamwork.
• Tailored personal statements highlighting your eagerness to learn and adapt in risk management environments.

Advice for Middle and Senior Management Applicants

For those with experience, your CV should emphasise leadership, strategic impact, and measurable results:

• Highlight your experience in managing risk and controls testing teams.
• Include examples of how your recommendations influenced business strategy or reduced risk exposure.
• Showcase your knowledge of regulatory frameworks and how you ensured organisational compliance.
• Demonstrate mentoring, coaching, or training of junior staff in risk management practices.

Do’s and Don’ts on a Risk & Controls Testing Specialist CV

Do’s:

• Keep your CV concise, ideally 2-3 pages.
• Use action verbs: “led,” “implemented,” “developed,” “improved.”
• Quantify achievements wherever possible.
• Tailor your CV for each role using keywords from the job description.
• Ensure correct grammar, formatting, and professional language.

Don’ts:

• Don’t include unrelated work experience unless transferable skills are evident.
• Avoid generic statements like “hardworking” without evidence.
• Don’t exaggerate responsibilities or achievements.
• Avoid cluttered design; keep it professional and readable.

Optimising Your CV for Google and Recruiters

In addition to traditional CV best practices, remember that many recruiters now use automated systems (ATS) to filter applications. Use industry-specific keywords naturally throughout your CV. For a Risk & Controls Testing Specialist, these may include:

• Risk assessment
• Internal controls
• Compliance reporting
• Audit testing
• Regulatory standards
• SOX/COSO/ISO frameworks
• Operational risk mitigation

Using these keywords appropriately improves both human and machine readability, increasing your chances of securing an interview.

Final Encouragement from Jerry Frempong

Creating a CV that stands out is not just about listing skills and experience—it’s about telling your professional story in a compelling, confident, and results-oriented way. Remember, every risk you’ve identified, every control you’ve tested, and every compliance gap you’ve helped close is part of your professional narrative. Conveying this effectively will help you land your next interview.

If you want to take your CV and LinkedIn profile to the next level, book an appointment today for a personalised consultation. Together, we’ll craft a Risk & Controls Testing Specialist CV that truly opens doors and positions you for success in the competitive UK market. Book your appointment now.

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