West & Central Controls Lead at Diageo

Purpose of Role

• The Controls Manager is responsible for implementing and strengthening the Governance and Controls agenda across Diageo’s Southern, West, and Central Africa markets. The role ensures that business activities operate within Diageo’s control standards, financial policies, and regulatory expectations — driving a culture of accountability, compliance, and excellence in execution.
• As the first line of defence for the region, the Controls Manager partners closely with functional leaders to embed consistent internal controls, elevate process discipline, and reinforce a strong tone at the top across markets.

Top 4–5 Accountabilities

Embed and Strengthen Internal Controls

• Implement and maintain robust internal controls within business processes (including local-specific controls not covered by the Global Control Framework).
• Partner with Finance and Operational leaders to optimise the control environment, ensuring process ownership and compliance.
• Lead local control spot checks and deep dives on high-risk areas, identify root causes, and track remediation to closure.
• Continuously update control procedures in response to changes in business activities, systems, or local regulations.

Audit Coordination and Control Assurance

• Act as the primary contact for Group Internal Audit, Global Assurance and Risk (GAR), and external auditors.
• Coordinate market readiness, documentation, and fieldwork support.
• Support the annual CARM (SOX) assurance process, ensuring controls are tested and validated according to Diageo standards.
• Maintain dashboards to track key control indicators and provide periodic reports to the Finance Leadership Team.

Governance, Documentation, and Reporting

• Drive process documentation and walkthroughs across all core financial and operational cycles.
• Deliver quarterly reporting on control health, audit readiness, and remediation progress using RAG status dashboards.
• Escalate material control issues promptly and ensure corrective actions are embedded into BAU operations.
• Provide expert assessments of process and control effectiveness to management and leadership.

Capability Building and Culture

• Partner with business leaders to promote a strong governance and control culture.
• Deliver training sessions across functions to build awareness and competence in control standards.
• Support the annual SWC Controls capability programme to embed consistency and best practice.
• Champion transparency, documentation discipline, and continuous improvement.

Collaboration and Stakeholder Management

• Build strong, collaborative relationships with Functional Directors across markets.
• Work effectively with Global Assurance & Risk, Group Internal Audit, and Global Finance to ensure alignment and consistency.
• Partner with external auditors and regulatory bodies where required.
• Engage with industry peers and forums to stay ahead of evolving compliance and control practices.

Key Stakeholders

• Internal: Commercial Directors, Functional Directors, Finance Directors/Controllers, General Managers, Brand Teams, Global Controls Assurance, Global Audit & Risk, Business Integrity, and Market Finance teams.
• External: Internal and external auditors, and where applicable, regulatory authorities and industry working groups.

Qualifications & Experience

• Degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (CPA, ACCA, or CIMA certification preferred).
• Minimum 7–10 years of experience in finance, internal controls, or audit roles in a multinational or FMCG environment.
• Deep technical understanding of internal controls, compliance frameworks, and financial governance.
• Proven track record in audit preparation, control remediation, and process improvement.
• Excellent business partnering, communication, and stakeholder management skills across complex, matrixed organisations.
• Strong analytical mindset, attention to detail, and the ability to identify and solve control issues proactively.
• Demonstrated excellence in execution, accountability, and collaboration.

Leadership Capabilities

• Performance through Purpose: Maintains high standards and champions integrity and transparency.
• Shape the Future: Simplifies and strengthens control frameworks for sustainable performance.
• Inspire through Trust: Builds strong, transparent partnerships with stakeholders across markets.
• Invest in Talent: Coaches teams to embed ownership and accountability for control excellence.

Performance Measures

• % of markets compliant with SWC Control Framework.
• Reduction in high/critical audit findings.
• Timely closure rate of remediation actions.
• Completion of process documentation and self-audits.
• Capability uplift through training and control culture metrics.