At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the fight against fraud, bribery, and corruption in a major railway project.
- Company: Join East West Rail, a key player in UK infrastructure development.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous pension contributions, and 36 days of annual leave.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the UK's economy while developing your career in a vital sector.
- Qualifications: Experience in counter fraud strategies and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
A little bit about us: East West Rail is a nationally significant railway project which aims to deliver much-needed transport connections for the vibrant communities between Oxford, Milton Keynes, Bedford and Cambridge. Together these communities contribute around £111 billion to the national economy each year. EWR is also one of the UK’s largest infrastructure projects, which the government committed to delivering in full in the Autumn 2024 Budget, and again in the 2025 Spending Review as part of its ambition to unlock the potential of the Oxford to Cambridge Growth Corridor. EWR is being championed by the Government as a key driver to economic growth leading to a potential £78 Billion boost to the UK economy: supporting new towns, housing, and regeneration.
About the Role: The Counter Fraud Lead will be responsible for the day-to-day management of fraud, bribery and corruption risk. In discharging this role, they should:
- devise, manage and implement the organisation’s counter fraud, bribery and corruption strategy
- be responsible for developing capability within the organisation, and ensure that staff have the skills and capability to deliver the organisation’s counter fraud, bribery and corruption strategy, policy and response plan
- actively seek out best practice on counter fraud, bribery and corruption and integrate this into the practices of the organisation and their delivery partners
The person undertaking this role will maintain:
- a detailed understanding of the fraud, bribery and corruption risks that the organisation faces
- an effective method for communicating these to the Board and the Audit and Risk Committee, via the board member accountable for counter fraud.
- a good understanding of the organisation, and the context within which it operates, alongside the limitations it may have in dealing with fraud, bribery and corruption
- a good understanding of the organisation’s fraud, bribery and corruption controls, their effectiveness and limitations
Key Duties & Responsibilities
Counter Fraud Strategy & Policy- Develop, implement and continuously improve the organisation’s counter fraud, bribery and corruption strategy and policies, ensuring alignment with Government Functional Standards and cross-government priorities.
- Translate strategic objectives into practical action plans and assurance measures.
- Advise senior leaders on fraud risk, control effectiveness and emerging threats, supporting informed decision-making.
- Develop, review, and maintain appropriate fraud risk assessments.
- Identify inherent, residual, and emerging fraud risks and evaluate the effectiveness of controls
- Support management in embedding fraud controls into business processes.
- Advise EWR Co. teams (e.g. Commercial, Finance, Risk and other business areas) on fraud risks and preventive controls.
- Support fraud awareness training for all staff
- Contribute to a positive, open counter fraud culture across the organisation.
- Monitor the effectiveness of fraud prevention measures and recommend improvements.
- Support horizon scanning and identification of emerging fraud threats
- Maintain oversight of fraud, bribery and corruption risk, ensuring clear reporting to the senior leadership, the Board and Audit Committee
- Develop and lead EWR Co’s Fraud Risk Assessment (FRA) framework, ensuring risks are identified, assessed and supported by proportionate controls.
- Oversee fraud reporting processes, including compliance with wider audit and assurance requirements.
- Maintain accurate, confidential case records in line with data protection and legal requirements.
- Prepare performance data, trend analysis, and management reports ensuring key risks, issues and trends are translated into actionable insight and improvement activity.
- Act as a trusted adviser to senior leaders and operational managers.
- Support alignment with departmental requirements and expectations, including oversight of fraud risk across delivery partners and supply chains.
- Liaise with auditors, insurers, external investigators, and law enforcement where required.
- Support disciplinary action, civil recovery, or contract remedies arising from investigations.
Essential Criteria
- Demonstrable experience of working on counter fraud.
- Experience developing and implementing strategies, frameworks or operating models that improve organisational maturity and control effectiveness.
- Strong understanding of fraud risk assessment frameworks and methodologies
- Experience working across organisational boundaries, engaging effectively with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
- Counter fraud qualification such as Accredited Counter Fraud Specialist (ACFS, CIPFA) or equivalent.
Skills & Abilities:
- Good written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong analytical skills.
- Ability to interpret financial and contractual information.
- Ability to prioritise work, manage workload, and meet deadlines.
- Ability to work independently and influence stakeholders at all levels.
