Auditor

Buckinghamshire Council; Aylesbury; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Assistance Programme

Mental Health First Aiders

Mindfulness workshops

Costco membership

Discount gym memberships

Travel discounts with Arriva

Flexible working arrangements

Pension scheme

Job summary

Buckinghamshire Council is seeking an experienced audit professional to undertake complex, risk-based audits across a wide range of services. You will provide independent assurance, insight and challenge to support good governance and continuous improvement.

Join our Business Assurance function to influence decision-making, mentor colleagues, and contribute to service development in a fast-paced, public-sector environment.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in internal audit, external audit, risk management, governance or a related assurance environment.

Responsibilities

• Conduct audits with professional care, adhering to standards and the Audit Manual.
• Collaborate with senior management to agree on audit approaches and recommend improvements.
• Assist in designing and updating audit plans and programmes.
• Monitor the Whistle Blowing hotline and Audit mailbox, ensuring timely responses.
• Stay updated on developments in finance, auditing, and risk management.
• Provide assurance to senior management by assessing compliance with regulations and best practices.
• Deliver audit assignments efficiently, meeting deadlines and maintaining high standards.

Skills

Internal audit experience

Risk management

Governance frameworks

Audit methodologies

Stakeholder engagement

Report writing

Planning and organisation

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication skills

MS Office

Audit software

Education

Professional qualification (IIA/CCAB)

Tools

Audit software

MS Office

Job description

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced audit professional to undertake complex, risk-based audits across one of the country's largest unitary authorities. Working across a diverse range of services, you'll provide independent assurance, insight and challenge that supports good governance, effective risk management and continuous improvement. You'll be joining a forward-looking Business Assurance function that is committed to delivering high-quality assurance, professional excellence and continuous improvement. This role offers significant variety, professional development opportunities and the chance to influence decision-making across the organisation., This is an opportunity to work at the heart of organisational governance, providing assurance across a wide range of services and functions. No two audits are the same, and you'll gain exposure to strategic, operational, financial and regulatory risks across a complex public sector environment. You'll also have opportunities to contribute to service development, mentor colleagues and help shape the future direction of the Internal Audit service.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct audits with professional care, adhering to standards and the Audit Manual.
• Collaborate with senior management to agree on audit approaches and recommend improvements.
• Assist in designing and updating audit plans and programmes.
• Monitor the Whistle Blowing hotline and Audit mailbox, ensuring timely responses.
• Stay updated on developments in finance, auditing, and risk management.
• Provide assurance to senior management by assessing compliance with regulations and best practices.
• Deliver audit assignments efficiently, meeting deadlines and maintaining high standards.

The Assistant Chief Executive directorate is central to Buckinghamshire Council's journey to establish itself as one of the best councils in the country. With a clear focus on service improvement through transformation and a drive to build better relationships with the local community, the directorate is fast-paced; but extremely rewarding. Our teams are not only proactively delivering on projects and plans but also reacting to developing situations. If you are ambitious, innovative, and would relish the opportunity to influence change - a role within our service area could be your next career move.

Our team includes exciting areas of work, including our Policy and Communications, Legal and Democratic Services teams - innovating the way we communicate with our colleagues, Members and the local community, and role‑modelling best practice through policy, planning and legal services.

You will bring:

• Significant experience in internal audit, external audit, risk management, governance or a related assurance environment.
• Strong knowledge of audit methodologies, internal controls, governance frameworks and professional auditing standards.
• The ability to assess complex risks and evaluate the effectiveness of controls objectively and independently.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong report‑writing skills and the ability to develop practical, proportionate recommendations.
• Excellent planning and organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Well‑developed interpersonal and stakeholder management skills, including the ability to provide constructive challenge diplomatically and professionally.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities with sound professional judgement.
• Excellent IT skills, including Microsoft Office applications and audit‑related systems.
• A relevant professional qualification, or part qualification with a recognised body such as the IIA or CCAB, together with a commitment to continuing professional development.
• A commitment to our organisational values: Proud, Ambitious, Collaborative and Trustworthy.

At Buckinghamshire Council, we know that our biggest strength comes from the people that work for us, and that's why we're working hard to ensure we continue to be an accessible and inclusive organisation. From dedicated staff networks overseen by our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Steering Group, to proudly standing as a Disability Confident employer, it's important to us that all our colleagues feel engaged, listened to, and valued. Our offer of flexible working empowers a productive and happy workforce and allows employees to combine work with other responsibilities and commitments. We believe our workforce should reflect the diverse communities we serve in Buckinghamshire, and are looking for like‑minded individuals to join us in promoting equality, fairness, and inclusion for everyone.

We actively encourage a good work‑life balance and promote flexible and agile working arrangements.

Benefits and Perks

• the chance to really make a difference to those around you
• health and well‑being initiatives including an Employee Assistance Programme, Mental Health First Aiders and mindfulness workshops
• a unified voice through our Employee Representative Group
• ongoing support and the opportunity to develop and progress in your career with us
• opportunities to take part in fun activities such as fundraising and social events
• Hard work and success deserves recognition. That's why we pride ourselves on the benefits we give our people. We actively encourage a good work‑life balance and promote flexible and agile working arrangements.
• We provide discounts on various Cafés, restaurants, shops and auto enrolment onto our generous Pension Scheme.
• In addition to the opportunity to gain membership to Costco, we have discounted gym memberships, travel discounts with Arriva and much more.