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