Interim Head of Audit

Must have previous Local Authority experience

The Role

We are recruiting on behalf of a London local authority for an experienced Interim Head of Internal Audit, Anti-Fraud & Risk to lead the council's internal audit, anti-fraud and risk management functions. This is a high-profile, statutory post requiring close engagement with senior leadership, Members and the Audit Committee, acting as the council's principal advisor on audit, risk and counter-fraud matters.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership of the internal audit, anti-fraud and risk services, ensuring delivery of effective and compliant assurance arrangements across the council and any associated entities

• Fulfil the statutory responsibilities of the Head of Internal Audit, including development of the audit strategy, annual audit plan and provision of the annual audit opinion

• Manage the audit and investigation units, ensuring service plans and objectives are met across the borough

• Manage contracts for any externally provided elements of the internal audit service, and oversee outsourced audit partners

• Lead the development and implementation of the council's counter-fraud and corruption strategy, overseeing complex investigations

• Act as the organisation's lead on risk management, supporting the Corporate Leadership Team in identifying and managing strategic risks

• Provide expert advice on governance, internal control and value for money across all services

• Maintain strong relationships with external auditors, Members, the Audit Committee, law enforcement and government bodies

About You

• Significant experience in a Head of Internal Audit, Chief Internal Auditor or senior audit leadership role, within local government.

• CMIIA, CCAB-qualified accountant, or equivalent recognised audit/accountancy qualification

• Strong working knowledge of the Public Sector Internal Audit Standards (PSIAS) / Global Internal Audit Standards (GIAS)

• Proven experience managing counter-fraud and corruption strategy and complex investigations

• Confident operating at a senior level with elected Members, Audit Committees and Corporate Leadership Teams

• Available for an immediate or short-notice start