Principal Auditor

You are a highly qualified professional with at least two years of internal audit experience, preferably within local government or the public sector. A Certified Professional Audit qualification or its equivalent, such as IIA or CCAB, is essential. You possess in-depth knowledge of internal audit best practices and Public Sector Internal Audit Standards. Your analytical skills are strong, enabling you to quickly and effectively assimilate information. Excellent verbal and written communication skills are crucial, as you will often be required to present findings confidently to senior management and audit committees. Your innovative approach allows you to generate practical solutions, while your proficient IT skills, including comprehensive knowledge of Word and Excel, support your audit tasks. You are committed to maintaining professional standards and delivering quality service. Interpersonal skills are vital as you will engage and negotiate with officers at all levels, with a strong ability to work independently while adhering to ethical standards and demonstrating sensitivity, tact, and diplomacy.

This role requires you to develop and maintain a thorough understanding of the Council's operations, risks, and the latest Internal Audit Standards. You will liaise with senior management to establish audit terms for complex, high-risk audits, develop testing approaches, and allocate resources effectively. Overseeing audit fieldwork, compiling comprehensive working papers, and producing draft reports for senior management are key tasks. You will lead exit meetings to discuss findings and recommendations and finalize audit reports. Providing supervision and training to apprentices/auditors is essential, ensuring compliance with mandatory standards. Additionally, you will maintain the Internal Audit Recommendation Tracker and represent the Internal Audit Service within the Council and externally as needed. You are expected to contribute to the effective delivery of the Audit Plan by maintaining productive relationships with various Council officers and managing audits within budgetary constraints. Regular interaction with the Internal Audit Contract Manager and Head of Audit and Risk Management is required, along with offering supervision and quality reviews for junior staff.