Audit & Assurance Lead

**At AQA, we're committed to advancing education and we're committed to our people. As the largest provider of academic qualifications in the UK, we mark over seven million GCSEs and A-levels each year and it's our people who make this happen.**

**Audit & Assurance Lead**

**Permanent**

**Manchester -** **£48,150-£53,400 + Excellent Benefits**

**Purpose**:
This role will play an important part in the achievement of AQA's objective 'to be effective at all times'. We adopt best practices in our processes and with our people, always improving the way we work. As an Audit and Assurance Lead you will work across the organisation, utilising your audit and assurance skills and your knowledge and experience of related practices to provide assurance to AQA senior management, the Audit, Risk & Compliance Committee and the Board of Trustees of the adequacy and effectiveness of AQA's internal processes and controls.

**Landscape**:
This role is based within AQA's Regulation and Compliance Business Area and sits alongside functions responsible for Regulatory Compliance, Quality, Risk and Internal Audit, as such the role has an organisation-wide remit and the scope to make a tangible impact on the effective operation of our organisation.

**Activities**:

- To scope and deliver audits and other assurance activities, in line with agreed annual plans and in response to business needs
- To produce clear and concise reports that effectively summarise findings, recommendations and actions.
- To produce high quality audit / review documentation and evidence to support findings and recommendations
- To support the Head of Regulation in the development of a risk-based annual Compliance Audit Plan and in determining efficient and effective working practices.
- To undertake any specific investigations or consultative work at the request of the Head of Regulation.
- To ensure that work undertaken remains free of undue influence, and in line AQA's values and behaviours.
- To take responsibility for professional self-development, including keeping up to date with developments of standards and relevant best practices.

**Need to know (to be successful in this role, you will need to know)**:

- Significant experience of utilising audit and assurance principles and practices to reduce risk and drive operational effectiveness.
- Successful deployment of audit and assurance techniques within the context of the three lines of defense model.
- An understanding of risk management principles and practice.
- Analyse and evaluation of processes and controls and the development of suggestions for implementing improvements.
- The ability to produce accurate and concise reports to deadline.
- Experience of contributing to the development of departmental objectives and plans.
- Excellent communication and inter personal skills, including influencing, negotiation and consultancy skills.
- The ability to work independently and within a team.
- Have a 'Step up' mindset. Think for yourself. Use sound judgement and hold yourself to account. Listen to understand, and speak your mind with courtesy and care.

**What's in it for you**:
At AQA we recognise our employees' contribution and in return we are proud to offer an extensive reward and benefit package.

This includes:

- 25 days' annual leave rising to 30 days with service, plus all Bank Holidays and additional Christmas office closure
- Flexible working environment and professional and personal development at your fingertips.
- Excellent contributory pension (6% - 11.5% dependent on employee contribution)
- Life assurance, BUPA PMI and Health Cash Plan
- Enhanced maternity/paternity scheme

**What next?**

**#PRO22**

**Recruitment Agencies**

We have a preferred supplier list (PSL) in place.