Principal Auditor

NHS Jobs; North East; Remote; GBP 55,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

The post holder, Principal Auditor, will provide internal audit services to CNTW NHS Foundation Trust, applying expert audit knowledge across multiple clients and complex assignments. The role includes planning, executing, and reporting on audits within timescales and budgets, with opportunities to develop Band 5 colleagues.

Hosted by AuditOne, CNTW NHS Foundation Trust emphasises governance, risk management, and strengthening internal controls across the trust network.

Qualifications

• Good standard of education to A level standard or equivalent.
• At least 3 years internal audit experience, preferably in public sector.
• Degree. Qualified CCAB / CMIIA or equivalent.
• Experience of risk management, governance, finance/business systems, project management

Responsibilities

• Deliver audits and reviews within agreed timescales and budgets.
• Manage assignments from planning through to final report issuance.
• Establish audits on AuditOne, agreeing terms of reference with clients.
• Supervise and review the work of audit staff, ensuring quality standards are met.

Skills

Internal audit methods

Risk management

Nolan principles

Data analytics

Communication skills

Time management

Education

CCAB/CMIIA qualification

Degree or equivalent

Tools

IDEA

Job description

Go back Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and wear (CNTW) NHS Foundation Trust

Principal Auditor

The closing date is 06 October 2026

The post holder will play a key role within a team providing internal audit services to a portfolio of clients. They will apply a high level of audit expertise, working independently across a range of clients and complex audit assignments.

With support from the Senior Internal Audit Manager, the post holder will be responsible for delivering audits and reviews within agreed timescales and budgets, managing assignments from planning through to final report issuance. This includes establishing audits on AuditOne, agreeing terms of reference with clients, supervising and reviewing the work of audit staff, ensuring quality standards are met, and preparing reports for approval.

The role involves evaluating controls, processes and procedures to assess risk management effectiveness, identify opportunities for improvement, and support clients in strengthening internal controls and working practices. The post holder will work closely with client management to secure agreement to recommendations and support the Senior Internal Audit Manager in service planning, commercial activities, and the development of Band 5 colleagues.

Main duties of the job

Please refer to the job description/personal specification for the main duties and competencies of the role, visions and values of AuditOne and expectations of the post holder as well as the essential and desirable criteria.

About us

AuditOne is hosted by CNTW and we service almost all NHS organisations within the North East and Cumbria regions by delivering Internal Audit Services and/or Counter Fraud Services to those organisations.

We aim to attract and retain a diverse, talented and committed workforce, who are caring and compassionate, and therefore able to meet the demands of the modern NHS now and in the future. In return we can offer a dynamic working environment in which to build a career.

NHS Employees identified as at risk of compulsory redundancy and those eligible for the NENC Re-Deployment careers hub will receive prior consideration.

Job responsibilities

Please refer to the job description/personal specification for the main duties and competencies of the role, visions and values of AuditOne and expectations of the post holder as well as the essential and desirable criteria.

The post holder will display conformance to The AuditOne Way at all times.

Certicicates and Experience

• Good standard of education to A level standard or equivalent. Part Qualified C.C.A.B / CMIIA or equivalent.
• At least 3 years internal audit experience, preferably in public sector.
• Degree. Qualified CCAB / CMIIA or equivalent.
• Experience of risk management, governance, finance/business systems, project management

Knowledge

• Public Sector Internal Audit Standards.
• Good knowledge of Internal Audit methods and techniques, inc Risk Based Audit.
• Good knowledge of the principles of finance and non financial NHS areas.
• Nolan principles.
• IDEA / Data Analytics.
• NHS structures, systems and processes.

Skills

• Good knowledge of Internal Audit methods and techniques. Good knowledge of the principles of finance and non financial NHS areas.
• Knowledge of NHS systems and the organisation and workings of the NHS - financial, non financial and clinical.
• Analytical and evaluation skills. Decision making skills.
• Negotiation, persuasive and interpersonal skills. Communication skills. Ability to write clear and factual reports.
• Time management Skills. Prioritising and organising skills.
• Presentation skills. Researching Skills.

Behaviours

• Able to work as part of a team.
• Professional at all times.
• Quality and target focused.
• Able to work unsupervised.
• Self-motivating.
• Ability to handle confidential information.
• Able to motivate, inspire and supervise others.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer name

Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and wear (CNTW) NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Full-time,Part-time,Flexible working,Home or remote working

Reference number

263-SS26-057-AB