Audit & Assurance Lead in Manchester

This role gives you the opportunity to play a meaningful part in protecting how AQA operates and how it is trusted. You will work across the organisation to strengthen assurance, risk management and internal control, helping leaders understand whether processes are working as intended and where improvements are needed. Your contribution will support confident, well-informed decision making and help ensure AQA continues to operate effectively at all times.

Purpose of the role

In this role, you will provide independent, risk based assurance across AQA and its subsidiaries. You will support senior leaders, the Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee and the Board of Trustees by delivering clear, evidence led insight into how risks are managed and controls are operating in practice. By acting as a trusted and constructive critical friend, you will help teams improve ways of working while maintaining objectivity, independence and professional judgement. Ultimately, your work will help protect AQA's reputation and enable positive outcomes for learners of all abilities.

Key responsibilities

• Delivering end-to-end internal audits, including planning, fieldwork, stakeholder engagement and reporting.
• Applying audit methodology consistently while exercising sound professional judgement.
• Draft and finalise clear, proportionate and insightful audit reports.
• Engage directly with stakeholders throughout audits, supporting open and constructive conversations about risk and control.
• Support audit action agreement, closure and verification, including follow-up testing where required.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of audit approaches, reporting and templates.
• Work collaboratively with external audit partners, including participation in ISO audits.
• Support audit sign-off meetings, clearly articulating findings, context and agreed actions.

What we are looking for

You will thrive in this role if you bring a blend of assurance expertise, curiosity and strong judgement:

• Strong experience delivering end-to-end internal audits independently.
• High-quality audit report writing experience and ability to articulate risk and impact clearly.
• Experience applying audit methodology consistently and proportionately.
• Confidence engaging stakeholders and influencing outcomes without formal authority.
• Able to identify themes, root causes and improvement opportunities.
• Able to propose proportionate recommendations commensurate with business risk appetite and maturity - able to get action owners to agree.
• CIA / IIA qualification (part- or fully-qualified), or ACA / ACCA with clear internal audit experience.

What's in it for you

This is a role where your expertise and judgement will be visible and valued. You can expect:

• The opportunity to deliver assurance work that genuinely influences organisational decisions.
• Exposure to senior stakeholders and governance forums across AQA.
• Support for your professional development and continuing learning.
• 25 days' annual leave, rising to 30 with service, plus bank holidays and extra closure days at Christmas.
• A 35-hour working week with flexible working arrangements.
• Excellent contributory pension scheme (6%-11.5% depending on your contribution).
• Life assurance, BUPA PMI, and health cash plan.
• Enhanced maternity and paternity schemes.

Diversity and inclusion

At AQA, we are committed to fostering a workplace that celebrates diversity and promotes equity and inclusion. We believe that a diverse team brings richer perspectives and drives better outcomes. Our ED&I strategy ensures that everyone-regardless of religion, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, age, disability, sexual orientation, or background-is valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. We actively promote inclusive language, avoid stereotypes, and strive for representation across all dimensions of diversity. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and lived experiences.

Application process

To apply, submit your CV and a short supporting statement outlining your suitability for the role. The application deadline is Monday 4 May 2026. The selection process will include an initial interview held remotely, followed by a face to face interview in Manchester.