Lead Auditor in INTERNAL AUDIT in Leeds

Internal Audit

Internal Audit (IA) assists the Court of Directors and Executive Management in protecting the Bank’s assets, reputation, and sustainability. It does this by independently and objectively evaluating the effectiveness of internal controls, risk management and governance processes. As part of this assurance, IA provides advice, insight and foresight and recommends cost-effective improvements, including efficiencies, which are agreed with management and tracked until implementation.

Internal Audit (IA) acts as the third line of defence within the Bank and currently has c. 25 professional staff. The Directorate reports directly to the Audit and Risk Committee (ARCo) through the Audit Director and works closely with the Bank’s external auditors, the Treasury as well as other European banks.

Each year, we present our audit plan to ARCo for the year ahead that sets out the audits we will complete in the year ahead. As well as completing the audits in the plan, we also engage in continuous monitoring, provide input to Bank-wide projects and complete unplanned work, usually at the request of ARCo. Based on our audit work, we make cost-effective recommendations to management that are designed to improve the Bank's control environment.

Job Description

The Internal Audit Directorate has a vacancy for a Lead Auditor. The ability and desire to drive positive change is central to the Bank's remit and you will be passionate about making a real difference to the Bank’s controls and business processes. With limited direct supervision from an Audit Manager, you will be required to: form relationships with management and staff across the Bank; develop a keen understanding of the business; and plan and perform audits in all areas of the Bank as required.

Role Accountabilities

The role requires the role holder to:

• Gain an understanding of the Bank and its evolving role in the UK financial system to be able to identify the risks facing the Bank and to inform the planning of specific audits.
• Investigate everything from the effectiveness of controls through to behaviour and culture.
• Ensure completion of all audit work within allocated time and budgets.
• Articulate conclusions and formulate cost-effective recommendations.
• Voice independent opinions underpinned by objective analysis.
• Write precise and readable audit reports that clearly convey key messages to senior stakeholders.
• Challenge management constructively to ensure they take appropriate action.
• Collaborate closely with the business in tracking progress in addressing audit recommendations and confirming their closure.
• Provide input into often high-profile projects across the Bank.
• Support the development of departmental standards and audit methodology.
• Work efficiently across audits and supporting processes, improving and sharing practices to strengthen Directorate delivery.
• Role model the Bank’s behaviours at all times; Acting Inclusively, Driving Growth and Delivering Outcomes.

Minimum Criteria

• Ability to identify, recommend and drive through practical, cost-effective control improvements.
• Excellent attention to detail, ensuring that outputs are accurate and supportable the first time.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to express views clearly and encourage open discussion.
• Able to balance multiple priorities and deliver within pre-agreed timelines.

Essential Criteria

• Comfortable building business relationships and collaborating closely with senior management and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrable experience of working both independently and within a team and delivering high quality work to deadlines.

Desirable Criteria

• Working level experience of conducting audit, risk or compliance reviews.
• Accountancy or audit qualification.