Principal Auditor

Derby City Council; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

LGPS pension

Team Derby Rewards discounts

Tusker Car Benefit Scheme

Job summary

Derby City Council is seeking a Principal Auditor to lead internal audit work across multiple partner organisations within CMAP. You will advise on internal control improvements, produce formal recommendations, and develop the control environment with limited direction.

The role requires professional audit qualifications, strong communication, and capability to manage complex datasets. A supportive, inclusive team offers development opportunities within a flexible, hybrid public-sector setting.

Qualifications

• Qualified internal auditor or recognized accountancy qualification.
• Strong knowledge of risk and system-based internal auditing.
• Public sector experience and ability to multi-task.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Experience with audit lifecycle software and data analytics.

Responsibilities

• Advise on development/improvement of internal control environment and risk mitigation.
• Undertake internal audit work across partner organisations and prepare formal reports.
• Gather/analyze large volumes of information to understand organisational policies and requirements.
• Provide guidance to Management on new systems and control issues across CMAP.
• Carry out investigations into control breakdowns or fraud allegations as required.
• Deputise for Audit Manager or Group Auditor at meetings when requested.
• Ensure work complies with Global Internal Audit Standards.
• Mentor/junior staff to develop their knowledge of internal audit.

Skills

Internal auditing

Time management

Public sector

Communication

Data analytics

Education

IIA qualification / professional accounting

Tools

Audit Management System

Electronic Working Papers

Time recording

Job description

The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.

Job details

Job title Principal Auditor Job reference 000012642 Date posted 05/11/2026 Application closing date 30/11/2026 Working Pattern Full time Salary £42,123 - £46,579 a year Contractual hours 37 Basis Full time Job category/type Other Attachments Blank Job description

Salary: £42,123 - £46,579 a year
Location: Various
Hours: 37 hours per week
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: Monday 30th November 2026

The Opportunity

Is it time for you to make the change in your internal auditing career? Working within the Central Midlands Audit Partnership (CMAP) will provide you with the opportunity to broaden your experience, develop your professional internal audit expertise and build relationships with colleagues across different organisations. We are committed to supporting the development and progression of our staff, encouraging continuous learning, sharing knowledge and recognising individual contribution.

If you are looking for an opportunity to work in a professional, inclusive and supportive environment where your internal audit skills are valued and you can make a real difference, CMAP offers an excellent place to develop your career.

What you’ll be doing

As a Principal Auditor you will:

• Advise on the development and improvement of the internal control environment and the mitigation of risks;
• Undertake internal audit work across partner organisations covering a wide variety of disciplines and compile audit reports which make formal recommendations to Management to improve and strengthen each organisation’s corporate control environment;
• Gather, analyse and interpret large volumes of information in order to become conversant with numerous organisational policies, procedures and legislative requirement, with a limited level of managerial direction;
• Provide guidance and advice to Management on new systems and on control issues across the Partnership;
• Carry out investigations into control breakdowns, allegations of fraud and/or corruption on behalf of the Council and organisations of the Partnership in accordance with the relevant organisations policies to ensure that the internal control environment is maintained and advise on appropriate disciplinary action;
• Deputise, provide cover or represent the Audit Manager or Group Auditor at meetings, when requested;
• Ensure all work is carried out in conformance with the Global Internal Audit Standards; and
• Provide mentoring and support to more junior members of the team to aid their development and enhancing their knowledge/understanding of internal audit.

About you

You must be a qualified internal auditor (Institute of Internal Auditors) or have a recognised accountancy qualification and be someone who possesses:

• An excellent working knowledge of risk and system-based internal auditing;
• The ability to consistently deliver high-quality internal audit assignments on time and within budget;
• A comprehensive grasp of activities delivered by public sector bodies and the ability to multi-task;
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; and
• Proficiency in data analytics and being comfortable using software that manages the audit lifecycle (Audit Management System/Electronic Working Papers/Time recording)

Why join Derby City Council?

At Derby City Council, you'll have the opportunity to make a real difference while building a rewarding career in an organisation that values, supports and invests in its people. Alongside the opportunity to help shape the future of Derby, you'll benefit from a comprehensive range of employee benefits, including:

Financial Benefits

• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) – a secure, defined benefit pension with life cover
• Team Derby Rewards – discounts across a wide range of retail, leisure and lifestyle brands
• Tusker Car Benefit Scheme – a salary sacrifice scheme for leasing a brand-new, fully maintained and insured vehicle

Work-Life Balance

• Generous annual leave, starting at 27 days and rising to 32 days after five years' service (plus bank holidays, depending on your contract)
• The option to purchase additional annual leave
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements for many roles
• Flexible retirement options, where eligible
• Support for colleagues with caring responsibilities

Learning and Development

• Learning and development opportunities, with regular career conversations to support your growth
• Leadership and management development programmes, mentoring and professional qualifications
• Modern workspaces designed to support collaboration, productivity and wellbeing

Health and Wellbeing

• Employee Assistance Programme, wellbeing support and a year-round wellbeing calendar
• Free annual flu vaccinations
• Cycle2Work Scheme and free cycle training

Community and Inclusion

• Up to 15 hours of volunteering leave each year
• Recognition through initiatives including the Here for Derby Awards and Long Service Awards
• The opportunity to join one of our Employee Networks, including LGBTQ+, Disabled Employees and Carers, Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Employees, and Neurodiversity

At Derby City Council, we believe our people are our greatest strength. Whatever stage you're at in your career, you'll be joining an inclusive organisation where you'll be supported to develop, feel valued and make a meaningful difference to the communities we serve.

Some benefits are dependent on your role, contract or length of service.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

At Derby City Council, we're committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and can thrive. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and believe our workforce should reflect the diverse communities we serve.

As a Disability Confident Leader, disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role can choose to apply through our Guaranteed Interview Scheme.

We are also proud to hold the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Award, recognising our commitment to supporting serving personnel, veterans and their families. Members of the Armed Forces community, veterans and their close family members who meet the essential criteria are also eligible for our Guaranteed Interview Scheme.

If you need any reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, including during your application, interview or onboarding, we'll work with you to provide the support you need.