Senior Auditor

About Us:

The British Council builds connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and other countries through arts and culture, education and the English language. We work in two ways – directly with individuals to transform their lives, and with governments and partners to make a bigger difference for the longer term, creating benefit for millions of people all over the world.

We connect the best of the UK with the world and the best of the world with the UK. These connections lead to an understanding of each other's strengths and of the challenges and values that we share. This builds trust between people in the UK and other nations which endures even when official relations may be strained.

We work on the ground in more than 100 countries.

We are an organisation with a turnover of almost £1 billion, employing around 10,000 colleagues across the world, including all four nations of the UK.

About the role:

· This is a Management level role and includes leading and performing in all aspects of internal audit assignments

· The Senior Auditor will support the Deputy Director Internal Audit in the delivery of a high quality Internal Audit service in the Corporate portfolio and beyond.

· The role supports the Corporate portfolio based in the UK, however there will be occasional requirements to travel overseas to support delivery of audits in other portfolios of up to 10%.

· A great opportunity to be part of a globally diverse team

Role purpose:

This role is responsible for leading and performing all aspects of internal audit assignments including the preparation, planning, execution, reporting of risk-based audits and action follow up in support of the annual audit opinion around the adequacy and effectiveness of governance, risk management and control processes across the organisation. This role focuses on delivering audits in the Corporate portfolio and also provides support to any of the Regional portfolios. The role contributes to an efficient and effective internal audit department which supports British Council in the management of risks and achievement of objectives.

The candidate is a collaborative, engaging and commercial thinking risk & assurance professional and has the ability to support, work with and influence colleagues across the organisation. The candidate is a seasoned auditor / experienced assurance professional with several years’ post qualification experience and a track record of improving risk maturity and identifying practical and pragmatic controls in collaboration with management. Ability to add value through identifying and communicating good quality insights to stakeholders is essential.

Main Accountabilities:

Consultancy, analysis and problem solving

· Responsible for leading and conducting the preparation, planning, execution, reporting of risk-based audits and action follow up. This also includes delivering audits in the corporate portfolio and/or any of the regional portfolios.

· Delivery of high-quality work and the production of excellent working papers and summaries of information.

· Providing both verbal and written recommendations for improvements to Country, Regional and Functional Management.

· Analysing complex situations and issues to provide value adding insight and identify key themes to facilitate management action.

· Preparing (draft) reports and management updates, assisting the managers and other members in the team with delivery of high-quality outputs.

· The performance of ad hoc assignments as required (e.g. investigations, advisory engagements).

Strategy and/or planning

· Input into the development of the risk-based audit plan.

Relationship and stakeholder management

· Develop a strong regional and global network in order to identify risks, opportunities to add value and coordinate control framework improvements.

· Liaising at all levels of the organisation including senior management.

Role specific knowledge and experience:

Essential

· Strong experience of risk-based audit

· Track record in assurance i.e. 3 years post-qualification/solid experience as a Senior Internal Auditor or middle management Internal Audit role with exposure to a mixed portfolio of clients

· Experience of working in international and multi-cultural organization

· Proven skills in stakeholder relationship management at all levels of the organisation

· Reporting and engaging effectively with senior management

· Independently minded and willing to challenge existing business practice

· Be an exemplar of integrity, honesty, discretion and professionalism for the organization

Desirable

· Knowledge of SAP applications

· Knowledge of shared services operations

· Program management qualifications e.g. MSP, PRINCE2

· Data analytics experience

· IT assurance qualification e.g. CISA

· Knowledge on use of audit software or tools e.g. TeamMate

· Knowledge of governance in a group structure (regional hubs, service clusters)

Role specific skills:

· Knowledge of Internal Audit practices (COSO, IIA etc.)

· Knowledge of Public Sector Internal Audit Standards and the mandatory elements of The Institute of Internal Auditors’ International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF)

· Risk assessment and analysis

Further information:

· Payband : Grade 8 + Benefits package (some of the main benefits include 32 days annual leave and Civil Service Pension Scheme)

· Contract Type : Indefinite Contract

· Location : Any UK Office – Belfast, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Manchester or London (Stratford)

· Requirements :

• Candidates must have the right to live and work in the country in which the role is based. No visa sponsorship will be provided.
• A professional accountancy or internal audit qualification is required.

· Closing Date: Sunday 19 February 2023 at 23:59 UK

· Planned Interview Dates: Wednesday 1st March & Thursday 2nd March 2023

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: From £35,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Flexitime
• Sick pay
• Work from home

Schedule:

• Flexitime
• Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:

• London, E20 1JQ: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in London, E20 1JQ

Application deadline: 19/02/2023