Internal Audit Executive

The ideal candidate will meet these essential criteria:

• Has a relevant qualification, for example, CIPFA (or other CCAB recognised qualification), AAT or IIA.
• Education: Degree or equivalent.
• Sound knowledge of auditing principles and standards.
• At least 5 years experience of working in an internal audit team within a public sector organisation undertaking internal audits from start (scoping) to finish (issue of final report).
• A good knowledge of risk based internal auditing and how to apply this in practice.
• Knowledge of Local Government finance framework, including S151, other statutory requirements and codes of practice.
• High level of understanding of services provided by a large local authority in the UK.
• Audit knowledge and understanding of the contract and procurement issues facing the Council and the assurance response to these matters.

Job Purpose: The primary role of the audit executive will be to become a leading point of audit advice and assurance, this includes:

• Provide flexible and responsive audits to a range of services.
• Proactively seek ways of improving the audit approach and associated working practices.
• Actively participate in service developments or projects.
• Take responsibility for the timely and accurate completion of audits.
• Ensuring work undertaken reviews the value for money aspects of the area under review, as appropriate.

Key accountabilities:

• To plan individual audit assignments in accordance with the Annual Audit Plan, with due regard to client availability.
• To undertake a mixture of audit assignments unsupervised, including compliance reviews and systems-based reviews of Council management systems.
• To take ownership of and conduct follow up reviews in accordance with the Internal Audit follow up procedure.
• To ensure that assignments are conducted with a risk-based approach, in accordance with the professional standards that are defined by Global Internal Audit Standards and the Audit Manual.
• To pro-actively maintain up to date accounting knowledge and audit expertise in order to provide help, support and guidance to services, supporting compliance with statutory and non-statutory obligations, legislation, regulations and current business processes and procedures.
• To comply with the Continuing Professional Development requirements of the appropriate accounting institute.
• To complete assignments within allocated budget and report to the Head of Internal Audit where potential variations may arise.
• To manage own time with regard to assignment allocations and other work/training obligations.
• To identify and report to Management any system weaknesses or other financial issues that require other audit work and attention or should be included in the Annual Audit Plan.
• To participate actively as a member of the Assurance & Public Protection Directorate to assist in the continual improvement of service standards, customer satisfaction and performance management.
• To support any junior auditors and assist with their development.
• To provide technical and professional advice on audit issues to staff throughout the Council.
• To represent the Assurance & Public Protection Directorate at internal working groups on a full range of technical and professional issues as appropriate.
• While working within well-defined processes and procedures, to contribute to the development of practical and innovative solutions to a range of financial, legislative, logistical and operational problems.
• To participate in the construction of and delivery of training for key stakeholders, including Council staff, members and schools.
• As appropriate participate in the development of work programmes to meet changes in circumstances and legislation.
• To undertake internal audit related projects and investigations at the request of the Head of Internal Audit.
• To maintain links with the Corporate Anti-Fraud Team (CAFT).
• Any other duties reasonably requested by management.
• Carry out all accountabilities in compliance with the Councils Policies and Procedures.
• Function as part of a team and work towards achieving personal objectives in line with the Internal Audit Plan/Strategy.
• Achievement of high-quality service to clients achieved through satisfaction surveys for each audit undertaken.
• In order to protect the confidentiality, integrity and availability of Council information, including information provided by customers, partner organisations, and other third parties, where applicable, employees will comply with the Councils Information Security Policy.
• The Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. Safe recruitment of staff is central to this commitment, and the Council will ensure that its recruitment policies and practices are robust, and that selection procedures prevent unsuitable people from gaining access to children, young people and vulnerable adults. All staff employed to work with or on behalf of children and young people in the Council must be competent. This postholder will be required to undertake a DBS check if successful in the application.
• Set workplans based on the allocated time budget for a specific audit assignment, be prepared to discuss and justify any overruns with the Head of Internal Audit.