INTERNAL ONLY VACANCY. This post is open to existing Leeds City Council employees only. Applications will not be considered from external candidates.

Job title: Senior Audit Manager

Salary: PO6 £51,356 - £54,495

Hours: 37 hours per week (Full-time)

Contract: Permanent

Location: Leeds City Council - Civic Hall with hybrid working offered.

Leeds is made up of 812,000 people - from a diverse range of backgrounds, speaking over 175 different languages. A city with a unique geography - a vibrant urban centre surrounded by towns, villages and more rural areas, each with their own distinct history and character. We are proud to be a welcoming city, where our rich culture and diversity is celebrated and accessible for all. Every person in Leeds counts and should have the opportunity to contribute their strengths to Team Leeds. Leeds City Council is one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees and we seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions.

As a Senior Audit Manager working within Internal Audit, you’ll thrive on working in a professional, enthusiastic and supportive team, who care about making a difference through high quality service delivery and continuous improvement.

We are seeking to appoint an Senior Audit Manager to support the Counter-Fraud function within the section. Whilst counter-fraud will be the initial designation of the post, we operate a flexible structure and therefore opportunities will also exist to demonstrate your ability to manage the wider Internal Audit activity.

About you

As a Senior Audit Manager:

You must hold a relevant CCAB/CMIIA qualification, plus ongoing membership, and have experience of working at a senior level within an Internal Audit setting.
You must be aware of fraud risks within a local authority setting, and able to lead on compliance with Leeds City Council policies and procedures including whistleblowing and counter-fraud
You are able to undertake extremely complex audit assignments, including fraud investigations and other risk-based reviews.
You can build credible, collaborative relationships with senior officers and other stakeholders, understanding their needs but providing challenge where needed.
You have good analytical and communication skills and use these to present clear information and recommendations to decision makers.
You can work independently to solve problems, and plan and prioritise your work to meet deadlines.
You can lead a small team of auditors, helping them to focus on the priorities and motivate them to fulfil their full potential
You have a good knowledge of relevant Internal Audit standards, and the arrangements required for enduring effective governance and risk management in a local authority

We are looking for an enthusiastic and proactive individual to join us as a Senior Audit Manager in the highly regarded Internal Audit service within the wider Financial Services team.

About the Senior Audit Manager role:

You will initially work within the Counter-Fraud team, contributing to the delivery of the Internal Audit plan and providing high quality counter-fraud information and advice both within the department, and to senior leaders across the organisation.

You will be expected to build and manage strong relationships with Chief Officers who deliver front line council services, supporting them in identifying and managing fraud risks, as well as providing professional guidance and recommendations on governance, risk management and internal control arrangements.

You will be able to lead a small team of auditors, demonstrating application of management principles including developing and coaching the team to deliver corporate, departmental and service plan objectives.

You will have the ability to deploy a range of appropriate auditing techniques, including data analytics, to provide assurance to managers across the authority.

What we offer you

We take pride in offering the best employee experience, with benefits including:

a competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays
membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements
a clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities
a range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further

We have a strong track record of helping people develop their Finance careers, alongside our commitment to improving diversity and wellbeing. In addition to training, development and mentoring, employees can also gain experience in our different Finance teams (the job description for this vacancy shows two different roles at the PO6 grade and reflects this flexibility).

You can also take advantage of our various flexible working patterns including our ‘hybrid’ working model. Staff within Financial Services at present have the option to work both in the office and from home, with an average of 1-2 days per week worked from the office depending on business need.

How to apply

Please complete the online application form. Read our guidance for further advice. If you have any queries or would like an informal chat about the role please contact Jonathan Foster, Senior Head of Internal Audit, Corporate Governance and Insurance. Call – 0113 37 88684 or email - Jonathan.Foster@leeds.gov.uk

Leeds City Council Job Profile

Job Purpose - To provide support to the Senior Head of Audit and Corporate Governance, and the Head of Audit and Corporate Governance, and manage and lead a team of Internal Auditors.

The postholder will be required to apply and promote the requirements of the Public Sector Internal Audit Standards, ensuring the provision of a professional, independent, and objective internal audit service.

The postholder will be responsible for the day-to-day delivery of the Annual Audit Plan and will also be required to undertake complex audit assignments of a strategic nature including value for money reviews, corporate governance reviews, fraud investigations and strategies and ad hoc projects.

The postholder will be responsible for promoting the division both internally and externally and will contribute to the continued development of the internal audit service

The post-holder will take the lead on providing audit, governance and internal control and support to major projects and other cross cutting transformational initiatives

Responsibilities:

Flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade
Participate in appraisal, training, and development activities as necessary to ensure up to date knowledge and skills
Improve own practice through observation, evaluation, discussion with colleagues and appropriate CPD programmes.
To work collaboratively with colleagues, knowing when to seek help and advice.
Contribute to the overall ethos, work, and aims of the service by attending relevant meetings, training days/events as requested.
Be aware of and comply with Leeds City Council policies and procedures e.g., child protection, health, safety and security, whistleblowing and counter-fraud, confidentiality, and data protection, reporting all concerns to an appropriate person
Be aware of and support difference and ensure equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding, and promoting the values, standards, and equal opportunities of Leeds City Council.
Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation, and any form of abuse of equal opportunities, ensuring compliance with relevant policies and procedures.
The duties outlined are not meant as an exhaustive list and will also comprise any other duties within the spirit of the post commensurate with the job evaluation outcome for this post.
The Council has adopted a flexibility protocol and this role will be expected to work within these parameters.
To manage a number of Audit Managers, Lead Auditors and trainees delivering a range of assurances to a selection of directorates or corporate function.
Undertake extremely complex audit assignments including value for money reviews, corporate governance reviews, fraud investigations and ad hoc projects
Be aware of fraud risks and provide advice and recommendations on the controls required to mitigate these.
Undertake the role of service lead for modern auditing techniques such as data analytics, IT auditing.
Undertake and manage audit assignments for external clients as appropriate.
Ensure provision of a professional, independent and objective internal audit service in line with the Public Sector Internal Audit Standards.
Apply and promote the Public Sector Internal Audit Standard’s Code of Ethics and ensure the section maintains high standards of integrity, objectivity, confidentiality and competence.
Manage the delivery of evidence-based audits and other ad hoc assignments in line with the Public Sector Internal Audit Standards and established quality procedures. This will include achieving the section’s targets relating to budgets and timescales for the completion of audits.
Promote the section both internally and externally through build-up of relationships with key Council Officers and other external bodies.
Prepare and present briefings, findings and recommendations at a strategic/policy/political level within the Council.
Actively support the work of the Section in the following areas:
Administration
Quality Assurance
Training initiatives and CPD
Service Plan development and achievement of key aims and objectives
Provide leadership and management for all staff within the Section.
Motivate, develop and coach staff to achieve Corporate, Departmental and Service Plan objectives and create the right conditions for staff to develop their full potential.
Undertake Continued Professional Development and actively encourage all staff to participate.
Undertake other duties of a similar nature and responsibility as may be determined.
All duties to be undertaken with due regard to the confidential nature of the work.
Support the Finance Leadership Team to embed a strong culture of performance management and innovation.
Display excellent customer focus and emotional intelligence, effectively role-modelling the Council’s core values and behaviours expected of senior managers.

Qualifications To hold a relevant CCAB/CMIIA qualification, plus ongoing membership and have experience of working at a senior level within a finance setting.

Evidence of continuous professional development.

Essential Requirements: It is essential that the Candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post within the context of the specific role duties and responsibilities: Candidates will only be shortlisted for interview if they can demonstrate on the application form that they meet all the essential requirements

Method of Assessment will be through one or more of the following Application Form, Test, Interview, and Certificate

Able to work flexibly across different work locations and areas as appropriate.
Ability to analyse complex problems (financial and otherwise) and suggest practical solutions.
Review and develop new systems and procedures
Able to interpret, evaluate and disseminate information.
Be able to take a lead role in providing audit advice to Chief Officers, Senior Management and Members
Demonstrate practical application of management principles (delegation, motivation, planning, control and monitoring)
Ability to identify training and development needs
Ability to work to strict deadlines as a team member.
Ability to lead and motivate a large team of people
Strong written and oral communication and interpersonal skills with good negotiation and influencing skills and the ability to work collaboratively with internal and external partners / professionals
Advanced problem solving and analytic skills
Ability to work in cross functional teams to deliver projects and programmes and support the development of good governance and internal control systems.
Ability to develop effective working relationships with members and directorate-based senior managers and other professionals to ensure audit objectives are met
Ability to operate effectively in an environment of volatility, ambiguity, uncertainty and complexity and recommend practical solutions
Ability to identify ways of improving financial and other systems and of being able to evaluate and support the financial needs of long term/large scale projects
Be able to attend and actively participate in key project boards within a Directorate or on a cross cutting council theme.
Good understanding of the role of Internal Audit and the Public Sector Internal Audit Standards.
Knowledge and understanding of quality management techniques.
Awareness of current financial developments affecting local government.
Up to date knowledge of auditing techniques.
Substantial experience of working in an audit environment.
Knowledge at a level commensurate with grade of council policies and decision-making processes.
Experience of working at a senior level in the finance function of a large organisation
Experience of leading, developing and motivating teams including the identification and delivery of improvements within the audit service, managing risks, conflict and changes appropriately
Experience of successful coaching, mentoring and developing staff
Experience of working in cross functional teams to deliver projects

Essential Behavioural & other Characteristics required

Understand and embrace Leeds City Council values and behaviours and codes of conduct
Committed to continuous improvement in all areas and work towards delivering the Leeds Ambitions of health and wellbeing, inclusive growth, thriving strong communities, and a resilient sustainable city
Able to understand and observe Leeds City Council policies and procedures
Carry out duties having regard to an employee’s responsibility under Health, Safety and Wellbeing
Participate in appraisal, training and development activities to ensure up, to date knowledge and skills
Be aware of and support difference and ensure equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding equality and diversity of Leeds City Council
Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation, and any form of abuse, reporting any concerns to the appropriate person
Flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade.
Understand how to inspire and motivate others
Customer driven
Demonstrate a positive attitude
Mature and confident disposition
Flexible and adaptable
Ability to resolve conflict
The Council has adopted a flexibility protocol and the role will be expected to work within these parameters

Desirable requirements It is desirable that the Candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post within the context of the specific role duties and responsibilities: Candidates are not required to meet all the desirable requirements however these may be used to distinguish between acceptable candidates.

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