Internal Audit Manager

About DFTO

DFTO is the government’s public sector rail owning group. Its purpose is to bring all currently privately-owned train operators into public ownership in advance of the creation of Great British Railways in 2027 - and deliver improvements in the here and now by unifying and integrating train operations under common public ownership. DFTO has over 23,000 employees, runs over 6,000 services a day and delivers over 450 million customer journeys across its networks every year. This accounts for 26% of total UK passenger journeys and 30% of passenger miles. Major improvements are being delivered by DFTO train operators (TOCs) that are already under public ownership - these are LNER, Northern, TransPennine Express (TPE), Southeast, South Western Railway (SWR) and c2c.

Primary Purpose of Job

As an Internal Audit Manager, you will be expected to act as an audit partner to assigned TOC(s), following their transition into DFTO. You will support the Regional Head of Internal Audit in embedding the audit framework for TOC(s), including designing assurance frameworks and implementing core audit processes and procedures. You will deliver the Annual Audit Plan for the TOC(s) and also collaborate with other audit professionals to complete cross TOC audits and provide audit support for other TOCs as and when requested. This role is ideal for a strategic thinker and self-starter with an understanding of internal audit methodologies and a passion for continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement assurance frameworks for TOC(s) in collaboration with the Regional Head of Internal Audit.
• Manage and develop audit assignments ensuring department’s goals are achieved, whilst maintaining independence, objectivity, and exercising appropriate challenge.
• Lead the planning and delivery of risk based internal audit and business assurance reviews, along with supporting assurance activities relating to major business projects, in accordance with the agreed plans.
• Perform investigation into compliance/legislation/policy related breaches, as required by the business.
• Act as the primary point of contact, where appropriate, for external audit requests and liaise with external auditors as needed.
• Provide leadership, guidance, and development to Internal Auditors, reviewing and overseeing work produced, leading to high-quality delivery of audit assignments, adherence to professional standards, and continuous improvement of audit practices.
• Supporting the Regional Head of Internal Audit with the preparation of Audit and Risk Committee and Board reporting.
• Provide expert input into, and sometimes lead cross-TOC audit initiatives, supporting consistency in approach and alignment with best practice.
• Produce and oversee high-quality audit reports that communicate findings and recommendations concisely and clearly, ensuring sufficient detail and clarity to drive appropriate management responses and agreed action plans within required timescales.
• Oversee the audit action process by tracking completion of management actions within agreed timescales.
• Develop and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with senior stakeholders in the client area, influencing decision making and supporting ongoing awareness and promotion of the importance of internal audit and the value this service adds to the business.
• Develop and maintain strong external networks with audit/assurance counterparts across the industry so knowledge is shared and best practice in this area is considered and applied wherever possible.
• Simultaneously, maintain knowledge of professional developments in order to continuously improve methodologies and tools.
• Consider compliance with key legislative requirements such as GDPR, Bribery Act and Fraud.

Key Competencies

• Excellent planning, prioritisation, and organisation skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage a range of different work activities concurrently.
• Good facilitation and negotiation skills.
• High level of communication, conflict management and relationship management skills.
• Accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to build effective relationships with colleagues at all levels.
• A flexible and outcome focused approach to work with a commitment to innovation, continuous improvement, and collaboration.
• Excellent time management skills including the ability to manage interruptions, changing priorities and perform tasks in a high-pressure environment.

Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Technical Qualifications

• Recognised Internal Audit or Accountancy qualification. (ACA, CIMA, ACCA, IIA)
• Demonstrable and significant experience within a professional internal audit department.
• Education at degree level.
• Aptitude for operating and interrogating finance and non‑finance processes.
• Knowledge and experience of auditing and experience of systems/controls testing.
• Ability to gather, analyse and evaluate facts and present concisely (both verbally and written).
• Attention to detail, organised with a commitment to quality.
• Drive, resilience and ability to thrive in a pressured environment.
• Willingness to take on additional responsibility and opportunities as part of commitment to personal development.
• Experience of managing or leading other audit professionals is desirable but not essential.

Vacancy Details

• Duration: 2 year Fixed Term contract/secondment
• Location: London Waterloo/ Hybrid
• Salary: up to £66,900
• Closing date: 17th February 2026

DFTO Benefits

• Annual Leave: Starting at 25 days and rising to an additional day per year of service completed within the first 5 completed years up to a maximum of 5 additional (30 days)
• DC Pension Scheme: 10% Employer contribution, 5% Employee contribution
• Opportunities to learn and network across the wider industry

Additional Information

Disclaimer: Candidates applying for this position on a secondment basis must inform their line manager prior to submitting their application. This is to ensure transparency and facilitate any necessary discussions regarding workload and responsibilities.

About our people and the recruitment process - We’re an inclusive employer of choice and we welcome applications from everyone! We encourage our colleagues to work flexibly, as we know traditional working patterns don’t always fit. If you want to consider working flexibly, just let us know and we’ll do our best to help and invest in your career with us, whilst you have a healthy work life balance.

Contact: If you have any questions or reasonable adjustments, please contact dean.palmer@dftoperator.co.uk. Please do not email any CV’s to us, your application must be made by clicking the 'Apply' button.