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- Tasks: Manage internal audits and support a dynamic team to enhance organisational effectiveness.
- Company: Join West Northamptonshire Council, a leading unitary authority focused on innovation and community impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, generous holidays, pension schemes, and exclusive retail discounts.
- Why this job: Be part of a culture that values ambition, creativity, and meaningful improvements in the community.
- Qualifications: CCAB accountancy qualification or equivalent experience; strong communication and problem-solving skills required.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are core values; we support all applicants throughout the hiring process.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About the role
This is an exciting opportunity within West Northamptonshire Council, one of the largest unitary authorities in the country. We have established our own dedicated Internal Audit, Risk Management, and Counter-Fraud team, and we are looking for a motivated individual to join this growing service.
As part of our Internal Audit team, you will primarily support the Council as well as other partners, including Northamptonshire Children\’s Trust. Your work will play a crucial role in ensuring the organisation operates effectively and efficiently.
While the position offers hybrid working arrangements, you will be required to attend the main Northampton town centre office (One Angel Square) at least one day a week, with additional attendance at other council sites as necessary.
We appreciate the interest received in our earlier campaign – previous applicants need not reapply.
What will you be doing?
In this role, you will be responsible for managing the delivery of a varied portfolio of internal audit work across all areas of the organisation. You will report to the Internal Audit Manager, providing assurance on the effectiveness of risk management, governance, policy, and internal control processes.
The role also includes supervising and supporting other auditors within the team, working collaboratively to ensure all audits are completed to the highest professional standards. You will have the opportunity to work closely with senior management, identifying opportunities for improvement and implementing far-reaching innovations based on your findings and recommendations.
The position offers hybrid working arrangements, giving you the flexibility to work from home and at various council sites as required.
About you
We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated individual who holds a full CCAB accountancy qualification or membership of the Institute of Internal Auditors. Alternatively, significant relevant experience commensurate with these qualifications will also be considered.
To succeed in this role, you will be a team player with excellent communication and problem-solving skills. You will have meticulous attention to detail, a questioning approach, and the ability to prioritise tasks effectively. Working under pressure to meet personal and team targets should come naturally to you.
Equally important is your ability to think strategically and innovatively about how to improve systems and services. You will need to challenge existing processes and work closely with senior leaders to drive meaningful improvements across the organisation.
In return, we offer excellent working conditions, including a generous holiday entitlement, a comprehensive pension scheme, and flexible working arrangements. You will also have access to our employee benefits scheme, which includes a lease car sacrifice option and discounts at numerous retail outlets.
For an informal discussion about the role please contact:
Adrian Ward (Head of Audit and Risk Management) via Adrian.Ward@westnorthants.gov.uk or Scott Peasland (Internal Audit Manager) via email – Scott.Peasland@westnorthants.gov.uk
Please note, we are not engaging with recruitment agencies for this role.
Our benefits
You can also see our full list of employee benefits on our careers site here: Why you should work for us | West Northamptonshire Council .
About us
At West Northants Council, it\’s about our people. People who thrive with ambition, bubble with new ideas, demand better ways of working, caring about every detail, and who never shy away from a challenge. Our culture is a gateway for new experiences. A place to forge new opportunities. To empower you in your career and unite you with like-minded people.
Our vision is \’to make West Northants a great place to live, work, visit and thrive\’. We truly stand by this and work hard every day to make this a reality. Our corporate values, THRIVE, stand for: Trust, High Performance, Respect, Innovate and Empower, they underpin everything we do and how we deliver services.
Hear more from our Chief Executive, Anna Earnshaw, about what its like to work at West Northants Council.
We are committed to ensuring diversity, equality, equity, and inclusion is woven into the fabric of WNC and everything we do, to enable all colleagues to develop and maximize their full potential. We are a disability confident employer, a member of the Armed Forces Covenant, and a Care Leaver Covenant partner
The following film was created by us to communicate our intentions – watch WNC colleagues explain what DEI means to us .
If you need additional support or reasonable adjustments during the application process, including needing the job description in another format or language, please email careers@westnorthants.gov.uk for support.
West Northants Council, where careers thrive.
Attached documents
- Principal Auditor JD & PS – Jul 2025.pdf
- We prioritise your well-being with a comprehensive range of benefits designed to support you both personally and professionally.
- We prioritise your well-being with a comprehensive range of benefits designed to support you both personally and professionally.
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Principal Auditor employer: West Northamptonshire Council
Contact Detail:
West Northamptonshire Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Auditor
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific internal audit processes and frameworks used by West Northamptonshire Council. Understanding their approach will help you demonstrate your knowledge during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of West Northamptonshire Council, especially those in the Internal Audit team. They can provide valuable insights into the team culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach when discussing your fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've improved systems or processes in previous roles. The job description highlights the importance of innovation and strategic thinking, so showcasing your past achievements in these areas will set you apart.
✨Tip Number 4
Reach out to Adrian Ward or Scott Peasland for an informal chat about the role. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also gives you a chance to ask questions that can help you understand what they are looking for in a candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Auditor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Principal Auditor position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with what West Northamptonshire Council is looking for.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Make sure to emphasise your CCAB accountancy qualification or relevant experience in your CV and cover letter. Clearly state how your background prepares you for the specific challenges of this role.
Showcase Your Skills: In your application, provide examples of your communication, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills. Use specific instances where you have successfully managed audits or improved processes to demonstrate your capabilities.
Personalise Your Cover Letter: Craft a compelling cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also reflects your enthusiasm for the role and the organisation. Mention how you resonate with their values of Trust, High Performance, Respect, Innovate, and Empower.
How to prepare for a job interview at West Northamptonshire Council
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Principal Auditor. Familiarise yourself with internal audit processes, risk management, and governance frameworks. This will help you articulate how your skills and experiences align with the role during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Qualifications
Highlight your CCAB accountancy qualification or relevant experience. Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your expertise in auditing and your ability to manage a varied portfolio of internal audit work.
✨Demonstrate Team Collaboration
Since the role involves supervising and supporting other auditors, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully worked in teams. Discuss your communication skills and how you’ve contributed to achieving team goals in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Strategic Thinking Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to think strategically about improving systems and services. Prepare to discuss how you've identified opportunities for improvement in past roles and the innovative solutions you implemented.
