Head of Controls at Diageo

Role Purpose

The Head of Controls - SWC is responsible for providing leadership, oversight, and continuous improvement of the control environment across South Africa and the West & Central Africa partner markets.

The role ensures that CARM governance, control testing, in‑market assurance activities, and change‑related control reviews are effectively designed, embedded, and understood across the entire SWC cluster.

This position is the primary custodian of control excellence for SWC and acts as a key enabler of compliant, well‑governed, and efficient business operations.

Key Responsibilities

Oversight & Leadership on Controls


Lead and continually strengthen the controls environment across SWC, ensuring alignment with global control standards and market requirements.
Provide clear direction, challenge, and support to business functions on control expectations.
Ensure control ownership is clearly defined, understood, and consistently applied across all markets.
Drive an annual control improvement roadmap for SWC.


CARM Mapping, Scoping & Testing


Own and maintain the full CARM framework for SWC.
Lead the annual CARM risk-based scoping process; ensure completeness, accuracy, and alignment with global guidance.
Oversee testing cycles, including first-line execution and independent second-line assurance.
Ensure quality of documentation, evidence, and remediation tracking.


In‑Market Testing & Deep Dives


Plan and deliver periodic in-market assurance visits (SWC markets).
Conduct deep dives on high-risk process areas to assess design and operational effectiveness of controls.
Identify thematic issues, gaps, and areas requiring escalation or structural improvement.
Share market-specific reports and insights with local leaders and the FD SWC.


Business Change Processes & Controls Reviews


Review business transformation initiatives, new systems, process changes, route-to-market shifts, and structural reorganisations to ensure controls are embedded from the outset.
Assess the control impact of new commercial programmes, supply changes, or partnership models.
Provide clear recommendations and ensure controls are implemented before go-live.


Training & Communication


Develop and deliver annual training programmes on CARM, controls, policies, and governance expectations.
Build market capability through workshops, targeted coaching, and onboarding for new control owners.
Regularly communicate updates, policy changes, and insights to drive awareness and accountability.
Create materials that translate complex controls concepts into practical guidance for market teams.


Key Interfaces


FD - SWC (Direct Manager)
SWC Leadership
SWC Market Finance Directors
Global/Regional Controls Teams
Commercial, Supply Chain & HR functions
Internal & External Auditors
GBS / Shared Services (where applicable)
COE


Role Requirements

Professional Qualifications


Chartered Accountant / ACCA / CPA (or equivalent).
Strong background in controls, audit, or assurance.


Experience


8 - 12+ years' experience in internal controls, audit, or finance.
Experience in multi‑market or partner‑market environments is an advantage.
Strong understanding of financial processes, CARM/SOX/COSO frameworks, and control design.


Skills & Behaviours


Expert understanding of financial control design and testing.
Strong analytical and investigative capability.
Ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders and senior leaders.
Structured, proactive, and able to work independently across diverse markets.
Skilled communicator able to simplify complex controls topics.


Success Measures


Quality and consistency of control execution across SWC.
Strength of CARM test results and closure of remediation actions.
Effectiveness and impact of in-market deep dives.
Controls embedded effectively in business change initiatives.
Improved capability and awareness across markets (training feedback, adoption).
Reduction in recurring control issues or audit findings.