Principal Auditor in Bradford, Yorkshire

Company description: Water Utility Company based in Yorkshire region of England.

We offer a competitive salary, depending on experience (£49,112 - £61,390), an annual incentive related bonus (£1000 maximum bonus opportunity for the performance year), and an attractive pension scheme (up to 12% company contribution). Development opportunities in line with the Principal Auditor progression plan are available, along with 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays and 2 extra wellness days. Life assurance cover of 4 times pensionable salary is provided, as well as a great benefits package including health cash plan scheme, critical illness insurance, dental insurance, life assurance flex and partner cover, retail savings scheme, online GP service, cycle to work scheme, gym membership discounts, and many more!

Location: West Yorkshire - This role will initially be based in Bradford but we are moving our office to Leeds Valley Park in summer 2026, so you will be based there in the future. Hybrid Working (2 days in the office a week Bradford/Leeds). Work type: Permanent, 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Principal Auditor to join the Finance team at Yorkshire Water and be a part of helping Yorkshire Water to provide the best service to our customers.

What we do: We ensure that over 5.4 million people living in the region can rely on our services, providing clean and safe drinking water and managing wastewater. We look after communities, protect the environment, and plan to manage Yorkshire's water sustainably.

The Finance team plays a key role in meeting the changing expectations of customers and regulators. Step into a role where your insight drives real impact. Lead high-value audits, influence key decisions, and shape stronger risk and control frameworks across the business.

As our Principal Auditor you will:

• Plan, scope, and deliver complex internal audits and reviews in line with time, cost, and quality standards.
• Lead, oversee, and peer review less complex audits and investigations.
• Consolidate audit findings and report insights to the Manager of Internal Audit.
• Act as a trusted advisor by delivering audit and advisory support in response to ad hoc business requests.
• Liaise with other assurance providers to understand and coordinate broader assurance coverage.
• Build and maintain strong relationships across departments, collaborating with subject matter experts.
• Promote effective risk management and the development of robust internal control frameworks.
• Support the Internal Audit Leadership Team in achieving departmental objectives and continuously improving audit services.
• Identify opportunities to enhance efficiency within Internal Audit by leveraging data and technology.
• Contribute to the development and updating of audit policies and procedures to ensure compliance with professional standards.
• Develop a strong understanding of business objectives, risks, and priorities while maintaining independent stakeholder relationships.
• Coach and support junior or non-audit staff to drive engagement, performance, and professional development.
• Demonstrate and promote agreed organisational culture and behaviours across the team.
• Support delivery of the Departments Business Plan and Performance Excellence scorecard.
• Contribute to business process improvements and continuous improvement initiatives across functions.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory, statutory, and organisational requirements, including Health & Safety.
• Promote and support risk management processes, collaborating with Risk Champions.
• Demonstrate awareness and understanding of business performance at both departmental and organisational levels.
• Uphold company values, behaviours, and high ethical standards at all times.
• Recognise and celebrate strong performance while addressing underperformance constructively.
• Build commercial awareness and proactively identify inefficiencies in internal audit processes.

What skills & qualifications you will need:

• A motivated and credible audit professional with strong integrity and a passion for adding value.
• Professionally qualified in internal audit.
• Proven experience delivering high-quality internal audits in a fast-paced environment.
• Able to manage multiple priorities while maintaining excellent standards.
• A confident, independent thinker who can identify issues and drive practical solutions.
• Strong understanding of business operations, risk management, and controls.
• Skilled at building relationships and influencing senior stakeholders.
• An excellent communicator with clear, impactful written and verbal skills.
• A supportive team player who enjoys coaching and developing others.
• Experience across major projects or complex audit environments.
• Knowledge of investigations, including fraud or irregularity.
• Ability to use data and analytics to generate insight-led audit outcomes.
• Experience within regulated sectors (e.g. utilities).
• Comfortable working within co-sourced audit models.
• Experience collaborating with subject matter experts to deliver audit plans.

Although we operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, we support flexible working patterns and job share options to help you balance work and home life.

If you have experience in Internal Auditing and want to help us deliver great service for our customers whilst looking after the environment, then be sure to apply today.

The closing date for this advert is the 16th June 2026. We expect colleagues to have completed a minimum of two years in their current role before applying for internal job opportunities.

If successful for the role, you will be required to undergo pre-employment checks that will include a Basic Disclosure Check. All our roles are subject to a medical questionnaire, and further medicals when required. We are committed to removing barriers and ensuring our recruitment process is accessible to everyone.

Kelda Group reserve the right to close this position before the published closing date, should the need occur. We therefore advise that you complete and submit your application as soon as possible. No agencies please.