Head of Group Audit in Thornton

Overview

Responsible for leading the strategy, planning, and delivery of an effective independent assurance programme for the audit of all Group functions (Group central functions, to include IT and the Shared Service Centre, and Group operational functions), with the objective of providing independent assurance to management and the Audit and Risk Committee over the existence and effective operation of Group internal controls and adherence to key group policies and procedures.

In addition, the role will be responsible for the provision of assurance to support management’s formal attestation on the effectiveness of internal controls over material risks; manage the Group’s whistleblowing provision and lead independent investigations; and lead the development of data analytics to improve the efficiency and coverage of assurance.

The role will work with other members of the Risk and Audit Leadership Team to support the Director of Audit and Risk in the future development and improvement of the wider Risk and Internal Audit department.

Specifically, the role will be responsible for:

• Development and management of Total Assurance (assurance mapping) setting out the combined assurance provision over the Group’s principal risks and audit universe in order to demonstrate how the function provides assurance to the Audit and Risk Committee;
• The overall strategy, approach and delivery of Group audits (GSC functions, Group central audits, e.g. Finance, HR, Legal and Compliance), IT and systems audit, and Group Operational functions (e.g. Group Land, Group Sales and Marketing, Group Commercial);
• The creation and management of a resource plan to deliver the Group audit programme in line with agreed Audit Committee deadlines;
• Assurance over internal controls over material risks (ICoMR) and the provision of an annual attestation to management on the effectiveness of controls;
• Internal Audit department KPI reporting (IA performance reporting) for the divisional audit programme;
• The continued development and improvement of risk based audit to drive efficiencies in the delivery of audit, adding value where possible;
• The development and provision of data analytics to improve the efficiency and coverage of assurance;
• The Safecall whistleblowing provision and delivery of independent investigations, in particular fraud investigations;
• Assurance over group fraud risk;
• The delivery of any specific independent project assurance work;
• Managing relevant co-source suppliers for the provision of assurance over the above areas (where appropriate);
• The preparation of risk reporting to the Director of Audit and Risk, management and the Audit and Risk Committee;
• Draft and deliver Group Audit presentation to management (Executive Committee), Audit and Risk Committee or PLC Board at the request of the Director of Risk and Audit;
• Attendance at Executive Committee or Audit and Risk Committee meetings as the request of the Director of Audit and Risk / invite;
• Managing the work of the Group Audit Manager and IT Auditor to deliver the Group audit plan, developing these direct reports, and coaching wider team members;
• Working with the external auditors for the purpose of the external statutory audit, as well as aligning on the approach for assurance over internal controls over material risks.

What You’ll Need

To be successful in the role, we are looking for:

• Degree in any subject;
• Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA);
• 10 years+ PQE;
• Big 4 experience preferable, although not essential;
• Experienced internal audit experience in a large multi-site business;
• Internal controls testing experience (e.g. SOX);
• Experience of developing and implementing data analytics;
• IT audit experience;
• Experience of leading and completing complex investigations;
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, excels at stakeholder management, and adept at building open, honest and robust relationships with confidence and gravitas to discuss issues with senior management in a positive yet firm manner;
• Self-starter, experienced in working to tight deadlines, proven ability of working independently to tight deadlines.

Benefits

We’ve been nationally recognised as a 5 star housebuilder since 2010 for supplying high-quality homes for all generations. That’s more than any other major housebuilder. It’s because we combine the brightest minds, the latest technology, and a genuine commitment to putting customers first. We want the best people in the industry to help us shape the future of building.

Barratt adopts a hybrid way of working which assumes that where roles allow, our office-based colleagues divide their time between working in the office, on our construction sites and sales offices, and working from home, as the role dictates. We recognise the many benefits that an effective hybrid working culture brings to both the Company and our colleagues.

As part of working for Barratt Redrow PLC and specifically for this role we offer:

• Competitive Salary;
• Competitive Bonus Scheme;
• Private Medical Cover - Family Cover;
• Company Car or Cash Allowance;
• Annual Medical Health Assessment;
• 26 days’ holiday (increase by 1 day for every 3 years’ continuous service up to 29 days);
• Choice of Flexible Benefits;
• Enhanced Family Friendly Policies.

Our Benefits Are Fit To Measure

Today’s housebuilding professional need tomorrow’s benefits, so they’re ready for whatever the future brings. When you join Barratt, you get the kind of support you would expect from a business built for a modern working world.

• Private medical cover;
• Pension schemes with the option of up to 10% employer contributions;
• Annual Health Assessment;
• Financial Benefits including access to employee loans and savings accounts, to house purchase discounts;
• Lifestyle Benefits such as Cycle to Work scheme, reduced hotel rate, discounts at major retailers;
• Additional benefits including death in service, paid volunteer and study leave, enhanced family friendly policies (including our Parents and Carers leave) to a share buying scheme.