At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the internal audit team and deliver risk-based audit strategies.
- Company: Southern Housing aims to create safe communities where residents feel proud to live.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working options, and an attractive benefits package.
- Why this job: Join a mission-driven organisation making a real impact in social housing.
- Qualifications: Degree level education and qualified internal audit professional with leadership experience required.
- Other info: Opportunity to present at committees and network with key stakeholders.
The predicted salary is between 66000 - 77000 £ per year.
Lead in the Delivery of Independent & Objective Assurance for Southern Housing.
About Our Client
Southern Housing is a housing association whose vision is to create communities where everyone has a safe home in a place where they're proud to live. Residents are at the heart of our services. We’re big and we’re local, and we use our size to influence positive change in the areas where we operate.
Job Description
As the Director of Internal Audit, your key responsibilities include:
- Providing leadership to your internal audit team.
- Leading the operational delivery of a risk-based audit strategy and audit plans that provide assurance over Southern Housing's principal risks in accordance with our Standards (currently the Public Sector Internal Audit Standards).
- Providing an independent review and objective opinion on governance processes, management of risk, systems of internal control and value for money.
- Providing expert, up-to-date subject matter, and best practice advice across the key strands of internal audit.
- Planning, managing, and monitoring the delivery of the internal audit budgets (including the appointment of external resources where required), driving through continuous improvement efficiencies to achieve a value for money service.
- Being accountable to the Audit & Risk Committee and Board.
- Providing an annual opinion on the effectiveness of internal controls.
- Ensuring the business is aware of all legal amendments and requirements in relation to the internal audit service along with good practice and include all necessary approved changes within the group's policies and procedures.
- Ensuring good relationships are sustained with all key stakeholders, identifying opportunities to raise the profile of Southern Housing including attendance at networking events and taking on speaking opportunities.
- Attending Committees and Board to present reports as required.
The Successful Applicant
The Director of Internal Audit’s Skills, knowledge and experience should include:
Essential- A track record of operating at a senior level within a large and complex organisation with demonstrable success in delivering professional risk-based internal audit services to global standards.
- Knowledge of risk, regulation and compliance matters as relevant to UK Social Housing including Regulatory Standards.
- Good communication skills, both orally and written, using a range of techniques and tools to convey messages.
- Be action orientated with an ability to act and react as required e.g. to Audit & Risk Committee requests or Fraud & Bribery Action Team requests to carry out investigations.
- Able to present complex information in a clear, transparent, and readily understandable manner.
- Work effectively, in conjunction with others within and outside the directorate to deliver objectives.
- Proven track record in Stakeholder Management.
- Committed to customer service across the board.
- Previous housing sector experience an advantage.
- Proven track record in leading and managing high performing functional teams.
- Track record of effective delivery in functional area.
- Ability to manage change effectively, understanding the needs and benefits for change and plays an active role in delivering successful change.
- Develops and empowers staff, sets clear objectives, and gives feedback.
- Diplomatic with the ability to interact successfully at all levels.
- Patience, tolerance, and resilience.
- Good listener with the ability to effectively apply the knowledge gained.
- Strong belief in customer satisfaction and business benefit driven solutions.
- Ability to make presentations and deliver clear messages to teams.
- Educated to degree level or equivalent through relevant training / experience.
- Qualified Internal Audit professional (CMIIA or CIA) with at least 5 years post qualification internal audit leadership experience.
- Evidence of continuous professional development.
What’s on Offer
The Director of Internal Audit will receive:
- Competitive salary of up to £110,000.
- Flexible working with a mix of office and home working available.
- Attractive benefits package including private medical insurance.
Director of Internal Audit employer: Southern Housing
Contact Detail:
Southern Housing Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Internal Audit
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the housing sector and internal audit community. Attend relevant events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and stakeholders, as building relationships can significantly enhance your visibility and credibility.
✨Tip Number 2
Stay updated on the latest regulations and best practices in internal auditing, particularly those relevant to the UK social housing sector. This knowledge will not only prepare you for interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and experiences in managing high-performing teams. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully led change and improved processes in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with Southern Housing's mission and values. Tailor your conversations to reflect how your personal values align with theirs, showcasing your genuine interest in contributing to their vision of creating safe communities.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Internal Audit
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in internal audit, risk management, and leadership. Use specific examples that demonstrate your success in delivering professional risk-based internal audit services.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that clearly outlines your motivation for applying to Southern Housing. Emphasise your understanding of the housing sector and how your skills align with their vision of creating safe communities.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: In your application, provide examples of how you have successfully led high-performing teams. Highlight your ability to manage change and develop staff, as these are crucial for the Director of Internal Audit role.
Demonstrate Stakeholder Management: Include instances where you effectively managed relationships with key stakeholders. This will show your capability in sustaining good relationships and raising the profile of the organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Southern Housing
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Director of Internal Audit, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead high-performing teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, focusing on your leadership style and how you empower others.
✨Understand the Regulatory Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the UK Social Housing regulatory standards and compliance matters. Be ready to discuss how these regulations impact internal audit processes and how you've navigated similar challenges in previous roles.
✨Communicate Clearly and Effectively
Strong communication skills are essential for this role. Practice presenting complex information in a clear and concise manner, as you may need to explain audit findings to stakeholders who may not have a technical background.
✨Demonstrate Stakeholder Management Experience
Prepare to discuss your experience in managing relationships with key stakeholders. Highlight specific instances where you've successfully engaged with various parties to achieve audit objectives or improve processes.