Pros
IT Audit function covers entire bank portfolio, from payments to credit cards to retail and commercial banking, with locations centred in UK, Western Europe, and a growing hub in SE Asia. The investment banking arm (Barcap) is effectively a separate entity. Theoretically lots of opportunity for travel, and to get exposure across a number of business areas. IT Auditors often assigned to business areas outside their normal remit. Controls focus in operational areas is growing slowly.
Cons
Job areas are clearly demarcated, and it is difficult to move between, e.g. Barclaycard and Commercial Banking for structured development, and very hard to move to / from Barcap. Management is very hierarchical, with little trust and interest in opinions and experience of staff in the 'rung below'. Progress and innovation noted by their absence. Takes inordinate amount of time to initiate improvements, and they are generally not valued by management. A large QA team do nothing to streamline work processes. For a regulated industry, the controls focus in operations is poor, and operational staff and junior management do not value Audit function. Audit management style very traditional, and struggle to embrace modern working practices (such as remote working!)