Lead Internal Auditor

Network Rail; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 56,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible/hybrid working arrangements

Generous annual leave

Discounts at stations

Defined benefit pension scheme

75% subsidy on train tickets

Interest-free travel loan

Volunteer leave

Job summary

Network Rail is seeking an experienced Internal Auditor to confidently lead risk-based audits from planning through reporting and closure. You will manage audit quality, delivery timelines and stakeholder relationships in a fast-paced environment.

You’ll analyse large data sets using Excel/Power BI, communicate findings clearly, and review work of peers to assure high-quality audit outcomes. Willingness to adapt to varying priorities and to support ED&I commitments is essential.

Qualifications

• Qualified accountant (ACA, CIMA, ACCA) or IIA or equivalent required.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with report writing ability.
• Ability to lead audits and manage stakeholder engagements.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex risk-based audits from planning to reporting and closure.
• Analyse information and evidence and identify risks and controls.
• Engage with stakeholders to discuss findings and recommendations.
• Prepare clear audit reports and ensure high-quality delivery.

Skills

Audit leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Data analysis

Communication skills

Education

ACA/ACCA/CIMA/IIA qualified

Tools

Excel

Power BI

Job description

Who We Are

Vacancy Details

• Duration: Permanent
• Salary: £55,596 - £67,813

Contact: If you require any support with your application

Join Network Rail! Where People and Connections Matter

At Network Rail, we're dedicated to keeping passengers and freight moving safely and efficiently across the country. When you join us, you're not just part of a team- you're part of something that matters to millions. We believe that our people are at the heart of what we do, and every role plays a vital part in building a better, more connected railway.

We're committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. To discover more about our ED&I commitments.

We value flexibility and understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance. As a Disability Confident Leader, we'll do everything we can to accommodate any needs throughout the recruitment process.

Safe behaviour is a requirement of working for Network Rail. Applicants should be able to demonstrate their awareness of our safety vision.

Some Of Our Great Benefits

• Flexible/hybrid working arrangements considered.
• Generous annual leave (28 days plus statutory days), with the option to buy/sell days.
• Discounts at stations with your Network Rail pass.
• Defined benefit pension scheme
• 75% subsidy on train tickets.
• Interest-free travel loan for train and car park season tickets.
• Volunteer leave to make a positive impact.

Plus more....

About The Role

What does the average day look like?

This role offers plenty of variety, balancing audit delivery, stakeholder engagement and data analysis. A typical day could involve leading an audit review, analysing information and evidence, meeting with stakeholders to understand risks and controls, and preparing clear audit reports and recommendations.

Strong communication and influencing skills are essential, as you'll often be discussing findings, challenging processes constructively and managing different viewpoints. You'll also review the work of other auditors, provide coaching where needed and help ensure audits are delivered to a high standard. With multiple priorities and projects running at once, good organisation and a proactive approach are key to success.

A Little Bit About The Team...

You'll be joining a collaborative Internal Audit team of around 16 professionals who work closely together to provide independent assurance across a wide range of business activities. The team partners with stakeholders throughout Network Rail, helping to identify risks, improve controls and support better decision-making. It's a supportive environment where knowledge sharing, professional development and high-quality audit delivery are highly valued.

Next Steps

CV shortlisting will take place after the advert closes, with interviews planned from the week commencing 16th November, subject to business needs. Early applications are encouraged, as we may close the advert early due to high application volumes.

We encourage you to review our Safety Vision, as safety is an important part of the culture at Network Rail.

All external offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.

Ref

Your experience and skills

Who are we looking for?

We're looking for an experienced Internal Auditor who can confidently lead complex risk-based audits from planning through to reporting and closure, while taking ownership of audit quality, delivery and timescales. You'll be skilled at building strong stakeholder relationships, leading audit engagement discussions and aligning final audit reports with business stakeholders clearly and confidently. You'll be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple priorities and handling challenging conversations with professionalism and tact.

The ideal candidate will hold a relevant professional qualification, such as ACA, ACCA, CIMA or IIA, and have a strong background in audit, assurance or controls. Strong analytical skills are essential, including experience working with large datasets using tools such as Excel, Power BI or similar.

Most importantly, you'll be organised, proactive and naturally curious, with the confidence to challenge constructively, think critically and influence stakeholders at all levels. Experience within infrastructure, asset management, safety-critical industries or Network Rail is beneficial, but not essential.

Essential Criteria

• Professional qualification - qualified accountant (ACA, CIMA, ACCA) or IIA or Operational experience
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills - written and verbal, including report writing
• Ability to be a team player and to take the lead when appropriate
• Good problem solving, decision making and analytical skills
• Flexibility of approach, style and attitude.

Desirable

• Experience within at least two different disciplines within Network Rail
• Risk management experience
• Controls and assurance experience