Senior Fraud Investigator

Buckinghamshire Council; Aylesbury; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Pension scheme

Costco membership

Gym discounts

Travel discounts

Job summary

Buckinghamshire Council is seeking a Senior Fraud Investigator to join the Business Assurance team in safeguarding public funds and guiding investigations into fraud, bribery and financial misconduct. You will lead investigations, analyse data and contribute to enforcement actions while promoting a strong counter‑fraud culture.

The role involves hybrid working with attendance at Walton Street Offices, Aylesbury, and related sites as required.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in counter‑fraud, investigation, enforcement, audit or compliance.
• Strong knowledge of fraud investigation techniques, legislation and professional standards.
• Experience of criminal/civil investigations and preparing evidence for courts when required.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills with the ability to interpret complex information.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills; IT savvy with MS apps and case systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support a range of proactive and reactive fraud investigations across the Council.
• Interview complainants, witnesses and suspects, gathering evidence and producing records.
• Prepare investigation reports, statements and bundles to support enforcement and learning.
• Analyse complex data to identify fraud risks, trends and patterns using intelligence-led approaches.
• Support National Fraud Initiative matches and collaboration with services.
• Develop and maintain the Council's Fraud Risk Register with risk management colleagues.
• Build relationships with law enforcement, regulators, and external partners.
• Deliver fraud awareness training and education for staff and elected members.
• Contribute to strategic reporting and provide expert advice to senior leaders.

Skills

Counter-fraud

Investigation

Enforcement

Audit

Compliance

Fraud investigation techniques

Legislation & standards

Criminal/civil investigations

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Stakeholder management

IT skills

Case management systems

Time management

Education

Degree-level education

Professional qualification or progress towards one

Tools

Case management systems

Job description

Are you an experienced investigator with a passion for protecting public funds, tackling fraud and making a real difference to local communities?

Buckinghamshire Council is seeking a highly motivated and skilled Senior Fraud Investigator to join our Business Assurance team. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in safeguarding the Council against fraud, bribery, corruption and financial misconduct, helping to ensure that public resources are used for the benefit of residents.

In this challenging and rewarding role, you will lead complex investigations, identify emerging fraud risks, support the development of a strong counter‑fraud culture, and work alongside colleagues, partners and external agencies to prevent and detect fraud. If you are looking for a career where your expertise can have a direct impact on protecting vital public services, we would love to hear from you.

Protect public funds. Uncover the facts. Make a lasting impact for Buckinghamshire

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.

The Business Assurance team is currently part of the Assistant Chief Executive's Directorate, providing independent expertise and assurance that helps protect Buckinghamshire Council's services, finances and reputation.

We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, transparency and accountability. Through proactive counter‑fraud initiatives, investigations, risk management and awareness activities, we help create a culture where fraud is prevented, detected and addressed effectively.

Joining our team means becoming part of a professional and supportive environment where innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement are encouraged, and where your work directly contributes to delivering better outcomes for Buckinghamshire residents.

About the role

As a Senior Fraud Investigator, you will support the Fraud Delivery Manager in delivering the Council's Counter Fraud Strategy and Plan, helping to reduce fraud risk and strengthen organisational resilience.

You will:

• Lead and support a range of proactive and reactive fraud investigations across the Council.
• Interview complainants, witnesses and suspects, gathering evidence and producing fair, objective records in accordance with legislation and professional standards.
• Prepare detailed investigation reports, witness statements and evidence bundles to support enforcement action and organisational learning.
• Analyse complex data to identify fraud risks, trends and patterns, using innovative techniques and intelligence‑led approaches.
• Support the delivery of the National Fraud Initiative programme and collaborate with services to investigate matches and outcomes.
• Develop and maintain the Council's Fraud Risk Register in partnership with risk management colleagues.
• Build strong working relationships with law enforcement agencies, regulatory bodies, legal teams and external partners.
• Deliver fraud awareness training and education, helping colleagues and elected members recognise and respond to fraud risks.
• Contribute to strategic reporting and provide expert advice to senior leaders, committees and stakeholders.

Hybrid Working

We offer flexible hybrid working arrangements, with a combination of office-based and home working. There will be a requirement to attend Walton Street Offices, Aylesbury, and other locations as needed to support service delivery, investigations and team collaboration.

About you

You will be an experienced investigator with strong analytical skills, excellent judgement and a passion for protecting organisations from fraud and financial crime.

We're looking for someone who can confidently manage complex investigations while building positive relationships with stakeholders across the organisation.

You will bring:

• Significant experience in counter‑fraud, investigation, enforcement, audit, compliance or a related field.
• Strong knowledge of fraud investigation techniques, relevant legislation and professional standards.
• Experience of criminal and/or civil investigations, including preparing evidence and attending court proceedings where required.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex information and make sound recommendations.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to explain technical issues clearly to non‑specialists.
• Excellent stakeholder management, influencing and negotiation skills.
• Strong IT skills, including Microsoft applications and specialist case management systems.
• The ability to manage competing priorities and work effectively under pressure.
• Degree‑level education or equivalent experience, together with a relevant professional qualification or progress towards one.

Most importantly, you will be committed to upholding the Council's values, demonstrating integrity, professionalism and a determination to protect public money and public trust.

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to help shape and strengthen Buckinghamshire Council's counter‑fraud capability at a time when fraud risks are becoming increasingly sophisticated. You'll work on diverse and meaningful investigations, influence organisational culture, and contribute directly to protecting services that matter to local people.

Whether you're looking to broaden your investigative experience, develop specialist expertise, or take the next step in your career, you'll be joining a team that values professionalism, collaboration and continuous improvement. Through your work, you'll help safeguard public resources and support the delivery of essential services across Buckinghamshire.

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

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.

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:

a fair and inclusive culture

• 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.