Principal Auditor

Swindon Borough Council; Swindon; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working model

Flexible working arrangements

Job summary

Swindon Borough Council is seeking a Principal Auditor to lead governance, risk and internal control audits, directing complex fraud investigations and advising senior leadership on improvements. The role requires a CCAB qualification or CMIIA, with substantial risk-based auditing experience, preferably in local government.

The team works in a hybrid model with office presence required for meetings. You will collaborate with Corporate Directors and senior managers, using data analytics to

Qualifications

• CCAB-qualified accountant or CMIIA certification required.
• Substantial experience in risk-based auditing and governance frameworks.
• Experience in complex fraud investigations (local government preferred).

Responsibilities

• Lead governance, risk and internal control audits to provide assurance.
• Manage and direct complex fraud investigations with impact at senior levels.
• Advise senior leadership on strategic improvements and control enhancements.
• Collaborate across audits with corporate directors and senior managers.
• Apply data analytics and modern techniques to deliver high-quality insights.

Skills

CCAB-qualified

CMIIA

Education

CMIIA / equivalent

Job description

Principal Auditor

Ref: 178947

Salary: £55,610 p.a. pro rate plus benefits

30 hours per week (may consider full time 37 hours per week)

Swindon Borough Council are on an exciting journey to transform service delivery. We want our town to be the best it can be. Our ambitious vision in the new Swindon Plan is supported by realistic transformation programmes, with the people of Swindon at their heart. Because that's who we're doing it for - the communities and businesses that make our town great. As part of the Council, you'll support a friendly local authority making decisions with real impact. It's all for better public services. Better processes. And a better quality of life, for everyone. Join us, and Swindon will be better with you.

Your next role

Are you ready to lead the charge in protecting public resources and driving excellence in governance?

Swindon Borough Council is seeking a dynamic and forward-thinking Principal Auditor to join our Internal Audit and Corporate Fraud Team.

This is a high-impact role where you'll provide independent assurance on governance, risk, and internal control, lead complex fraud investigations, and advise senior leadership on strategic improvements. You'll be at the heart of shaping a resilient, transparent, and innovative council, working directly with senior officers to provide assurance and influence positive change.

This is a varied and stimulating role where no two days are the same.

You'll collaborate with Corporate Directors and senior managers across a wide range of audits, using modern techniques and data analytics to deliver high-quality insights. You'll also help develop a respected audit service that's known for its integrity, innovation, and impact.

To succeed, you'll need to be a CCAB-qualified accountant or Chartered Internal Auditor (CMIIA) or equivalent, with substantial experience in risk-based auditing, governance frameworks, and fraud investigations, ideally within local government.

You’ll bring strong analytical skills, an enquiring mind and the ability to inspire others.

If you're passionate about making a difference, thrive on challenge, and want to be a key player in safeguarding public trust, we want to hear from you.

The team operates a hybrid working model and is expected to be in the office for a minimum of one full day per week for team meetings one to ones and shared learning, and as required for other meetings.

We offer flexible working arrangements, a supportive team environment, and the opportunity to make a real difference in a forward-thinking council committed to continuous improvement.

You must be fluent in the English language (as a requirement of Part 7 of the Immigration Act "for the effective performance of a customer-facing role").

Potential applicants are sometimes put off if they don't meet 100% of the requirements. We think individual experience, skills and passion make all the difference, so if you meet the majority of the criteria, we would love to hear from you.

Your next package

Please see our Rewards and Benefits offer for more details.

As an employee, you will receive a diverse and exciting environment in which to work, encouraging creativity and innovation whilst recognising the need to support ongoing personal development and a flexible work life balance.

For Swindon to thrive in the future, we need to lay the foundations now. It's why our regeneration and transformation programmes are already underway. So, you'll be joining us at an exciting time on our journey. We'll look to you to share your knowledge, influence decisions and drive real, positive change. With your contributions, we'll achieve our vision of a prosperous, re-vitalised Swindon together. And you'll be proud to say it was made better with you.

Please see our Vision and Values page for more details.

Please see our new Swindon Plan.

For further information about the role please contact Nikki Soave - Head of Internal Audit & Corporate Fraud on [e-mail]

As an inclusive employer, we welcome applications from a diverse range of communities, and in particular disabled people and people from ethnic minorities. Read our statement of commitment to equality & inclusion.

Closing date: 14 September 2026

Interview date: w/c 28 September 2026