Senior Auditor

South Buckinghamshire; Aylesbury; On-site; GBP 52,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Buckinghamshire Council is seeking a Senior Auditor to join the Internal Audit service within its Business Assurance team in Aylesbury. The role focuses on delivering complex, risk‑based audits across a wide range of services, providing independent assurance, insight and challenge to strengthen governance and risk management.

You will develop audit plans, mentor junior staff and collaborate with managers to implement practical recommendations that improve performance and compliance.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in internal audit or assurance.
• Knowledge of audit methodologies and governance frameworks.
• Ability to assess complex risks and evaluate control effectiveness.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Commitment to continuing professional development and professional standards.

Responsibilities

• Deliver complex risk-based audit assignments across the Council and external clients.
• Assess risks and develop practical recommendations that add value.
• Contribute to the annual audit plan and service improvements.
• Provide guidance and support to junior audit team members.
• Monitor whistleblowing hotline and Audit mailbox and meet deadlines.

Skills

Internal audit

Risk management

Governance frameworks

Stakeholder management

Report writing

Analytical skills

IT skills

Communication skills

Education

Professional qualification (IIA/CCAB)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Audit software

Job description

Location: Aylesbury

Overview

Help us strengthen governance, improve services and provide assurance that matters.

The Business Assurance team is looking for a talented and motivated Senior Auditor to join our Internal Audit service.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced audit professional to undertake complex, risk-based audits across one of the country's largest unitary authorities. Working across a diverse range of services, you’ll provide independent assurance, insight and challenge that supports good governance, effective risk management and continuous improvement.

You’ll be joining a forward-looking Business Assurance function that is committed to delivering high-quality assurance, professional excellence and continuous improvement. This role offers significant variety, professional development opportunities and the chance to influence decision‑making across the organisation.

About us

Buckinghamshire Council is a relatively new organisation that combines the strengths and expertise of the previous five councils in the county to create positive change for local people, communities, and businesses. We are firmly focused on the future and have made a clear commitment to serve residents better and to provide stronger representation for Buckinghamshire, both locally and nationally.

Buckinghamshire Council is a Proud, Ambitious, Collaborative and Trustworthy organisation with a strong commitment to innovation and continuous improvement.

The Internal Audit team is one of the core functions that makes up the Business Assurance Team; which is an integral service that is fundamental to the Council’s Corporate Governance and Assurance. We provide assurance in relation to all operations of Buckinghamshire Council as well as our external clients.

This is an opportunity to work at the heart of organisational governance, providing assurance across a wide range of services and functions. No two audits are the same, and you’ll gain exposure to strategic, operational, financial and regulatory risks across a complex public sector environment. You’ll also have opportunities to contribute to service development, mentor colleagues and help shape the future direction of the Internal Audit service.

About the role

As a Senior Auditor, you will be responsible for delivering complex risk‑based audit assignments, providing independent assurance on governance, risk management and internal control arrangements across the Council and external clients.

You will work with managers and senior stakeholders to assess risks, identify opportunities for improvement and develop practical recommendations that add value and strengthen organisational performance. The role requires excellent analytical, communication and stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to discuss findings and recommendations with senior leaders.

In addition to delivering audits, you’ll support the development of the annual audit plan, contribute to service improvement initiatives and provide guidance and support to junior members of the audit team.

Some of your responsibilities will include:

• Conduct audits with professional care, adhering to standards and the Audit Manual.
• Collaborate with senior management to agree on audit approaches and recommend improvements.
• Assist in designing and updating audit plans and programmes.
• Monitor the Whistle Blowing hotline and Audit mailbox, ensuring timely responses.
• Stay updated on developments in finance, auditing, and risk management.
• Provide assurance to senior management by assessing compliance with regulations and best practices.
• Deliver audit assignments efficiently, meeting deadlines and maintaining high standards.

Please refer to the full Job Description for a comprehensive overview of the role responsibilities and career grade progression requirements.

Any-Desk

As an 'any-desk' worker, you’ll need to be connected to our network to access digital folders and resources, but this can either be from home or an office location when required. You will be required to work from the office a couple of times a week, depending on your role and team requirements.

