Principal Auditor

Could you help shape a fairer future with Islington Council? At Islington Council, we’re working towards a more equal and inclusive borough, one where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Our values (Collaborative, Ambitious, Resourceful, and Empowering) shape how we work and serve our community. We call it CARE, and it's at the heart of everything we do.

We’re now looking for a motivated and skilled Principal Auditor to join our Internal Audit team and help bring these values to life in a key area of the Council.

Are you someone who enjoys making sense of complex systems and helping organisations improve? As Principal Auditor, you’ll play a vital role in delivering our Internal Audit programme. You’ll contribute to the Council’s governance and assurance framework by carrying out risk-based audits and offering expert advice on risks and controls. You’ll work closely with colleagues across the Council, providing insight and support that strengthens our systems and decision-making. This role reports to the Internal Audit Manager and sits within the Internal Audit, Investigations and Risk Management service.

We’re interested in hearing from those who are:

• Qualified or part-qualified with the IIA, or hold an accountancy qualification (or equivalent), or have a proven track record of relevant experience in a similar role
• Experienced in delivering risk-based audits, ideally in the public or private sector
• Confident communicators with the ability to engage effectively at all levels
• Organised, proactive, and able to manage competing priorities
• Curious, proactive, and focused on delivering high-quality work and practical solutions

We know that great work happens when people feel supported and valued. As well as our wealth of employee benefits, in return, we offer:

• A supportive and dynamic work environment
• Flexible and hybrid working options
• A competitive salary and excellent pension scheme
• Opportunities to grow your career in a high-profile organisation
• The chance to make a real impact in the community

If you require any further information, or would like an informal conversation about the role, please contact Lee Walker (Audit Manager) at Lee.Walker@islington.gov.uk.

Islington is a place rich with diversity and culture. As a council, our sense of purpose couldn’t be clearer: we serve. It’s in the logo. We are committed to challenging inequality in the borough and as one of the largest employers, we know that to look after the place and the planet, we have to look after our people. Together we can change the future. We are determined to create a more equal Islington, where everyone who lives here has an equal chance to thrive.

Our staff benefits include:

• Up to 31 days leave per year, increasing to 36 days after five years of local government service
• A range of flexible working arrangements to maintain a healthy work-life balance, as well as a 35-hour working week
• Learning and development opportunities to maximise your potential
• Competitive pay and a commitment to paying all staff the London Living Wage at minimum
• Excellent local government pension scheme
• Cycle to Work scheme and discounted gym memberships
• Local discounts from restaurants, shops, health and beauty therapists, and more!

Please note: Priority will be given to those at risk of redundancy within Islington Council. Current employees who are part of the redeployment pool must meet the essential criteria for shortlisting to be prioritised.

We are dedicated to creating an inclusive and equitable workforce, where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. Our workforce strategy places equality, equity, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of everything we do, reaffirming our commitment to fostering a culture of inclusion. We strive to create an environment where all colleagues feel they belong and can safely express their thoughts, ideas, and challenges, without fear of judgement or discrimination.

We maintain a zero-tolerance approach to any unlawful discrimination, harassment, or victimisation on the grounds of any protected characteristics under the 2010 Equality Act, including but not limited to race, disability, sexual orientation, sex, religion and belief, age, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy, and maternity. Any incidents of discrimination will be promptly investigated and addressed in line with our HR policies to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all colleagues.

We use data to identify and address disparities, ensuring that our policies and practices are transparent and impactful in promoting a diverse representation of backgrounds and perspectives at all levels of the organisation. We look at inequality through an intersectional lens, recognising that different aspects of someone’s identity can combine to create unique experiences of discrimination and disadvantage.

We know that advancing diversity and inclusion is a continuous journey, and we must listen to our colleagues and learn where we can further improve. We work closely with our Colleague Forums and Trade Unions, supported by active allies from our Corporate Management Team, to monitor and evaluate our practices, identify barriers, and empower colleagues to promote equality and inclusion in the workplace.

Every one of us has a role to play in making Islington Council a truly inclusive workplace. By living out our CARE (collaborative, ambitious, resourceful, and empowering) values every day and embedding the principles of equality, equity, diversity, and inclusion in our work, we can all actively contribute to empowering people and creating a more equal Islington.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expect all staff, and volunteers to share this commitment. Some posts are subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service. The post is subject to an enhanced DBS check and 3/5 years referencing.

Islington Council operates a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria and we are committed to providing support to applicants who request reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process and throughout their career with us.