Personal Attributes:
- High integrity, professionalism, and discretion.
- Strong commitment to fraud prevention and ethical behaviour.
Desirable Criteria
- Experience within central government, with a strong understanding of working within a departmental and/or ALB landscape and the application of the Government Functional Standard GovS 013: Counter Fraud.
- Proven leadership of counter fraud, risk or assurance functions within complex environments, including establishing or developing capability at scale.
- Experience working with sponsoring central government departments or major delivery partners, including understanding of oversight arrangements.
- Experience of reporting against assurance frameworks (e.g. PSFA requirements, Cabinet Office returns).
- Member of the Government Counter Fraud Profession.
- Experience delivering counter fraud, bribery or corruption training or awareness sessions.
- Knowledge and understanding of fraud risks within the construction sector and related supply chains.
- Experience of overseeing/undertaking fraud, bribery or corruption investigations.
Benefits
- Competitive salary that reflects your skills and experience
- Up to 12% employer pension contribution to support your future
- 36 days annual leave
Counter Fraud Lead employer: East West Rail Company
East West Rail is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that champions innovation and collaboration within the context of one of the UK's largest infrastructure projects. Employees benefit from a competitive salary, generous pension contributions, and an impressive 36 days of annual leave, all while contributing to a project that significantly impacts local communities and the national economy. With a strong focus on professional development and a commitment to fostering a positive counter fraud culture, East West Rail provides meaningful opportunities for growth and engagement in Milton Keynes.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Counter Fraud Lead
✨Join Compliance Communities
Get involved in compliance and risk communities — both online and offline. Look for forums, LinkedIn groups, or even local meetups where compliance pros hang out. You never know who might drop a job opportunity your way!
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye out for compliance and risk management conferences and workshops in your area. These events are a goldmine for networking, and they often have job boards or recruiters on-site looking for new talent. Plus, it’s a chance to learn what's trending in the field.
✨Leverage Your University Career Services
If you’ve recently graduated or are still studying, head over to your university's career services. Many companies, including those in compliance, actively recruit fresh talent through these services, so make sure you tap into that resource.
✨Showcase Your Knowledge Online
Start writing articles or blog posts about compliance topics that interest you. Share them on platforms like LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and passion. This not only builds your presence in the field but can also catch the attention of companies like East West Rail Company looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.
We think you need these skills to ace Counter Fraud Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Understanding of Compliance:In the compliance-risk field, it's super important to showcase your understanding of regulations and risk management frameworks. Highlight any relevant coursework, certifications (like ICA or AML), or even projects that demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to this area. We want to see how you can navigate this complex landscape!
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, try to quantify your achievements. For example, if you've previously worked on a project that improved compliance metrics or reduced risk exposure, give us the numbers! This data-driven approach really stands out to hiring managers in compliance-risk roles.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Relevant Skills:Make sure your CV highlights skills that are particularly relevant to compliance, like attention to detail, analytical thinking, and report writing. Ensure these are easy to spot – consider using bullet points to break down your responsibilities and achievements for maximum impact!
Craft a Motivating Cover Letter:In your cover letter, let us know why you’re excited about the compliance-risk role at East West Rail Company. Share what motivates you about compliance, and how you believe you can contribute to our mission. This is your chance to showcase not only your skills but also your passion for this important field!
How to prepare for a job interview at East West Rail Company
✨Master the Regulations
Brush up on key compliance regulations relevant to the industry you're applying to. Familiarising yourself with specific laws and frameworks used in your field will give you an edge during technical questions. Show that you’re not just aware of them but can also apply them—think real-life scenarios!
✨Show Your Analytical Skills
Compliance roles really focus on analytical skills, so be prepared for case studies or situational questions during the interview. We've got to demonstrate how we approach risk assessments or compliance audits, possibly drawing on examples from past experiences or university projects. Bring some thoughtful case scenarios to discuss!
✨Know Your Tools
Get comfortable with commonly used compliance software and tools. Familiarity with platforms like RSA or MetricStream can really impress during your interview, as it shows you're ready to hit the ground running. If you’ve had any experience with them, make sure to highlight that!
✨Align with Company Culture
Since it's a full-time position, show your long-term commitment and interest in the company’s mission and values. Dive into how your ethics and professional philosophy align with East West Rail Company’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!
