Principal Internal Auditor

Full time / Permanent - 37 hours per week. Please note that the Combined Authority will consider requests for part-time working and/or job share.

We’re excited to be recruiting a Principal Internal Auditor to join our Internal Audit Team. This opportunity has arisen following an internal promotion and the recent redesign of our Internal Audit function - reflecting the organisation’s commitment to strengthening assurance, increasing audit coverage, and supporting delivery of our most ambitious programmes.

As Principal Internal Auditor, you will play a key leadership role within the team. You will manage and support a team of auditors within a defined area of responsibility, lead the delivery of high-quality audit and assurance work and drive continuous improvement in our audit approach, methodologies, and reporting. This includes helping to shape the future of the Internal Audit function as it evolves to meet increasing organisational demand. This is a role with real influence, visibility, and the opportunity to make a measurable difference.

Our Internal Audit team provides independent, high-quality assurance and investigation services to the Combined Authority, helping ensure that public money is used effectively, risks are well-managed, and major programmes deliver the outcomes our region depends on. The team’s work spans the full breadth of the Combined Authority’s activities, with particular focus on high‑profile, high‑impact programmes such as Mass Transit, Bus Franchising, Better Homes, Adult Skills and other major capital and transformation projects. This is your chance to work at the centre of some of the most significant developments shaping the future of our region.

Our Offer

• Work your way – From flexible and agile working options, including a generous flexi‑time scheme to help you balance your personal life and career.
• Time to recharge – Enjoy 28 days of annual leave (with increases based on length of service), plus all Bank Holidays.
• Free greener travel across West Yorkshire – Cover your commute sustainably with unlimited free bus and rail travel using the MCard (Zones 1–5).
• Secure your future – Benefit from a highly competitive Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Investing in you – Take advantage of fully funded professional development, regular training, and up to 3 paid volunteering days per year.
• Grow with us – Incremental salary progression for most roles and annual cost of living increases.
• Family first – We offer enhanced parental and bereavement leave, plus other family-friendly policies to support you when it matters most.
• Your wellbeing, our priority – Access 24/7 free confidential counselling services and the Headspace app for you and up to 5 family or friends.
• Modern workspace in a prime location – Work in bright, contemporary offices just a 2‑minute walk from Leeds Train Station, fully equipped with the latest tech.

The Role

Reporting into the Internal Audit Manager, your key responsibilities will include:

• Taking the strategic lead for the development and delivery of a range of internal audit work, relating to regional priorities e.g. Mass Transit, Bus Franchising and Adult Skills.
• Contributing to the delivery of the five‑year Internal Audit Strategy, helping to embed a forward‑looking and innovative audit approach.
• Providing a source of expert advice/consultancy, including attendance at relevant boards and working groups, on a wide range of internal control, corporate governance and risk management arrangements.

Please review the Role Profile on our website for more information about the responsibilities.

About You

You will have the following key skills, attributes, education and experience:

• Relevant professional qualification e.g. CCAB qualified accountant, CIA or CMIIA with significant internal audit experience.
• The ability to think strategically and deliver assurance work that adds value and drives improvement.
• Strong analytical, evaluation and communication skills, with the confidence to engage and influence at all levels.
• Experience leading or managing others, providing clear guidance and support in line with organisational policies.
• A thorough and demonstrable understanding of the Global Internal Audit Standards and their practical application.

To Apply

If this sounds like your next role, please complete the application form and tell us within the supporting statement why you would be a great fit for our role and how your skills, knowledge and experience align with the requirements within the Role Profile. Please visit our Advice for Candidates webpage and review the guidance on this page for support in completing your application form.

Further Information

The Combined Authority is passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. We know through experience that different ideas, perspectives and backgrounds create a stronger and more creative work environment that delivers better outcomes. We welcome applications irrespective of people's age, disability, neuro-divergence, sex, gender identity and gender expression, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity, or other personal circumstances. We have policies and procedures in place to ensure that all applicants are treated fairly and consistently at every stage of the recruitment process, including the consideration of reasonable adjustments for people who have a disability and/or who are neuro divergent. To find out more about inclusivity at the West Yorkshire Combined Authority please visit our dedicated webpage. Under the Disability Confident Scheme, applicants with a disability are guaranteed an interview, subject to the minimum criteria being met.