Internal Audit Officer in Birmingham

West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).

The West Midlands Combined Authority is delivering ambitious plans for the region, from inclusive growth and better transport to investment in places, jobs and communities.

To deliver that well, we need strong governance, effective risk management and robust assurance, so decisions are evidence‑led, public money is protected and services are continually improving.

As an Internal Audit Officer, you will play an important role in helping WMCA remain accountable, well‑controlled and focused on delivering value for money.

By independently planning, delivering and reporting on risk‑based audits, you will provide the insight and challenge that helps strengthen governance, improve internal controls and support better decision‑making across the organisation.

This role is suitable for a generalist internal auditor who enjoys working across a broad range of business areas and can apply their audit skills to different services, risks and priorities.

Local government or wider public sector experience would be beneficial, but we are also open to candidates with relevant private sector experience, those who are part‑qualified or interested in working towards a professional qualification, and experienced auditors who are qualified by experience.

You will have the opportunity to gain exposure to a varied programme of work, including internal audit, assurance, risk, grant funding, organisational audits and, where appropriate, fraud and investigations.

What You’ll Be Doing.

• Independently plan, scope and deliver risk‑based audits across WMCA.
• Provide impartial, evidence-driven assurance on governance, risk management and internal control arrangements.
• Produce clear, high-quality audit reports with practical, evidence-based recommendations.
• Identify systemic weaknesses, control gaps, financial risks and opportunities for improvement.
• Support the development of the risk‑based Internal Audit Plan by identifying emerging risks and areas requiring audit attention.
• Provide high‑quality assurance outputs that inform senior decision‑making, the Audit and Risk Committee and the Annual Governance Statement.
• Build constructive relationships with senior managers and audit clients, providing professional challenge while maintaining independence.
• Influence stakeholders to strengthen risk culture and adopt more effective governance practices.
• Perform detailed testing, data analysis, evidence collection and evaluation of systems and processes.
• Track and verify completion of management actions for assigned audits.
• Support investigations into alleged fraud, irregularities or malpractice, including interviews, evidence gathering and formal statements.
• Handle confidential, sensitive and protected information appropriately and securely.
• Provide assurance over financial controls, financial reporting, contract management, procurement, grants and programme spend.
• Make recommendations that strengthen financial stewardship and support value for money.

What’s Essential.

• Demonstrable experience independently delivering end‑to‑end internal audits, including planning, scoping, field work analysis and reporting.
• Experience presenting complex audit findings to senior managers and influencing through evidence‑based recommendations.
• Strong understanding of audit methodologies, risk assessment techniques and internal control evaluation.
• Excellent analytical skills, including the ability to interpret complex data and identify underlying issues and form sound judgements.
• Ability to remain independent, objective and confident when challenging senior stakeholders.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce compelling and concise audit reports.
• Strong working knowledge of Global Internal Audit Standards and the Global Internal Audit Standards in the UK Public Sector application note.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information appropriately.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365, audit management systems and data analysis techniques.
• Practical training in internal audit techniques and professional standards.

Hiring Manager

Sarah Rogers

Talent Acquisition Partner

Tom Bailey

Pay Scale

Location.

The location for this role is 16 Summer Lane, Birmingham, B19 3SD with at least 2 days a week spent in the office.

There may be a requirement to work outside normal office hours on occasion to meet investigation or audit deadlines.

Salary And Benefits.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes

• Local Government Pension Scheme (one of the most generous pension schemes in the UK).
• Shared Cost Additional Voluntary Contribution scheme where you can build an additional pot of money alongside your pension with contributions exempt from Income Tax and National Insurance contributions (NICs).
• 28 days paid annual leave (with an option to purchase more) + Statutory days.
• EV car benefit scheme
• Healthcare plans.
• Discounted gym membership, will writing, and mortgage advice.
• An option to buy a bicycle, including e-bikes and adapted pedal cycles, at a discounted rate.
• 3 days of paid leave each year to volunteer.
• Interest‑free financing through Smart Tech to buy the latest technology
• Discounted shopping with over 2,000 big-name retailers, and more. You can now also obtain a Costco membership through the WMCA.
• Boundless unlocks unlimited entry to top‑rated UK attractions and loads of extra benefits and discounts.
• Eye Care Scheme, offering a free eye test and a financial contribution towards your glasses.

Why join WMCA?

WMCA is laser‑focused on improving the West Midlands, bringing economic growth, jobs, homes, and better journeys to the region.

We target local needs where it matters most, ensuring everyone has a job that pays well and has access to safe and affordable places they can call home.

We put people and place at the heart of everything we do, working hand in hand with our partners to direct funding where it's needed most.

What you do, really matters.

Your expertise will help make a big difference, improving people's lives, every day.

Our Values and Behaviours.

• Collaborative - We work as one organisation, building trust, connection and shared purpose across teams, partners and customers to create the biggest impact for our region.
• Driven - Focussed on impact - leading with clarity, care and courage to deliver meaningful results for the West Midlands.
• Inclusive - Every voice matters - we create belonging, fairness and psychological safety so everyone can thrive.
• Innovative - We think future and act smarter - embracing curiosity, creativity and continuous improvement to shape the future.

Creating an inclusive workplace.

WMCA holds diversity accreditations, such as the RACE Code Quality Mark, Armed Forces Covenant (Gold status) and has been recognised as one of the Inclusive Top 50 Employers and The Times Top 50 Employers for Women.

We’re a Disability Confident Employer with ‘Leader’ status, committed to interviewing applicants with disabilities who meet all the essential role criteria.

We are also proud to be a Ban the Box employer, which means we do not ask about criminal convictions at the initial application stage, and will only ask after an offer is made as part of our onboarding checks, which helps us remove barriers for people with past convictions and supporting fair opportunities for all.

We recognise that certain groups, such as women and people of colour, may be less likely to apply for roles if they feel they do not meet all the requirements.

However, we encourage individuals who are passionate about the role and want to make a difference to still apply.

We value potential and encourage applicants to highlight their skills, including transferable ones, even if they don't fit the traditional "perfect candidate" mould.

We gladly consider part‑time, flexible, and job share arrangements, so please don't let these factors deter you from applying

Right to Work in the UK

Proof of Right to Work in the UK will be required for all applicants in accordance with UK Home Office requirements, before any employment offer can be confirmed.

Non-UK applicants (excluding Ireland) would be required to hold a relevant Visa from the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

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