At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead internal audit, anti-fraud, and risk management for the Council.
- Company: Tower Hamlets Council, committed to governance and public resource safeguarding.
- Benefits: Money-saving schemes, learning opportunities, and clear career pathways.
- Other info: Politically restricted post; occasional evening or weekend work may be required.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on governance and public resources in a leadership role.
- Qualifications: Professional qualification with extensive experience in audit and risk management.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Tower Hamlets is seeking an exceptional and experienced leader to take on the role of Head of Internal Audit, Anti-Fraud & Risk. This is a critical statutory leadership role at the heart of the Council’s governance, assurance and risk framework.
Reporting to the Director of Finance, you will lead the Council’s internal audit, anti-fraud and risk management functions, ensuring these services operate effectively, independently and in line with statutory requirements and professional standards. You will play a key role in strengthening organisational governance, safeguarding public resources and supporting the Council to deliver value for money. This is a high-profile post requiring close engagement with senior leadership, Members and the Audit Committee, acting as the Council’s principal advisor on audit, risk and counter-fraud matters.
Key responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership of the internal audit, anti-fraud and risk services, ensuring delivery of effective and compliant assurance arrangements across the Council and Tower Hamlets Homes.
- Fulfil the statutory responsibilities of the Head of Internal Audit, including development of the audit strategy, annual audit plan and provision of the annual audit opinion.
- Lead the development and implementation of the Council’s counter-fraud and corruption strategy and oversee complex investigations.
- Act as the organisation’s lead on risk management, supporting the Corporate Leadership Team in identifying and managing strategic risks.
- Provide expert advice on governance, internal control and value for money across all services.
- Maintain strong relationships with key partners, including external auditors, law enforcement and government bodies.
- Act as the primary contact and senior advisor to the Audit Committee, including oversight of audit committee effectiveness.
- Lead and develop high-performing professional teams across audit, fraud and risk disciplines.
About you
We are looking for a highly credible and strategic leader with significant experience operating at a senior level in a complex organisation, ideally within local government or a similarly regulated environment.
You will bring:
- A recognised professional qualification (CCAB, CIMA or IIA) with significant post-qualification experience.
- Extensive knowledge of internal audit, governance frameworks and strategic risk management.
- Strong expertise in counter-fraud strategy, investigation and enforcement.
- A proven track record of leading high-performing teams and delivering organisational change.
- Experience of advising and influencing senior leadership teams and elected Members.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to present complex information clearly and authoritatively.
- Experience of working collaboratively with external stakeholders and partners to deliver outcomes.
Our TOWER values
- We work together with partners to achieve the best outcomes.
- We are open and transparent in our decision-making.
- We are willing to challenge and innovate.
- We empower each other to be excellent.
- We respect all communities and value diversity.
Additional information
- Politically restricted post.
- Enhanced DBS check required.
- Occasional evening or weekend working may be required to meet business needs.
Benefits
- Staff money-saving schemes (e.g., rent deposit loans, season ticket loans).
- Learning and development opportunities through our Learning Academy, with clear career development and leadership pathways.
Head of Internal Audit, Anti Fraud & Risk in London employer: Tower Hamlets Homes Ltd
Tower Hamlets is an exceptional employer that prioritises strong governance and community impact, making it an ideal place for professionals seeking meaningful work in local government. With a commitment to employee development through its Learning Academy, staff enjoy clear career pathways and opportunities for growth, alongside benefits like money-saving schemes. The collaborative and transparent work culture fosters innovation and respect for diversity, ensuring that every team member can contribute to the Council's mission of delivering value for money and safeguarding public resources.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Internal Audit, Anti Fraud & Risk in London
✨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 Tower Hamlets Homes Ltd looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Internal Audit, Anti Fraud & Risk in London
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 Tower Hamlets Homes Ltd. 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 Tower Hamlets Homes Ltd
✨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 Tower Hamlets Homes Ltd’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!
