Principal Auditor

Brackenberry; Kettering; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading audit firm in Kettering is seeking a Principal Auditor for a 3-month contract to provide assurance and improve governance processes. This role requires a strong internal audit background within the public sector and offers a pay rate of £19.00 - £24.17 per hour. Interested candidates should apply with their CV for immediate consideration.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of internal audit methodologies, risk management, and governance frameworks.
• Excellent analytical, investigative, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to communicate complex findings clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Proficient in using audit and financial systems and Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong planning and organisational abilities with capacity to manage multiple priorities.
• Substantial internal audit experience within a local authority or public sector.
• Proven track record of delivering complex audit reviews independently.
• Familiarity with compliance, financial regulations, and public sector governance standards.

Responsibilities

• Plan, manage, and deliver complex internal audit assignments.
• Assess adequacy and effectiveness of internal control systems.
• Prepare detailed audit reports with recommendations.
• Support Audit Manager in developing the annual audit plan.
• Liaise with managers and stakeholders to discuss audit findings.

Skills

Discretion

Operations

Compliance

Assurance

Internal Audit

Internal Controls

Consulting

Reviews

Risk Management

Writing

Regulations

Planning

Microsoft Office

Management

Education

Degree-level education or equivalent relevant experience

CCAB or CMIIA qualified (or part-qualified)

Job description

Overview

Job Description: We are working closely alongside a Local Authority in North Northamptonshire to assist with the appointment of a Principal Auditor, on a 3-month contract, highly likely to be extended at clients discretion. Please apply with your CV for immediate consideration.

Rate of Pay: £19.00 - £24.17 per hour

Summary:

The Principal Auditor will play a key role in providing independent, objective assurance and consulting services designed to add value and improve the Councils operations. The role focuses on evaluating and improving the effectiveness of risk management, control, and governance processes across financial and operational activities. Working as part of the internal audit team, the Principal Auditor will lead and deliver high-quality audit reviews, contribute to the development of audit plans, and support management in strengthening internal controls and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Plan, manage, and deliver a range of complex internal audit assignments from scoping through to reporting.
• Assess the adequacy and effectiveness of internal control systems, governance arrangements, and risk management frameworks.
• Prepare detailed audit reports with practical recommendations to improve systems, efficiency, and compliance.
• Support the Audit Manager in developing the annual internal audit plan and contribute to strategic audit initiatives.
• Liaise with senior managers and stakeholders to discuss audit findings, agree on action plans, and follow up on implementation.

Qualifications

• Degree-level education or equivalent relevant experience.
• CCAB or CMIIA qualified (or part-qualified with significant experience).

Requirements

• Strong understanding of internal audit methodologies, risk management, and governance frameworks.
• Excellent analytical, investigative, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to communicate complex findings clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Proficient in using audit and financial systems and Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong planning and organisational abilities, with the capacity to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Substantial internal audit experience within a local authority, public sector, or similar large organisation.
• Proven track record of successfully delivering complex audit reviews independently.
• Familiarity with compliance, financial regulations, and public sector governance standards.

Experience

• Experience of working with senior management and presenting audit findings to stakeholders.
• Experience in applying the Public Sector Internal Audit Standards (PSIAS) in practice.

Please note

• You should be available to work immediately or at a short notice.
• You should have right to work in U.K

Disclaimer: Brackenberry Ltd is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy. We are committed to equality in the workplace and is an equal opportunity employer. Unless otherwise stated all of our roles are temporary, though opening assignments can be and often are, extended by clients on a longer term basis and can sometimes become permanent.

Important: We will interpret your application as being permission to submit your CV to this role (with the right to represent you) unless you advise us to the contrary. Incase the role requires an enhanced DBS, your DBS must be either through us or be accompanied by a subscription to the DBS updating service.

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Required Skills

• Discretion
• Operations
• Compliance
• Assurance
• Internal Audit
• Internal Controls
• Consulting
• Reviews
• LTD
• Risk Management
• Writing
• Regulations
• Education
• Planning
• Business
• Microsoft Office
• Management