Head of Internal Audit, Anti-Fraud & Risk

Tower Hamlets London Borough Council; Greater London; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Tower Hamlets London Borough Council is seeking an outstanding Head of Internal Audit, Anti-Fraud & Risk to lead our internal audit, anti-fraud and corporate risk functions in London. Reporting to the Director of Finance, this role provides independent assurance, strengthens governance and ensures resilience against emerging risks.

You will drive strategic development of internal audit, counter-fraud and risk management, advising senior leaders and the Audit Committee while fostering a culture

Qualifications

• Recognised CCAB, CIMA or IIA qualification.
• Significant experience leading audit, risk or counter-fraud.
• Strong knowledge of governance, risk management and assurance frameworks.
• Experience advising senior executives and elected Members.
• Ability to provide constructive challenge and influence organisational improvement.
• Proven track record of leading high-performing teams.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management.

Responsibilities

• Internal Audit Leadership: lead the delivery of an independent, risk-based internal audit function.
• Anti-Fraud and Investigation Services: drive prevention, detection and investigation of fraud.
• Risk Management and Governance: lead corporate risk management and support decision-making.
• Audit Committee Engagement: advise the Audit Committee and provide assurance to Members.
• Continuous Improvement: use audit insights to improve controls and services.

Skills

Communication

Stakeholder management

Team leadership

Influence

Education

CCAB/CIMA/IIA

Job description

At the London Borough of Tower Hamlets strong governance and accountability underpin everything we do. As one of London's largest and most complex local authorities, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of stewardship, transparency and value for money.

We are seeking an outstanding Head of Internal Audit, Anti-Fraud & Risk to lead our internal audit, anti-fraud and corporate risk functions.

Reporting to the Director of Finance, this is an influential leadership role responsible for providing independent assurance, strengthening governance arrangements and ensuring the Council remains resilient to emerging risks and threats.

About the Role

You will lead the strategic development of internal audit, counter-fraud and risk management arrangements across the organisation.

As the Council's chief audit professional, you will provide independent assurance to senior leaders, Members and the Audit Committee, while promoting a strong culture of accountability, risk awareness and ethical governance. You will also oversee anti-fraud arrangements, ensuring public resources are protected and risks are effectively managed.

This role includes:

• Internal Audit Leadership Leading the delivery of an effective, independent and risk-based internal audit function.
• Anti-Fraud and Investigation Services Driving the Council's approach to preventing, detecting and investigating fraud and corruption.
• Risk Management and Governance Leading corporate risk management arrangements and supporting effective decision-making.
• Audit Committee Engagement Acting as the principal adviser to the Audit Committee and providing assurance to Members and senior leaders.
• Continuous Improvement Using audit insight to drive organisational learning, stronger controls and service improvement.

About You

You will be an experienced audit, assurance or governance professional with:

• A recognised CCAB, CIMA or IIA qualification.
• Significant experience leading audit, risk or counter-fraud functions.
• Strong knowledge of governance, risk management and assurance frameworks.
• Experience advising senior executives and elected Members.
• The ability to provide constructive challenge and influence organisational improvement.
• A proven track record of leading high-performing professional teams.
• Excellent communication, judgement and stakeholder management skills.

Why Tower Hamlets?

This is an opportunity to play a critical role in safeguarding public money, strengthening governance and ensuring confidence in the Council's operations and decision-making

Our Values

Our council is a beacon for diversity and inclusion. We want a borough where everyone feels valued, supported and able to thrive, and a council that works collaboratively to deliver the very best outcomes for residents.

That's why we look for leaders who embody our TOWER values of Together, Open, Willing, Excellent and Respectful

Closing Date: 20th November 2026