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- Tasks: Lead complex audit assignments and provide specialist support in Counter Fraud and IT Audit.
- Company: Join Surrey County Council's forward-thinking Internal Audit service.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26-31 days holiday, generous pension, and wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in local government and shape community services.
- Qualifications: Experience in internal audit, counter fraud, and strong client relationship skills required.
- Other info: Dynamic team with excellent training and career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 53713 - 53713 £ per year.
The starting salary for this position is £53,713 per annum, based on working 36 hours per week. Are you self-motivated, able to develop excellent working relationships and looking for a career in a fast-paced and challenging profession? We are currently looking for a Principal Auditor to join our forward-thinking Internal Audit service at Surrey County Council. We work on a hybrid basis, with an expectation that everyone within our service will share time between working from one of our available offices and from home.
Our Offer to You
- 26 days' holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years' service
- Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
- A generous local government salary related pension
- Up to 5 days of carer's leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year
- Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
- An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
- Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
- Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping
- A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents
About our Team
As Internal Auditors we are a valued friend and trusted advisor; responsible for providing assurance to our clients in relation to internal control, governance and risk management, supporting the organisation to achieve its overall objectives. We invest in developing our Internal Auditors by offering support through buddying, mentoring & coaching, on the job training, and access to a wide variety of professional and personal development opportunities.
In November 2022, the service was externally assessed against the Public Sector Internal Audit Standards (PSIAS) by the Chartered Institute of Internal Auditors. This covers an assessment of compliance with the Professional Standards, benchmarking against best practice, and an assessment of Internal Audit's profile and impact within the organisation. We were assessed as achieving the highest level of conformance available against the Standards and were deemed 'Excellent' in our reflection of the standards and our focus on performance, risk and adding value.
About the Role
You will have a number of years' experience working within an Internal Audit environment, leading and conducting complex audit assignments. This role will sit within a new team which includes providing specialist support with Counter Fraud and IT Audit work. Experience of either area would be a significant benefit. Successful candidates will be self-motivated and able to work on their own initiative and within a team. You will have a willingness to learn and will be able to demonstrate how your current skill set can transfer to the role of Internal Auditor. The Job Profile identifies the type of skills that will be necessary for your success in this role. The ability to undertake work to specified timeframes and budgets is crucial as is the ability to develop excellent client relationship skills remotely and in person. To support you we have developed a robust induction programme to give you access to the skills and training you will need to be successful in the role. You will need to possess the flexibility and skills to receive a hybrid induction.
Shortlisting Criteria
In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills and align with our:
- CMIIA, CCAB or equivalent qualification and/or equivalent level of experience.
- Understanding of the roles and responsibilities of Internal Audit.
- Substantial experience in the delivery of internal audit and counter fraud services, including engagement planning and production of detailed audit reports.
- Experience in conducting fraud and irregularity investigations.
- Experience in supervising the work of other staff and developing and maintaining effective client relationships.
The job advert closes at 23:59 on 19/04/2026. Interviews will be undertaken in person at Woodhatch Place, Reigate, Surrey, and are planned to take place on 27th April 2026.
We look forward to receiving your application, please click on the apply online button below to submit.
Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)
Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two-tier system to two new unitary councils in April 2027. If you are employed by Surrey on 1st April 2027, your role will transfer with current terms and conditions to one of the new organisations, supporting local devolution and greater powers for our communities.
Join our dynamic team and shape the future of local government. Make a lasting impact with innovative solutions and improved services for our community. Help us build a brighter future for our residents!
Our Commitment
We are a disability confident employer which means if you have shared a disability on your application form and have evidenced you meet the minimum criteria, we guarantee you an interview. Your skills and experience truly matter to us. From application to your first day, we are committed to supporting you with any adjustments you need, we value inclusion and warmly welcome you to join and help build a workplace where everyone belongs.
Principal Auditor in Reigate employer: Surrey County Council
Contact Detail:
Surrey County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Auditor in Reigate
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Surrey County Council on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for the interview process. Personal connections can give you insights that no job description can.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Think about how your past experiences align with the skills needed for the Principal Auditor role. Practise your responses, focusing on examples that showcase your ability to develop client relationships and manage audits effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your personality! During the interview, let your self-motivation and team spirit shine through. Remember, they’re looking for someone who can fit into their dynamic team, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for internal auditing and how you can contribute.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a great way to reinforce your interest in the position and keep you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Auditor in Reigate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Principal Auditor role. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Experience: Don’t just list your previous jobs; explain how your experience in internal audit and counter fraud services makes you a great fit. We want to see specific examples of your achievements and how they relate to the responsibilities of this role.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your writing is easy to read. This will help us quickly see why you’re the right person for the job.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Surrey County Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of internal audit practices and the specific responsibilities outlined in the job description. Familiarise yourself with the Public Sector Internal Audit Standards (PSIAS) and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with these standards.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare examples from your past roles that demonstrate your ability to lead complex audit assignments and conduct fraud investigations. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and highlight your achievements.
✨Build Rapport
Since developing excellent client relationships is key, practice your interpersonal skills. Be friendly and approachable during the interview, and think about how you can connect with the interviewers. A good rapport can make a lasting impression!
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, the hybrid working model, and the future of the Internal Audit service at Surrey County Council. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.