Senior Auditor (Audit Services Group)

Audit Scotland; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Audit Scotland is looking for passionate Senior Auditors to lead financial audits across Scotland's public sector, including government and NHS bodies. The roles demand a fully qualified accountant with a strong ability to engage stakeholders and deliver high-standard audits. This position offers a chance to make a significant impact on public service delivery while working within a supportive environment that values professional development and flexibility.

Benefits

42 days of annual leave

Pension scheme

Development allowances

Flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• Demonstrable external audit experience, preferably in the public sector.
• Practical experience of delivering audits within deadlines, budgets, and quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Conduct and manage financial audit work.
• Draft clear, authoritative, and concise audit reports.
• Provide on-the-job training and coaching to support team development.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Judgement

Analytical thinking

Leadership

Education

Fully qualified accountant (CIPFA, ICAS, CCAB, or equivalent)

Exam-qualified and awaiting completion of logbook by September 2025

Job description

Are you an auditor who thrives on making a difference and is passionate about ensuring public services are run properly for the people of Scotland? If so, we can offer you the chance to take an exciting new step in your career with the opportunity to lead financial audit work of organisations across Scotland’s public sector, including the Scottish Government, NHS bodies, councils, and colleges.

We have two Senior Auditor roles available across our Audit Services group.

Overall purpose of the role

You will conduct and manage financial audit work. You will make audit judgements and oversee the work of the team to deliver our audits to a high standard. You’ll engage with clients and stakeholders to support improvement and focus on what’s important.

What you will be doing

You’ll be inspiring with your ability to:

• Make professional, evidence-based judgements and identify potential recommendations.
• Work with colleagues to decide the scope and methodology of audits based on circumstances.
• Take lead responsibility for planning and delivering audits, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and to quality standards.
• Draft clear, authoritative, and concise audit reports.
• Support senior leadership in promoting our work externally.
• Establish and maintain relationships with officers at audited bodies and stakeholders to facilitate effective audit delivery.
• Coordinate staff work during peak periods to manage workloads.
• Provide on-the-job training and coaching, supporting team development.
• Contribute to Audit Scotland’s work programme by sharing intelligence and developing briefings.
• Participate in corporate activities to support organizational management.

Person specification - specific knowledge and experience

Essential:

• Fully qualified accountant (CIPFA, ICAS, CCAB, or equivalent) or exam-qualified and awaiting completion of logbook by September 2025.
• Demonstrable external audit experience, preferably in the public sector.
• Practical experience of delivering audits within deadlines, budgets, and quality standards.
• Confidence in stakeholder engagement and relationship building.
• Ability to think creatively and analytically to resolve complex problems.
• Judgement to present balanced findings and persuasive recommendations.
• Leadership skills to coach, supervise, and motivate team members.

Desirable:

• Experience in the public sector, including knowledge of public finances and policies.
• Digital ICT audit experience.

*S = Shortlisting criteria | I = Interview criteria | A = Assessment criteria

Interested? Next Steps:

Download the role profile for detailed information.

Click apply to submit an application. You may also share your CV, but ensure your application form includes all required information to demonstrate you meet the essential and desirable criteria. For alternative application methods due to reasonable adjustments, contact the HR team.

The closing date for applications is Wednesday 13th August at midnight.

Interviews are scheduled for the week commencing 1st September and will include a presentation and written assessment.

About Audit Scotland

Our vision is that public money is well spent to meet Scotland's needs. We support the Auditor General for Scotland and the Accounts Commission to provide independent assurance on public money management. Our work covers about £57bn of public spending and nearly 300 public sector accounts.

We value our organizational culture of equality, independence, innovation, integrity, and respect. We employ around 340 staff across Scotland, offering professional development opportunities and a supportive work environment. Benefits include 42 days of annual leave, a pension scheme, development allowances, and flexible working.

Diversity and Inclusion

We value diverse perspectives and are committed to increasing representation and supporting minority groups. We are a disability-confident employer.

Reasonable Adjustments

Our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible. If you need adjustments, please specify in your application. Examples include modified interview formats or additional assessment time. Contact [e-mail] or call 0131 625 1500 for support.

How We Work

We support flexible working arrangements, including remote work and job sharing. We trust our staff to manage their work effectively to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Other Conditions

• We minimize environmental impact and uphold principles of equality and safety.

• We protect information and maintain independence and neutrality.