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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the internal audit strategy and manage risk-based audits across Northern Trains.
- Company: Northern Trains is a public sector train operator serving the North of England.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, free travel, private medical, and generous holiday options.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team driving continuous improvement in a vital public service.
- Qualifications: Must have a recognized Internal Audit or Accounting qualification and leadership experience.
- Other info: Full right to work in the UK is required.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 84000 £ per year.
About Our Client
Northern Trains are a Public Sector Train Operator spanning across the North of England.
Job Description
The successful Head of Audit’s principal accountabilities include, but are not limited to:
- Creation and execution of the audit strategy, including planning and oversight of risk-based internal audits and business assurance reviews, along with managing assurance activities relating to major business projects, in accordance with the agreed plans.
- Lead and empower direct reports (Internal Audit Manager) to manage and develop their assignments ensuring all audit objectives are achieved.
- Ensure all audit reports following work completed present sufficient clarity and quality to elicit appropriate management responses and agreed action plans within given timescales.
- Embed effective remediation management by tracking completion of management actions, in response to audit findings, within agreed timescales.
- Identify opportunities for self-assessment within the business and the mechanisms required to place reliance on this as a source of assurance.
- Preparation for Audit and Risk Committee meetings, providing support to the Chairman for forthcoming meetings, and ensuring relevant papers (e.g., audit findings, instances of fraud reported, corporate risk register) are made available ahead of the meetings.
- Attend the Board and Audit Risk Committee meetings to report on assurance and compliance-related matters, as required.
The Successful Applicant
The successful Head of Internal Audit should have:
- Recognised Internal Audit or Accounting (CCAB) qualification.
- Demonstrable experience of developing and leading an internal audit department.
- Demonstrable experience of shaping the future in response to significant business change.
- Strong leadership qualities and a team player approach.
- High level of communication, conflict management, and relationship management skills.
- Strong commercial awareness.
- Key player in driving and embedding a risk, controls, and continuous improvement culture.
- Full right to work in the UK.
What’s on Offer
The Head of Internal Audit will receive:
- Competitive salary,
- 25% Employer Pension Contribution,
- Free Travel on Northern Rail & 75% off other operators,
- Private Medical (Family),
- 25 days holiday (buy or sell 5),
- Life Assurance.
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Head of Internal Audit employer: Michael Page (UK)
Contact Detail:
Michael Page (UK) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Internal Audit
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the specific challenges and opportunities facing Northern Trains as a public sector operator. Understanding the unique context of the organization will help you tailor your approach and demonstrate your strategic thinking during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your leadership experience in internal audit roles. Be prepared to discuss specific examples where you've successfully led teams, managed change, and achieved audit objectives, as this is crucial for the Head of Internal Audit position.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your ability to communicate effectively with various stakeholders. Since the role involves attending Board and Audit Risk Committee meetings, emphasize your experience in presenting complex information clearly and concisely.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your understanding of risk management and continuous improvement. Prepare to discuss how you've previously embedded a culture of risk awareness and improvement within an organization, as this aligns with the expectations for this role.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Internal Audit
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take the time to thoroughly understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Head of Internal Audit position. Tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience in internal audit strategy creation, risk management, and team leadership.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Make sure to prominently feature your CCAB qualification and any other relevant certifications. Discuss how your qualifications have prepared you for leading an internal audit department and managing significant business changes.
Showcase Leadership Skills: Provide specific examples of your leadership experience, particularly in developing teams and driving a culture of risk management and continuous improvement. Use metrics or outcomes to demonstrate your impact in previous roles.
Prepare for the Interview: Anticipate questions related to audit strategy, conflict management, and relationship building. Prepare to discuss how you would approach the preparation for Audit and Risk Committee meetings and your strategies for ensuring effective remediation management.
How to prepare for a job interview at Michael Page (UK)
✨Understand the Audit Strategy
Make sure you have a solid grasp of what an effective audit strategy looks like. Be prepared to discuss how you would create and execute one, including your approach to risk-based internal audits and business assurance reviews.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
Highlight your experience in leading and empowering teams. Be ready to provide examples of how you've managed direct reports and ensured that audit objectives were met through effective team collaboration.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since strong communication skills are crucial for this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Prepare to discuss how you would ensure audit reports are clear and actionable, prompting appropriate management responses.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Awareness
Be prepared to discuss your understanding of the commercial landscape and how it impacts internal audit functions. Show that you can identify opportunities for self-assessment and continuous improvement within the business.
