Senior Internal Auditor

Hillingdon Council; Uxbridge; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible Working Hours

36 Hour Week

Generous Holiday Entitlement

Salary Sacrifice Schemes

Cycle to Work

Local Government Pension Scheme

Perkbox Benefits

Mental Health Support and Counselling

Travel Support

Trade Union Membership

Job summary

Hillingdon Council is recruiting an Internal Auditor to join our high-performing Internal Audit team, delivering risk-based and advisory audits across the council and providing independent assurance that supports continuous improvement.

As Senior Internal Auditor, you will manage your own portfolio from planning through reporting, using data analytics to identify trends and strengthen governance, risk management and controls.

Qualifications

• Experience in internal audit, preferably within the public sector or a large, complex organisation.
• A good understanding of audit methodology, internal controls and risk-based auditing.
• The ability to manage multiple audit assignments and work independently.
• Strong analytical skills, including experience using data to support audit work.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present findings clearly and constructively.
• A proactive approach and commitment to continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Deliver risk-based and advisory audits across a diverse range of Council services.
• Plan, scope and manage audit assignments from inception through to final reporting.
• Produce clear, evidence-based audit reports with practical and proportionate recommendations.
• Support and mentor junior members of the Internal Audit team.
• Use data analytics to strengthen audit testing and identify trends and risks.
• Contribute to the development of the Internal Audit Plan and wider service improvements.
• Build effective working relationships with managers and stakeholders across the organisation.
• Promote good governance, effective risk management and strong internal controls.

Skills

Internal audit

Public sector experience

Audit methodology

Risk-based auditing

Portfolio management

Data analysis

Communication skills

Independence

Education

CMIIA, CIA, ACA, ACCA (or equivalent)

Job description

About the role

Are you an experienced Internal Auditor looking for a varied role where your work helps improve services, strengthen governance and deliver better outcomes for residents?

We are looking for an Internal Auditor to join our high-performing Internal Audit team. This is an exciting opportunity to deliver a diverse programme of risk-based and advisory audits across one of London's largest local authorities, providing independent assurance and practical recommendations that support continuous improvement.

Working with senior managers, Corporate Directors and elected Members, you'll help ensure the Council maintains effective governance, risk management and internal controls while identifying opportunities to improve the way we deliver services.

As a Senior Internal Auditor, you will manage your own portfolio of audits from planning through to reporting, delivering high-quality reviews that provide valuable insight and assurance across a wide range of Council services.

You will:

• Deliver risk-based and advisory audits across a diverse range of Council services.
• Plan, scope and manage audit assignments from inception through to final reporting.
• Produce clear, evidence-based audit reports with practical and proportionate recommendations.
• Support and mentor junior members of the Internal Audit team.
• Use data analytics to strengthen audit testing and identify trends and risks.
• Contribute to the development of the Internal Audit Plan and wider service improvements.
• Build effective working relationships with managers and stakeholders across the organisation.
• Promote good governance, effective risk management and strong internal controls.

About You

We are looking for someone who is analytical, organised and committed to delivering high-quality audit work.

You will have:

• Experience in internal audit, preferably within the public sector or a large, complex organisation.
• A good understanding of audit methodology, internal controls and risk-based auditing.
• The ability to manage multiple audit assignments and work independently.
• Strong analytical skills, including experience using data to support audit work.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present findings clearly and constructively.
• A proactive approach and commitment to continuous improvement.

Professional qualifications such as CMIIA, CIA, ACA, ACCA (or equivalent) and knowledge of the Global Internal Audit Standards (GIAS) are highly desirable.

Why Join Us?

At Hillingdon, we're proud of our commitment to Putting Our Residents First.

As London's second largest borough, we are committed to delivering high-quality, efficient and accountable public services. Our Internal Audit team plays a vital role in supporting the Council to manage risk, strengthen governance and continually improve how services are delivered.

If you're looking for a rewarding role where your expertise will help shape better services for our residents, we'd love to hear from you.

About us

We value our employees and are committed to ensuring that they enjoy a fulfilling and rewarding career with us. We understand that a happy and motivated workforce is essential for the success of our organisation. That is why we offer a wide range of employee benefits to enhance your work-life balance, financial wellbeing, health, and professional development.

Benefits

• Flexible Working Hours – We recognise the importance of flexibility in managing your work and personal life.
• 36 Hour Week – Enjoy a standard 36-hour workweek for all full time staff.
• Generous Holiday Entitlement – increasing with length of service (for non-casual roles).
• Hillingdon Sports & Leisure – Stay active and healthy with discounts at council owned leisure centres and swimming pools across the borough.
• Salary Sacrifice Schemes – option to join schemes for cycle purchase, electric vehicle leasing and additional voluntary pension contributions (subject to scheme rules).
• Cycle to Work – Eco-friendly commuting with our cycle purchase scheme. We also provide bicycle parking, lockers, and showers at the Civic Centre.
• Local Government Pension Scheme – access to Local Government Pension Scheme and membership to the Credit Union.
• Perkbox Benefits – Access a variety of offers and discounts through our Perkbox Benefits.
• Mental Health Support and Counselling Services – Our mental health first aiders are trained to identify, understand, and help employees experiencing mental health issues. Access free 24-hour confidential advice and counselling as well as a legal advice service for you and your immediate family.
• Travel Support – Make your daily commute easier with our season ticket loans and free car parking.
• Trade Union Membership–The Council recognises UNISON, Unite, AEP and GMB and supports employees’ freedom of choice in relation to trade union membership.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

At the London Borough of Hillingdon, we are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. This commitment means that all employees, job applicants and others who work for us will be treated fairly.

The aim is for our workforce to be representative of all sections of society and Hillingdon residents so we welcome applicants from a wide variety of backgrounds. We strive to ensure that our recruitment process is free from discrimination and bias, and we are dedicated to providing reasonable adjustments to applicants with disabilities.

Join us in building a workplace where everyone feels respected, able to give their best and be themselves at work, whilst contributing meaningfully to our organisation's success.

Recruitment Information

Hillingdon Council operates a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities that meet the essential criteria for the role and wish to be considered under this scheme. We believe in the option to choose, so candidates declaring a disability have the choice to opt in for consideration under this scheme, on a ‘per application’ basis.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable groups and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Some posts are subject to The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2019 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

In addition to verifying Right to Work in the UK and a new starter health questionnaire, the post is subject to the following pre‑employment screening:

• Basic DBS Check
• Qualifications Check
• 2 years of Referencing

Priority will be given to those at risk of redundancy within Hillingdon Council. Current employees who are part of the redeployment pool must meet the essential criteria for shortlisting to be prioritised. It may be necessary due to a high volume of applications to close this role early.