Principal Audit Manager

Wakefield Council; Wrenthorpe; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid and flexible working

Modern offices near Wakefield Westgate

LGPS and pension benefits

Professional CPD & development

Job summary

Wakefield Council is seeking a Principal Audit Manager to lead and shape its Internal Audit and Counter Fraud Service. The role involves deputising for the Head of Service, building relationships with Directors and external partners, and delivering assurance across a diverse organisation.

You will lead complex audits, drive governance and risk improvements, and develop a high-performing team of auditors in a hybrid working environment.

Qualifications

• Professional qualification in CIPFA/ACA/ACCA/CIMA/CI Auditor required.
• Significant internal audit experience with management responsibility.

Responsibilities

• Deputise for the Head of Internal Audit and Counter Fraud to shape audit strategy.
• Build trusted relationships with Directors, senior managers and external clients.
• Present reports and assurance opinions to Audit Committee and senior teams.
• Lead complex audits and advisory reviews across council services.
• Support continuous improvement of a high-quality internal audit service.
• Lead, motivate and develop a team of auditors.

Skills

Governance

Risk management

Audit standards

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Communication

Influence

Education

CIPFA/ACA/ACCA/CIMA/CI Auditor

Job description

Are you passionate about making a difference to our citizens and the district that they reside in? Then, we have an exciting opportunity for you to join our team.

Principal Audit Manager Hybrid working | Wakefield One (near Westgate Station) Lead and Shape a Modern Internal Audit Service

Wakefield Council is seeking an ambitious and experienced audit professional to join our Internal Audit and Counter Fraud Service as Principal Audit Manager. This is a rare opportunity to take on a senior leadership role, working closely with senior officers, elected Members and external partners to strengthen governance, manage risk and support organisational improvement. Reporting to the Head of Internal Audit and Counter Fraud, you will play a key role in delivering assurance across a large and diverse organisation, while helping to shape the future direction of the service. The role includes deputising for the Head of Service and offers an excellent opportunity to broaden your leadership experience and prepare for future senior leadership roles.

About the Role

• Deputise for the Head of Internal Audit and Counter Fraud, helping to shape the future direction of audit, risk management and counter fraud across the organisation.
• Build trusted relationships with Directors, senior managers, elected Members and external clients, providing independent advice and constructive challenge.
• Present reports and assurance opinions to senior leadership teams and the Audit Committee.
• Lead and oversee complex audit and advisory reviews across a diverse range of Council services and external client organisations.
• Support the delivery and continuous improvement of a high-quality, standards-compliant Internal Audit Service.
• Lead, motivate and develop a talented team of auditors.
• Provide trusted professional advice on governance, risk management, internal control and organisational improvement., Our service supports both the Council and external clients, providing a varied portfolio of work across governance, risk, assurance and counter fraud. You will join a supportive team committed to innovation, continuous improvement and professional development.

You will hold a relevant professional qualification (CIPFA, ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or Chartered Internal Auditor) and have significant experience within internal audit, including management responsibility.

You will also bring:

• Strong knowledge of governance, risk management, and audit standards.
• Experience delivering risk-based audit plans and complex audits.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• The ability to influence, challenge and support senior stakeholders constructively.

Wakefield Council is wholly committed to ensuring children and vulnerable adults are fully supported and safe. We are dedicated to the safeguarding of all children and vulnerable adults whilst promoting their welfare. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this responsibility.

Probation

In accordance with the Council Probation Procedure, this post is subject to a 6-month Probationary Period.

Fluency Duty

To comply with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 (Fluency Duty), public facing roles will be subject to the Fluency Duty.

Diversity

Having a diverse workforce that is reflective of the communities we serve helps us to achieve the best outcomes for all. We encourage applications from everyone and actively seek to ensure that everyone feels included in the workplace so that we can make the most of our differences.

Why Wakefield

• Hybrid and flexible working.
• Modern offices close to Wakefield Westgate Station.
• Generous annual leave and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Learning and development opportunities, including professional CPD.
• Health, well-being, and employee support programmes.
• A positive, inclusive, and collaborative work environment.

What can I expect?

• A competitive salary
• Generous holiday entitlement with the option to buy up to 10 extra days of annual leave
• Hybrid working (subject to role suitability)
• Access to high-quality training programs to advance your career to the next level.
• We are committed to supporting the wellbeing of our staff. We recognise that resilient teams need good work life balance as well as supportive leadership.
• Discounted and subsidised public transport (Arriva Bus Annual Travel Ticket, Northern Trains Limited (NTL), MetroCard).
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) and a Shared Cost Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVC) scheme providing a tax efficient way to increase our pension.
• Great range of benefits including an Employee Assistant Programme, discounted membership to our excellent leisure facilities with free 12 weeks exercise program, discounts for a range of retail, entertainment, health and leisure providers, a cycle to work scheme, and many more