Senior Public Sector Audit Complaints and Objections Manager

Alternatively, Grant Thornton

At Grant Thornton we do things differently - looking to the future, driving ambitious growth and pioneering positive change in our industry. Providing audit, tax and advisory services, we empower clients through strategic insight, curiosity, and genuine partnership. And we empower our people with real opportunity, an inclusive culture and work life balance. A true alternative.

With over 5,000 people in the UK, and a presence in 150 global markets, we’re on an ambitious journey, from great to exceptional, and we need the best people to help us achieve our potential. And with that comes the opportunity to help redefine what our industry looks like, and what you want from your career.

Why Public Sector Audit at Grant Thornton

Our UK audit practice is built of over 2300 people working across 24 locations. We’re really proud of the strong position our audit practice is in from a wellbeing, resource and quality perspective, the latter of which is shown through our recent positive AQR results.

Grant Thornton is one of the UK's leading providers of local audit services, appointed by the local audit body to audit hundreds of local government and NHS bodies across England. Our Public Sector Audit team plays a vital role in maintaining public trust and accountability in local public finances.

We are looking for an experienced Senior Manager to join our specialist team, focusing on the oversight and resolution of formal processes that arise from our local audit work. This is a high-profile, intellectually demanding role at the heart of public accountability — requiring sound regulatory judgement, technical audit expertise, and strong stakeholder management skills.

This role reports directly to the Public Sector Audit Partner lead.

Life Is About More Than Work

The things you do, and the people you’re with outside of work matter, that’s why we’re happy to look at flexible working options for all our roles, whether that’s reduced or condensed hours, job shares, we’ll always do our best to keep your work and life in balance. Everyone in the firm is encouraged to work in a hybrid way, want to go for a run at 3pm, or collect children from school? That’s fine with us if it fits with your client work. Our framework for how we work underpins our approach, giving us all the confidence to make decisions that work for us, and our teams.

Knowing we’re right for you

Embracing uniqueness, the culture at Grant Thornton thrives on the contributions of all our people, we never settle for what is easy, we look beyond to deliver the right thing, for everyone. Building an inclusive culture, where we value difference and respect our colleagues helps our people to perform at the best of their ability and realise their potential.

Our open and accessible culture means you’ll interact with leaders who are interested in you and everything you bring to our firm. The things that set you apart, we value them. That’s why we give you the freedom to bring your whole self to work and pursue your passions inside and outside of work.

A look into the role

As a Senior Public Sector Audit Complaints and Objections Manager within our Public Sector Audit service line, you will:

• Complaints handling Lead the management and resolution of complaints relating to Grant Thornton's local audit work, ensuring responses are robust, evidence-based and compliant with the relevant complaints framework. Engage with complainants, internal audit teams and, where appropriate, the Financial Reporting Council.
• Objections under the Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014 Manage the end-to-end process for local elector objections to audited accounts. Assess the legal and technical merits of objections, coordinate with responsible audit engagement teams, and produce well-reasoned written decisions in accordance with the Act and associated guidance.
• Whistleblowing allegations Act as a key point of contact for whistleblowing disclosures relevant to audited bodies. Triage and investigate allegations in line with Grant Thornton's whistleblowing policy and auditing standards, ensuring appropriate confidentiality, escalation and follow-through.
• Matters brought to auditors' attention Respond to matters raised by electors and others under auditing standards and the National Audit Code for local audit. Assess whether matters require further audit action, prepare considered responses, and liaise with engagement teams to ensure appropriate follow-up within statutory timescales.

The role also involves contributing to the development of internal guidance and policies on these processes, supporting training across the local audit practice, and working closely with our technical and quality teams. You will represent Grant Thornton externally in formal correspondence and, on occasion, in meetings with regulators and audited bodies

Knowing you’re right for us

Joining us as an the minimum criteria you’ll need is:

• Qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA or equivalent)
• Local government or public sector audit experience
• Knowledge of the LAAA 2014 and the National Audit Code
• Strong written communication and analytical skills
• Confident stakeholder and relationship management
• Ability to manage multiple complex matters simultaneously
• A curiosity about public accountability and a commitment to the public interest are essential

It would be great if you had some of the following skills, but don’t worry if you don’t tick every box, we’ll help you develop along the way.

• Experience in a regulatory, legal, or complaints environment
• Familiarity with audit quality and oversight frameworks

Beyond the job

The impact you can make here will go far beyond your day job. From secondments, to fundraising for local charities, or investing in entrepreneurs in the developing world, you’ll be giving back to society. It’s that drive to do the right thing that runs through our every move, grounded in our firm’s values – purposefully driven, actively curious and candid but kind.

We’re looking for people who want to contribute, spark fresh ideas and go beyond expectations. People who want to be able to proudly do what’s right, for the firm, our clients, our people and themselves. It’s how it should be.

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