Internal Scrutiny Lead

The role:

Juniper Education is seeking an experienced Internal Scrutiny Team Leader to lead and deliver internal scrutiny services for schools, multi academy trusts (MATs) and other education clients. This role is critical in ensuring that our consultancy services provide independent, risk based and practical assurance across governance, risk management and internal control. The Internal Scrutiny Lead will act as the primary client lead, taking ownership of contracts and ensuring that all services are delivered to a consistently high standard. The position combines client leadership and programme design, ensuring that Juniper Education continues to provide a high quality internal scrutiny service aligned to the expectations of the UK education sector.

Client leadership and contract ownership

• Be a trusted primary client lead for allocated internal scrutiny contracts.
• Develop strong and credible relationships with senior stakeholders, including Chief Finance Officers, Senior Leaders, Trustees and Audit Committees.
• Take accountability for the successful delivery of internal scrutiny engagements from planning through to reporting.
• Coordinate internal delivery teams and specialist resources.

Internal scrutiny programme design

• Develop and maintain annual and multi year internal scrutiny programmes.
• Ensure audit activity is aligned with client risk registers, strategic priorities and relevant regulatory requirements.
• Support the implementation of new contracts through effective planning, engagement and risk assessment.
• Review and update scrutiny programmes in response to organisational development, growth and emerging risks.

Governance and Reporting

• Share audit outcomes and recommendations with governance and leadership groups.
• Produce clear and informative audit reports, strategic summaries and annual assurance opinions.
• Support clients in strengthening governance, oversight and decision making.
• Help clients translate recommendations into practical actions that strengthen organisational effectiveness.

Delivery oversight and quality assurance

• Oversee the completion of internal scrutiny assignments across client contracts.
• Review audit outputs to ensure a consistent and high quality service.
• Maintain a focus on independence, evidence and risk throughout all work undertaken.
• Ensure reports and recommendations are clear, practical and aligned with client needs.

Performance and contract management

• Monitor progress against audit plans, deadlines and service commitments.
• Use performance information and KPIs to track successful delivery.
• Lead review meetings with clients to discuss progress and future activity.
• Maintain oversight of contract performance to support strong client retention and satisfaction.

Service development and growth

• Contribute to the ongoing development of Juniper Education's internal scrutiny offer.
• Support tender and bid submissions when required.
• Identify ways to increase the value and impact of services provided to clients.
• Contribute ideas that support continuous improvement.

Team leadership

• Provide guidance and support across the team.
• Allocate work, monitor progress and manage delivery to agreed timescales.
• Coach and develop team members, supporting continuous improvement and consistent practice.
• Contribute to a positive team culture focused on quality, learning and professional integrity.

What we're looking for:

• Strong experience in internal scrutiny, internal auditor risk assurance.
• Professionally qualified accountant (ACCA, ACA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent).
• Experience working within or alongside academy trusts or the wider education sector.
• Proven ability to:
  • Design risk based audit programmes.
  • Lead client relationships.
  • Present to Audit & Risk Committees or equivalent governance bodies.
  • Communicate and influence.
  • Balance strategic thinking with practical delivery.
  • Possess commercial awareness and experience in a consultancy or client facing environment.

Interview Process:

• First Interview
• Second Interview

We are committed to a fair and comfortable recruitment process, so if you require any reasonable adjustments during your application or interview process, please reach out to a member of the team at .

Juniper Education Benefits

• Enhanced annual leave entitlement
• Opportunity to purchase additional leave
• Entitlement to carry over leave to next entitlement year
• Day 1 access to 24/7 GP & prescription services
• Day 1 access to rewards platform
• Cycle to work scheme
• Enhanced maternity & adoption pay
• Day 1 access to employee assistance platform
• Funded development/Qualification opportunities
• Voluntary health care cash plan
• Voluntary private medical insurance
• Plus more!

Please note: We are unable to provide visa sponsorship at this time.

Applications for this role must be submitted by midnight July 15, 2026.