About you

We’re looking for an experienced audit professional who is naturally curious, analytical and committed to delivering high-quality assurance services.

You will be a collaborative team player who is committed to continuous learning and development. Whether you are looking to build on existing audit experience or bring transferable skills from a related professional environment, you’ll have the drive to develop your expertise and make a positive impact across the organisation.

You’ll bring:

• Significant experience in internal audit, external audit, risk management, governance or a related assurance environment.
• Strong knowledge of audit methodologies, internal controls, governance frameworks and professional auditing standards.
• The ability to assess complex risks and evaluate the effectiveness of controls objectively and independently.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong report‑writing skills and the ability to develop practical, proportionate recommendations.
• Excellent planning and organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Well‑developed interpersonal and stakeholder management skills, including the ability to provide constructive challenge diplomatically and professionally.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities with sound professional judgement.
• Excellent IT skills, including Microsoft Office applications and audit‑related systems.
• A relevant professional qualification, or part qualification with a recognised body such as the IIA or CCAB, together with a commitment to continuing professional development.
• A commitment to our organisational values: Proud, Ambitious, Collaborative and Trustworthy.

Other information

For more information about this role, please contact Alex Prestridge at [e-mail] for an informal discussion.

Closing date

Sunday 18th October 2026

Interview Date

tbc

This post is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants are required to declare:

• All unspent cautions and/or unspent convictions

For further information on how long it takes for cautions and convictions cautions to become spent, please refer to our guide on the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (updated 2023) | Nacro

We understand that candidates may use AI tools to assist with their applications. While we welcome innovation, we expect all submissions to reflect your own experience, skills, and achievements accurately. Please ensure your application is truthful and demonstrates your personal capabilities, as this will be assessed during the selection process.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy once we have received sufficient applications.

Our values and culture

We have a set of values, which our employees have chosen, that represent what we are - Proud, Ambitious, Collaborative and Trustworthy.

By joining Buckinghamshire Council, you can expect:

• the chance to really make a difference to those around you
• health and well-being initiatives including an Employee Assistance Programme, Mental Health First Aiders and mindfulness workshops
• a unified voice through our Employee Representative Group
• ongoing support, and the opportunity to develop and progress in your career with us
• opportunities to take part in fun activities such as fundraising and social events

At Buckinghamshire Council, we know that our biggest strength comes from the people that work for us, and that's why we're working hard to ensure we continue to be an accessible and inclusive organisation.

From dedicated staff networks overseen by our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Steering Group, to proudly standing as a Disability Confident employer, it's important to us that all our colleagues feel engaged, listened to, and valued. Our offer of flexible working empowers a productive and happy workforce and allows employees to combine work with other responsibilities and commitments.

We believe our workforce should reflect the diverse communities we service in Buckinghamshire, and are looking for like-minded individuals to join us in promoting equality, fairness, and inclusion for everyone.

About the Business Unit

The Assistant Chief Executive directorate is central to Buckinghamshire Council's journey to establish itself as one of the best councils in the country. With a clear focus on service improvement through transformation and a drive to build better relationships with the local community, the directorate is fast‑paced; but extremely rewarding. Our teams are not only proactively delivering on projects and plans but also reacting to developing situations. If you are ambitious, innovative, and would relish the opportunity to influence change - a role within our service area could be your next career move.

The team includes exciting areas of work, including our Policy and Communications, Legal and Democratic Services teams – innovating the way we communicate with our colleagues, Members and the local community, and role‑modelling best practice through policy, planning and legal services. If you think you can help us achieve our goals, and want to be a part of this exciting journey, we would love to hear from you!

We recognise and reward you

Hard work and success deserves recognition. That's why we pride ourselves on the benefits we give our people. We actively encourage a good work‑life balance and promote flexible and agile working arrangements. We provide discounts on various Cafés, restaurants, shops and auto enrolment onto our generous Pension Scheme. In addition to the opportunity to gain membership to Costco, we have discounted gym memberships, travel discounts with Arriva and much more.

https://jobs.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/working-buckinghamshire-council/