Senior Auditor

About the job

1. Purpose of the job

To undertake project-based internal audit assignments, proactive audits and reviews within all services and with associated deadlines and time limits, working either individually or as part of a team. Ensure that weaknesses in the system of internal control are identified through the work are reported and recommendations made to management to rectify this and reduce risk.

2. Dimensions

The Senior Auditor will work as part of the Internal Audit team and whilst they do not have any direct line management responsibilities, they may lead on specific audit projects and reviews which are undertaken with Auditors and Trainee Auditors.

3. Hardest part of the job

The Senior Auditor is required to work with minimal supervision. The Senior Auditor will carry out testing, observation, analysis, interviews, and documentary reviews to determine the adequacy of the process under review and identify changes to strengthen the existing system of internal control, improve the management of risk and governance processes. The Senior Auditor will be required to work with staff from all areas of the Council whilst acting as an ambassador for the Internal Audit team, and complying with the standards of the Chartered Institute of Internal Auditors.

4. Principal accountabilities

• Strategy: The Senior Auditor may be required to audit any operational, management, or governance system operated by the Council with minimal supervision. The Senior Auditor will carry out research into the area to be audited, develop a draft terms of reference for the audit for approval by the Head of Assurance, develop the risk control evaluation and testing schedule.
• Direction: The Senior Auditor will co-ordinate with officers of the Council to ensure that audits are completed within required timeframes.
• Implementation: The Senior Auditor will ensure that audits are completed to appropriate standards, audit fieldwork and testing is adequately recorded, and findings and recommendations adequately supported by sufficient evidence. To deliver a good quality product on time and in budget.
• Organisation Control and Development: Give consideration to the risks identified by Services and work in conjunction with the management team to ensure that the controls adequately address the risks, establishing whether they are working effectively. Analytical skills with the ability to undertake data analysis and data mining. Develop and encourage clear channels of two-way communication with clients throughout the conduct of audit engagements. Contribute to the discussions of findings with Heads of Service, Directors, and agree Management Action Plans with them. Report significant risk or governance issues arising from the audits undertaken. Adhere to the Public Sector Internal Auditing Standards and the Council's policies on diversity, equal opportunities, and health and safety. Keep fully informed of the latest developments in respect of relevant legislation and regulations including accountancy and audit regulations, risk and audit techniques.
• Staff Management and Development: The post holder has no line management responsibilities. The post holder will support management in continuously improving the audit service. Act as a mentor to new and inexperienced staff.
• Personal Effectiveness: To deal promptly with all matters requiring the post holder's personal attention. To be fully conversant with relevant statutory provisions and the Council's constitution, processes, and procedures; to develop the full range of professional skills and knowledge to satisfy the requirements of the post. To establish and develop effective working relationships. Take responsibility for own continuing professional development needs through the completion of mandatory training and refresher programmes, the development, maintenance, and recording of development programmes and other relevant means.

5. Organisation

The Senior Auditor will be part of a team that comprises a Head of Assurance, Audit Manager, Principal Auditor, Senior Auditor, Auditor, and Trainee Auditor. The Senior Auditor will carry out audits with minimum supervision. Audits will form part of annual audit plans approved by the General Purpose and Audit Committee. The Audit Manager and Head of Assurance will supervise and sign off the stages of the audit review and reports before they are issued to clients.

Person Specification

• (a) Education and formal training: Studying for or have achieved the Certified Internal Auditor or equivalent with the Institute of Internal Auditors; OR Studying for a qualification from a professional accountancy body recognised by the CCAB (ICAEW, ICAS, ICAI, ACCA, CIPFA, CIMA) or achieved level 1; OR Full membership of the Association of Accounting Technicians or AAT Level 3 Diploma Relevant CIPFA Diploma.
• (b) Relevant technical experience, knowledge & skills/abilities: The candidate is able to describe an example of an internal audit assignment that they have carried out, describing their role, the location, the approach that they took, a description of the testing and its results, the key findings and their related risks, reporting lines, their assessment of the effectiveness of the audit and the learning that they took from the assignment. A description of the most recent organisation where they have carried out internal audit assignments, including when the candidate worked there, their role, the organisation's objective and how it delivered its services. If not already included under Qualifications, a description of an audit assignment, including all the requirements detailed above. Studying for or have achieved the Professional Certificate in Investigative Practice OR Clear understanding of Fraud and Control issues. Proficient in the use of MS Office.
• (c) Other Additional Requirements: DBS, willing to work evenings, ability to travel around the Borough.