Head of Audit & Assurance

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council; Blackburn; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

TRACK values

Flexible & hybrid working

Competitive salary & benefits

Ongoing professional development

Tangible community impact

Job summary

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council is seeking an exceptional Head of Audit & Assurance to provide strategic direction across Internal Audit, Counter Fraud, Risk Management and Insurance. You will join the Finance Directorate as a senior leader guiding governance and assurance across the Council.

Working with Members and senior officers, you will promote effective decision-making and help safeguard public resources through robust risk management and internal control.

Qualifications

• Substantial leadership experience within a large organisation.
• Significant senior-level internal audit experience.
• Extensive experience with audit standards, legislation and codes of practice.

Responsibilities

• Provide independent assurance on governance, risk management and internal control.
• Influence and build credibility with Members, Chief Officers and senior leaders.
• Lead and develop Internal Audit, Counter Fraud, Risk Management and Insurance functions.

Skills

Leadership at senior level

Internal Audit

Stakeholder management

Governance & compliance

Strategic direction

CMIIA/CCAB qualification

Job description

We are seeking an exceptional and experienced professional to join our Finance Directorate as Head of Audit & Assurance. This is a critical leadership role within the Council, providing strategic direction across Internal Audit, Counter Fraud, Risk Management and Insurance. As a key member of the Council's leadership team, you will play a pivotal role in strengthening governance, supporting effective decision-making, and ensuring the Council continues to deliver excellent services for our communities.

About the Role

Working collaboratively with Members, Chief Officers, senior leaders and external partners, you will provide independent assurance on the effectiveness of the Council's governance, risk management and internal control framework, helping to safeguard public resources and support the successful delivery of the Council's priorities.

Responsibilities

• Substantial leadership experience at a senior level within a complex organisation, ideally within local government.
• Significant senior-level experience within Internal Audit.
• Extensive experience of operating within professional audit standards, legislation and relevant codes of practice.
• Exceptional stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence and build credibility with Members, Chief Officers and senior leaders.
• The ability to provide visible, inspiring and empowering leadership that drives improvement and delivers results.
• A relevant professional qualification such as CMIIA (Chartered Member of the Institute of Internal Auditors), or a CCAB-recognised accountancy qualification.

Qualifications

We are looking for an accomplished leader with significant experience of operating at a senior level within a large and complex organisation.

Required Skills

• Substantial leadership experience at a senior level within a complex organisation, ideally within local government.
• Significant senior-level experience within Internal Audit.
• Extensive experience of operating within professional audit standards, legislation and relevant codes of practice.
• Exceptional stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence and build credibility with Members, Chief Officers and senior leaders.
• The ability to provide visible, inspiring and empowering leadership that drives improvement and delivers results.
• A relevant professional qualification such as CMIIA (Chartered Member of the Institute of Internal Auditors), or a CCAB-recognised accountancy qualification.

We offer:

• An organisation that is committed to its TRACK values.
• Flexible and hybrid working opportunities.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Ongoing professional development and support.
• The opportunity to make a tangible difference to the services delivered to our communities.

Equal Opportunity Statement

We are committed to diversity and inclusivity.