Principal Auditor

**What's involved with this role**:
**Reference no: Sefton RQ1251898**

A Principal Auditor, with previous extensive experience of auditing within the public sector, is required to carry out audits within the approved annual audit plan, from scoping of the audit, through risk identification, review of controls and testing and report writing. Assist the Audit Manager with the monitoring and control of audits and where required supervision of staff. To undertake a full range of Audit services as required to achieve Internal Audit objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

- Assist the Audit Manager in the efficient planning, monitoring and control of all audit activity together with the supervision of staff within the Team. Deputise for the Audit Manager in his/her absence.
- Assist the Audit Manager in the preparation of Annual and Operational Audit Plans.
- Directly responsible to the Audit Manager for carrying out and completing within allocated timescales, a wide range of Audit activities undertaken by the Team including systems audit review, risk audit review, regularity, probity audits, ICT audits and value for money exercises / reviews. Directing or conducting audits of more complex or specialised audit work.
- As directed by the Audit Manager, to carry out fraud or other special investigations, and/or other ad-hoc exercises/projects.
- Be aware of and continually assess the risks arising from areas of audit review, advise Audit Manager and report to Departmental Managers as appropriate.
- Assist the Audit Manager to undertake reviews of the internal control environment comprising risk management, control and governance.
- Provide advice on sound procedures and controls for financial/other systems and on the Councils financial procedure rules and other regulatory codes/guidelines to officers at all levels within the Council.
- Develop, compile and review audit programmes, systems records and other such Audit documentation to ensure all areas of Audit work are carried out effectively.
- Maintain good working relationships with service department officers.
- Communicate effectively with Audit clients, providing good quality correspondence and Audit Reports which are positive and constructive as well as take the clients views and resources into account. Ensure all significant recommendations are progressed.

**To help speed up the process of uploading your CV to the client we would suggest that you send us your CV in Word format (or equivalent) if possible, rather than as a PDF.**

**_If you are successful in securing this role, please note that for the entire duration of this contract, regardless of extension you will be working this role at the PAYE rate that has been advertised. For absolute clarity, we only work on a PAYE basis, rather than entertaining umbrella pay terms, we do not offer Ltd/umbrella or outside IR35 rates. If you wish to understand PAYE vs Umbrella more, please let us know and we can send you some additional information for clarity._**

**Other “Essential Requirements” - Please check to ensure that your CV addresses the following items**:
**Qualifications**:

- Professionally qualified with a recognisable internal audit qualification CIPFA, CIA, CMIIA etc. desirable.

**Experience**:

- Extensive experience of auditing within public sector.
- Internal Audit experience at a senior level within a Local Authority, other public body or large organisation.
- Experience of planning, undertaking and completing a wide range of complex Internal Audit Assignments.
- Supervision of staff experience desirable.
- Completion of ICT audit assignments desirable.

**Knowledge:
**- Knowledge of challenges facing local government and Internal Audit in particular.

**Skills & Abilities**:

- Excellent communication skills.
- Able to work as part of a team and on own with mínimal supervision.
- Able to undertake a full range of audit reviews utilising different audit methodologies.
- Able to undertake complex or more specialised Audit work.
- Able to personally plan and manage audits in order to meet deadlines for completion of work allocated.
- Able to communicate effectively with Audit clients at all levels and produce concise, accurate and timely written reports.
- Have an enquiring mind and ability to work logically and methodically.
- Able to use and understand a range of IT systems.
- Able to be flexible, innovative and responsive to changes and developments in new techniques and approaches to audit.
- Strong IT skills including Microsoft packages or equivalent (e.g. G Suite).

SC **Please note that clients invariably ask us to strip out contact details from CVs before we submit them for consideration. This is always quicker and easier to do if you send your CV to us in Word format, rather than as a PDF please