Head of Financial Assurance, Internal Audit, Risk & Insurance

Salary: £75,312 - £87,032 + benefits

Hybrid working - 2 days per week in the office

Lead and shape a newly established Risk, Insurance and Internal Audit function through the development and delivery of a robust service plan, ensuring the effective implementation of key service priorities and performance objectives on behalf of the Finance Directorate and the wider organisation.

Model and embed organisational values and behaviours, contributing to the development of a sustainable, high-performing organisation and strengthening its reputation for delivering excellent value to stakeholders.

Provide clear strategic leadership and direction to the service, driving continuous improvement and transformation while fostering effective collaboration with elected members, partners and key stakeholders.

• Lead the internal audit, risk management, insurance and counter fraud functions.
• Contribute to and deliver objectives from the Financial Services Business Plan in relation to risk, insurance and internal audit services, as well as cross-cutting corporate initiatives (e.g. risk and assurance mapping arrangements).
• Ensure all aspects of the service are delivered to the highest professional standards by developing policies and procedures for risk, insurance and internal audit services, and monitoring implementation.
• Establish arrangements to undertake regular external evaluations of the quality and value for money of the services.
• Lead, manage and support staff within the function, including recruitment, training and performance management to ensure effective delivery of services.
• Develop and implement an enterprise risk management framework across the organisation and its partners to ensure the effective and efficient management of risk at all levels.
• Lead the development of the Internal Audit Service to ensure it meets statutory obligations under the Accounts and Audit Regulations 2015.
• Manage relationships with external auditors and regulatory bodies.

We are seeking a motivated and capable senior finance professional who can operate effectively within a complex and evolving organisation. You will demonstrate both technical expertise and strong stakeholder engagement skills.

• Relevant professional qualification (e.g., CCAB/CIMA or equivalent) or significant relevant experience appropriate to the seniority of the role.
• Experience working in a complex organisational environment with multiple stakeholders (public sector experience desirable).
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to present financial information clearly to non-finance audiences.
• Strong IT skills, including advanced Excel and familiarity with financial systems.
• Ability to manage competing priorities, work proactively and deliver to deadlines.