At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert advice on local government audit and support PSAA's functions.
- Company: Join a not-for-profit company dedicated to improving local audit oversight.
- Benefits: Full-time role with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Other info: Collaborative team environment with a focus on diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting transition in local audit oversight and make a real difference.
- Qualifications: CCAB-qualified accountant with strong knowledge of local audit regulations.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Audit Specialist role at Local Government Association.
About us
Public Sector Audit Appointments Limited (PSAA) is an independent, not-for-profit company established by the Local Government Association in 2014. In 2016, PSAA was specified by government as the appointing person under the Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014, responsible for appointing auditors, setting fee scales for opted-in bodies, overseeing auditor independence, and monitoring audit-firm contract compliance. The Government has proposed a statutory Local Audit Office (LAO) to centralise local audit oversight including system coordination, contract management and quality review and PSAA is actively supporting this transition, with our appointing functions expected to migrate to the LAO subject to legislation.
About the role
The Audit Specialist will be part of a team of six audit subject matter experts within PSAA. Working closely with the Leadership Team, Finance Managers, and fellow Audit Specialists, to provide technical expertise that supports PSAA’s functions. The position requires good knowledge of local government audit, including professional ethics and regulatory requirements. The Audit Specialist will use their expertise to provide proactive advice/information to the Board, Committees, and PSAA colleagues on relevant audit-related matters. They provide timely support on emerging developments, ensuring PSAA integrates the latest audit requirements and best practices across its work, and support the review of audit fees, applying relevant guidance, exercising sound judgement, and documenting clear, evidence-based decisions.
About you
You are a CCAB-qualified accountant (or equivalent) with current, good knowledge of the local audit regime and its evolving requirements. You communicate clearly making complex technical matters accessible to diverse audiences and deliver accurate outputs under tight deadlines. Highly organised and detail-driven, you manage multiple priorities. Collaborative and confident at all levels, you are an effective team player who can also work independently, exercising sound judgment and knowing when to seek advice. You must have the right to work in the UK; PSAA are unfortunately unable to offer sponsorship visas. Evidence for the right to work in the UK will be requested at the interview stage.
To apply
If you would like to be considered for the role, please complete the online form and include a supporting statement detailing how you meet the criteria for the role before the closing date. We are specifically assessing candidates against the following criteria:
- Your accountancy qualification.
- Local audit technical expertise: Current knowledge of local government audit, professional ethics and regulatory requirements; able to translate emerging requirements into clear, practical guidance.
- Evidence-based review & judgment: Ability to assess complex documentation against relevant guidance/policies; form balanced, defensible judgments; record clear rationale.
- Stakeholder engagement & correspondence: Experience leading technical discussions and skilled at building effective relationships and drafting formal correspondence.
- Teamwork: Demonstrates good teamwork, delivers to deadlines and provides cover for peers to ensure continuity.
Closing Date: 11:59pm, 12 January 2026
Interview Date: 20-22 January 2026, interviews will be in-person.
PSAA values diversity and encourages applications from all sections of the community. We use anonymous recruitment, which is the practice of hiding candidates’ identities. This process involves removing any identifying information from candidates’ applications which includes names.
Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Accounting/Auditing and Finance Government Relations Services
Audit Specialist employer: Local Government Association
The Local Government Association (LGA) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Westminster where qualified lawyers can thrive. With a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, the LGA provides generous benefits such as 29 days of annual leave, flexible working arrangements, and robust professional development opportunities, ensuring that employees are supported in their career growth while making a meaningful impact on local governance.
Contact Details:
Local Government Association Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Audit Specialist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at PSAA on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the role and the company culture, plus it shows our genuine interest.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on local government audit regulations. We should be ready to discuss how we can apply our expertise to support PSAA’s functions and tackle any emerging developments.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family. This helps us articulate our thoughts clearly and confidently, especially when explaining complex audit matters in simple terms.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed. Plus, we can tailor our supporting statement to highlight how we meet the specific criteria for the Audit Specialist role.
We think you need these skills to ace Audit Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff:Make sure you really understand the local government audit landscape. We want to see your expertise shine through in your application, so don’t hold back on showcasing your knowledge of professional ethics and regulatory requirements.
Tailor Your Supporting Statement:When writing your supporting statement, be specific about how you meet the criteria listed in the job description. We’re looking for clear examples that demonstrate your skills and experience, so make it personal and relevant!
Be Clear and Concise:We appreciate clarity! Use straightforward language to explain complex ideas. Remember, your ability to communicate effectively is key, so keep your sentences sharp and to the point.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join us at PSAA!
How to prepare for a job interview at Local Government Association
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your local government audit knowledge. Familiarise yourself with the latest regulatory requirements and professional ethics. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're not just qualified, but also genuinely engaged with the field.
✨Practice Makes Perfect
Prepare for common interview questions related to audit practices and stakeholder engagement. Think about examples from your past experiences where you've demonstrated your ability to assess complex documentation and make sound judgments. Practising these responses will help you articulate your thoughts clearly during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Since teamwork is crucial for this role, be ready to share specific instances where you've collaborated effectively with others. Highlight how you’ve supported your peers and contributed to team success, especially under tight deadlines. This will demonstrate that you’re a team player who can also work independently when needed.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Don’t forget that interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about PSAA’s current projects or future developments in local audit. This shows your interest in the organisation and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you. Plus, it makes for a more engaging conversation!
