At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Internal Audit & Counter Fraud team, ensuring effective governance and risk management.
- Company: Join Southampton City Council, committed to transparency and accountability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holidays, flexible working, and health support.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional development and community engagement through volunteering.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on governance and fraud prevention in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Senior-level experience in audit and fraud management with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 94853 - 104158 £ per year.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Permanent, Full Time, Audit Manager to join Southampton City Council (SCC) in the Internal Audit & Counter Fraud Team.
About The Team
Our Internal Audit and Counter Fraud team provides independent assurance and advice on governance, risk management and control, while proactively identifying and investigating fraud and irregularity.
We support all services, promoting strong governance, transparency and accountability across the organisation.
About The Role
- Provide independent assurance on the effectiveness of the Council’s governance, risk management and internal control arrangements, delivering the annual audit opinion in line with GIAS.
- Lead and manage the Internal Audit & Counter Fraud Service, delivering a risk‑based audit plan and providing strategic advice to Members, senior management and the Audit Committee.
- Provide expert assurance, challenge and support on governance, risk, internal control, value for money, fraud prevention and organisational improvement.
- Lead the Council’s counter‑fraud, whistleblowing, anti‑corruption, anti‑money laundering and anti‑tax evasion arrangements, including investigations into suspected fraud and misconduct.
- Act as the Council’s Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) and lead engagement with the National Fraud Initiative.
- Ensure compliance with the Global Internal Audit Standards through effective quality assurance, performance management and continuous service improvement.
- Lead the Council’s Combined Assurance Framework, maintaining strategic relationships with assurance providers, external audit and key stakeholders.
- Drive the development of data analytics and technology‑enabled auditing, while providing assurance over information governance and data protection.
- Lead, develop and motivate the Internal Audit & Counter Fraud team, ensuring the service has the skills and capacity to meet organisational needs.
- Contribute to the development and delivery of corporate, directorate and service plans, promoting strong governance and effective risk management across the Council.
About You
- Significant senior‑level experience leading an Internal Audit and Counter Fraud function, including strategic audit planning, resource management, service improvement and developing high‑performing teams.
- Extensive knowledge of local government, governance, risk management and the regulatory environment, with experience delivering complex, technical audit reviews and supporting effective governance arrangements.
- Able to interpret complex, ambiguous and often conflicting information, apply critical thinking and professional judgement, and develop practical risk‑based solutions to support strategic decision‑making.
- Excellent communication, reporting and presentation skills, with the confidence and credibility to influence senior officers, elected Members, Audit Committees and external stakeholders.
- Resilient, with political awareness and leadership capability to manage competing priorities, maintain professional independence and successfully deliver strategic objectives in a complex and fast‑changing environment.
- What We Can Offer You
Salary
The salary band for this role is £94,853 – £104,158 per annum. The starting salary is £94,853 with annual progression through the salary bands.
- Excellent death in service benefit of 3× salary and optional salary sacrifice shared cost AVC (additional voluntary contribution).
- Generous holiday 25–31 days, based on role and service.
- Flexible working options (role‑dependent).
- Family‑friendly policies – Maternity, Paternity, Adoption, Shared/Unpaid Parental Leave, Time off for dependents.
- Training and development, including coaching and mentoring.
- Health and wellbeing support – Employee Assistance Programme, Menopause Pledge, Mental Health First Aiders and access to a variety of staff networks.
- Veteran‑friendly employer with the Armed Forces Covenant.
- Retail discounts and savings through the Southampton City Council benefits platform.
- Discounted memberships at local sports and fitness centres.
- Sustainable travel benefits – low‑emission car scheme, cycle to work, season ticket loans.
- Employee volunteering scheme with 2 paid days leave to volunteer.
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Chief Internal Auditor in Southampton employer: Southampton City Council
Join our vibrant partnership of six schools in Southampton and the New Forest, where we prioritise a rich learning experience for every child. As a Classroom Play Assistant, you will be part of a collaborative and supportive team dedicated to nurturing confident learners and responsible citizens. With a strong focus on employee development and a commitment to safeguarding, we offer a fulfilling work culture that values diversity and encourages personal growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Internal Auditor in Southampton
✨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 Southampton City Council looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Internal Auditor in Southampton
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 Southampton City Council. 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 Southampton City Council
✨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 Southampton City Council’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!
