Internal Audit Lead
Position: REF000081 Internal Audit Lead
Location: Home-based UK, Nationwide. However, occasional travel will be required as part of this role (may include team meetings or other work-related meetings)
Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week
Salary: £55,000 per annum (inner London weighting £3,950 or outer London weighting £2,457 per annum may be applied in accordance with where you live)
Contract: Permanent
Closing Date: 29 November 2026
First round interview date: 14 December 2026
Second round interview date: 21 or 22 December 2026
The Role
A good knowledge of how charities operate and their main processes including Finance, HR, Fundraising and CRM systems would be advantageous as the Internal Audit Lead is the sole permanent auditor within the staff team. Whilst we value charity experience, we are keen on finding the best person who can provide assurance whilst working in a relational working culture. This means that we would like someone who is comfortable with balancing controls with delivery. The role will be able to call upon externally sourced support for areas where more expertise is needed. The role reports to the Associate Director of Legal and Governance, with an independent reporting line to the Chair of the Finance Committee.
The role will provide a comprehensive programme of internal audits into the activities of our charity and will report to our Finance Committee with recommendations for improvement. This is a crucial role in safeguarding the charity's assets and reputation. Our culture is built on trusting our staff to do the right thing. You will work with colleagues to review processes and controls that support this trust, while providing independent assurance and constructive challenge. Your approach will encourage open conversations, shared learning and practical improvements, rather than excessive risk aversion.
Key responsibilities
- To establish effective and robust operational and strategic Internal Audit plans for the Charity and to report on progress of the plan
- To carry out the Internal Audits within the Internal Audit Plan, within the agreed timetable and budget shown in the Plan, to report on them, to present them to Board and Committee meetings and to monitor progress.
- To liaise with externally sourced providers of internal audit services in support of the role and for conducting internal audits into specialist areas of activity of the charity (such as IT arrangements).
- To maintain a strong working relationship with the Finance Committee, its Chair and the Chief Executive and to act as a Business Partner to Executive Directors and colleagues across the charity, listening to their needs and working together on practical recommendations while maintaining independence.
- To contribute to the Charity's efforts to avoid fraud, including by advising on new policies and to lead on fraud investigations where appropriate, and regular review of counter fraud arrangements.
- To ensure a joined-up approach to both the external and internal audit work, minimising duplication and feeding into the external audit risk assessment.
- To work with colleagues to ensure any potential new systems include proportionate internal controls and procedures that reflect our culture of trust and make it easier for staff to do the right thing.
- To keep up to date with Internal Audit practice and developments and advise the Charity in relation to internal audit matters.
About You
- A qualification in internal audit or accounting (e.g. CIA, MIIA, AAT, ACCA, CIMA) or substantial on the job experience working in internal audit.
- An in-depth knowledge of risk based internal auditing techniques, including testing and sampling methodologies.
- An ability to build trust and constructive working relationships with colleagues, balancing a collaborative approach with the authority to provide an independent voice and challenge on internal audit matters affecting the charity.
- The ability to work on your own and as a self-starter.
To fulfil the role, you must be a resident of the UK and have the right to work in the UK.
If you are applying under the Disability Confident scheme, please indicate this in your supporting statement when applying for the role.
About the Stroke Association
Finding strength through support The Stroke Association is the only charity in the UK providing lifelong
Internal Audit Lead employer: Stroke Association
The Stroke Association is an exceptional employer, dedicated to improving the lives of stroke survivors and their families. With a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, we foster a supportive work culture that values lived experiences and encourages professional growth through collaboration with key stakeholders in the NHS and Welsh Government. Our home-based role in Wales offers flexibility, meaningful engagement with communities, and the opportunity to make a significant impact on stroke care services.
