Principal Auditor

Venn Group; West Midlands; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 92,000; Full time

Job summary

Local Authority in the West Midlands is seeking two Principal Auditors for a 6-month interim contract. You will lead complex audit assignments, apply data analytics and emerging technologies, and support improvements to governance and internal controls.

The role requires substantial public sector audit experience at Senior/Principal level, strong stakeholder engagement, and a data-led approach. 1 day onsite in Birmingham every two weeks, 37.5 hours per week.

Qualifications

• Extensive internal audit experience at Senior/Principal level.
• Strong governance, risk management and internal control knowledge.
• Excellent data analytics skills using data to support audit findings.

Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver complex internal audit reviews across services and operations.
• Undertake data-led audits, analysing information to identify risks and control weaknesses.
• Support annual internal audit programme planning and delivery.

Skills

Data analytics

AI tools

Stakeholder management

Report writing

Governance & risk

Communication

Independence

Continuous improvement

Tools

Data analytics software

Job description

Principal Auditor

Local Authority | West Midlands | 6-Month Interim Contract

An exciting opportunity has arisen for 2 experienced Principal Auditors to join a Local Authority in the West Midlands on an interim basis. Due to increased demand and a focus on strengthening audit capability, the Council is looking for experienced professionals to deliver complex audit reviews, support the internal audit programme, and help drive innovation across the audit function.

These roles offer the opportunity to play a key part in developing a modern, data-led approach to internal auditing, with a particular focus on data analytics, emerging technologies, and continuous improvement.

Contract Details

• Job Title: Principal Auditor
• Location: West Midlands
• Rate: Up to £500 per day (Inside IR35)
• Contract Length: 6 Months initially, with potential extension
• Start Date: ASAP
• Working Pattern: Full-time
• Working Arrangement: 1 day onsite in Birmingham every 2 weeks (non-negotiable)

The Role

Working as part of the Internal Audit team, you will lead and deliver complex audit assignments across a broad range of services, systems and control environments. You will use data analytics and modern audit methodologies to provide meaningful assurance, identify risks, and support improvements to governance, risk management and internal controls.

You will work closely with senior stakeholders across the organisation, providing robust challenge and practical recommendations while helping to shape and enhance the Council’s audit service.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver complex internal audit reviews across a range of services, systems and operational areas
• Undertake data-led audit assignments, analysing information to identify risks, trends and control weaknesses
• Support the planning and delivery of the annual internal audit programme
• Produce high-quality audit reports with clear, practical and risk-based recommendations
• Provide assurance on governance, risk management and internal control arrangements
• Develop strong working relationships with senior officers, managers and key stakeholders
• Promote innovation, continuous improvement and modern audit practices across the service
• Support the use of data analytics, AI tools and emerging technologies within audit reviews
• Identify opportunities to improve audit methodologies and increase service effectiveness
• Ensure audit work is delivered in accordance with professional standards and best practice

About You

• Significant experience delivering internal audit assignments at Senior Auditor or Principal Auditor level
• Strong understanding of governance, risk management and internal control frameworks
• Excellent data analytics skills with experience using data to drive audit findings and assurance work
• Experience utilising AI tools or emerging technologies within audit, assurance, risk or related functions
• Strong report writing skills and the ability to communicate complex findings clearly and concisely
• Excellent stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence and challenge at all levels
• Able to work independently and manage a varied workload with minimal supervision
• Proactive, forward-thinking and committed to continuous improvement
• Public sector audit experience is desirable, although candidates from private sector internal audit backgrounds will also be considered

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Principal Auditor, Senior Auditor, Internal Audit Manager, Audit Consultant, or Internal Audit Specialist looking to make an immediate impact within a progressive and forward-thinking Local Authority audit function.