Interim Principal Internal Auditor

Michael Page Finance; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 117,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Public Sector Organisation seeks an experienced Internal Auditor to join a large transformation programme. You will lead complex audits, apply data analytics and leverage AI-enabled audit solutions to provide insights into risks and controls.

The role offers exposure to modern audit methodologies within a significant public sector environment, with Birmingham-based operations and a 6-month initial contract.

Qualifications

• A minimum of three years' internal audit experience in public or private sector.
• Strong experience delivering risk-based internal audits across complex organisations.
• Ability to assess risk, interpret evidence and apply sound professional judgement.
• Experience with data analytics from an audit perspective or clear interest to develop in this area.
• Strong understanding of internal controls, governance and assurance principles.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with ability to influence stakeholders.
• Commercial and pragmatic mindset with drive to improve and add value.
• Experience operating with minimal supervision and managing multiple priorities.
• Knowledge of Global Internal Audit Standards in UK public sector advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver complex internal audit reviews across diverse operational, financial and strategic areas.
• Utilise data analytics techniques to enhance assurance activities and provide deeper risk insight.
• Assess the effectiveness of systems, processes and control environments, identifying improvement opportunities.
• Support planning and delivery of the annual audit plan, taking ownership of assignments.
• Produce high-quality audit reports that clearly articulate findings and recommendations.
• Engage with senior stakeholders and management to discuss findings and support organisational change.
• Identify emerging risks and contribute to enhancements of audit methodologies, tools and techniques.
• Support development of innovative approaches to assurance, including AI-enabled audit solutions.

Skills

Internal audit

Data analytics

Stakeholder engagement

Governance & assurance

Analytical thinking

Communication

Job description

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Internal Auditor to join a large and highly complex public sector organisation undergoing significant transformation. This role offers the chance to influence change, leverage data analytics and emerging technologies, and contribute to the development of a modern, forward-thinking audit function.

Client Details

Our client is a large and nationally significant public sector organisation that is investing heavily in transformation, governance, risk management and assurance. With substantial change programmes underway, the Internal Audit function is playing a key role in helping the organisation strengthen controls, improve processes and provide insight into emerging risks.

This is an opportunity to join a sizeable and well-established audit team where you will gain exposure to complex operations, significant strategic initiatives, modern audit methodologies, data analytics and the growing use of new technologies and AI within the audit process.

Description

• Lead and deliver complex internal audit reviews across a diverse range of operational, financial and strategic areas.


• Utilise data analytics techniques to enhance assurance activities and provide deeper insight into risks and controls.


• Assess the effectiveness of systems, processes and control environments, identifying opportunities for improvement.


• Support the planning and delivery of the annual audit plan, taking ownership of allocated assignments.


• Produce high-quality audit reports that clearly articulate findings, risks and practical recommendations.


• Engage with senior stakeholders and management teams to discuss findings and support positive organisational change.


• Identify emerging risks and contribute to the continual enhancement of audit methodologies, tools and techniques.


• Support the development of innovative approaches to assurance, including the use of technology and AI-enabled audit solutions.

Profile

• A minimum of three years' internal audit experience gained within either the public or private sector.


• Strong experience delivering risk-based internal audits across complex organisations.


• Ability to assess risk, interpret evidence and apply sound professional judgement.


• Experience working with data analytics from an audit perspective, or a clear interest in developing expertise in this area.


• A strong understanding of internal controls, governance and assurance principles.


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.


• A commercial and pragmatic mindset, with a genuine desire to drive improvements and add value.


• Experience operating with minimal supervision and managing multiple priorities effectively.


• Knowledge of Global Internal Audit Standards within the UK public sector environment would be advantageous.

Job Offer

• £450 - £500 per day (Inside IR35)


• Initial 6-month contract with strong potential for extension


• Birmingham based with only 1 day per week onsite


• Opportunity to start within 2 weeks of offer acceptance


• Exposure to one of the largest and most complex internal audit environments in the public sector


• Significant involvement in data-led auditing and the adoption of new audit technologies


• Opportunity to contribute to major organisational change and strategic risk management initiatives


• Varied and challenging audit portfolio offering excellent breadth of experience


• Chance to work alongside a large, experienced audit team with exposure to senior stakeholders and decision makers


• Opportunity to help shape innovative audit approaches and continuous improvement initiatives