Head of Internal Audit - Local Authority - West London Middlesex

HEAD OF INTERNAL AUDIT - LOCAL AUTHORITY ESSENTIAL - HILLINGDON, WEST LONDON, MIDDLESEX

ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE:

- Working in a local authority with working knowledge of the financial Structure of local councils.
- Ability to Advise Member & Senior Officers.
- Ability to Manage Budgets.
- Ability to Produce High Quality Written Reports.
- Degree or equivalent in related Area.
- Qualified Accountant.
- Significant experience of working in a senior management role in a complex organisation.
- A proven track record of working effectively within a political environment, providing clear, balanced advice and guidance on issues that achieve the priorities of the organisation.
- Significant experience of finance/accounting and demonstrable success in one or more of the key areas in the post.
- Strategic budget management in a comparable organisation, managing significant financial resources and evaluating competing budgetary priorities within tight financial limits.
- Excellent communication skills.

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:

- Knowledge of emerging and key issues affecting audit and enforcement issues in the public sector.
- Ability to establish effective working relations with elected Members, government officials, a range of partners, businesses and communities, instilling confidence, trust and collaborative working.
- Ability to develop and deliver strategies, manage complex information and drive change.
- Evidenced project management skills.
- Evidenced ability of building teams during times of change.
- Evidence of ability to influence at Councilor and Senior Management level with strong personal and professional credibility.

DESIRABLE:

- Membership of relevant professional body.
- Evidence of continuing professional &/or management development.

ROLE PURPOSE:

- To lead and provide a high quality internal audit service to the Council which complies with the CIPFA Code of Practice for Internal Audit in Local Government and provide an annual audit opinion to those charged with governance on the operation of the controls managing the risks that support the delivery of the Council objectives, vision and agenda.
- Ensure service plans and performance targets are delivered and through the development of systems and processes positively contribute to improved outcomes for residents and businesses through the compliance and probity.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

PEOPLE MANAGEMENT:

- To lead, direct and manage the audit team, to deliver a high standard of service, taking responsibility for the recruitment, motivation and retention of the team.
- T o provide clarity of goals and key performance indicators (KPIs) for the audit team, managing performance in line with council targets to deliver objectives of appropriate corporate, group and team plans.
- To facilitate the professional development and continued learning of the team through identifying talent and potential, creating and supporting a team development and succession plan, to ensure the required capability and professional skills are maintained and improved.

SERVICE DELIVERY:

- To develop and deliver effective team plans aligned to the corporate & group plans.
- To p rovide high-level advice to the Leader, Cabinet, CEO and DCEO on all aspects of audit.
- To b e accountable for the day to day operational management of service delivery in line with budgets, scheme of delegations and Council priorities.
- To provide leadership and direction in the services within the postholder's areas of responsibility to ensure that the highest quality services are provided within the resources available, that are responsive to the expressed needs and aspirations of external and internal service users.
- To deliver service improvements through audit recommendations and prosecutions that deliver best value within the areas of responsibility covered through the establishment of effective systems of target setting, performance management and user feedback, that encourage an innovative and creative approach to service delivery.
- To be responsible for agreeing business case criteria for all investment in areas of responsibility.
- To ensure robust contingency, risk management, and business continuity plans are in place for the service areas covered.
- To formulate and gain acceptance for annual revenue and capital budgets and monitor them to ensure corporate policies and objectives are met within financial constraints.
- To lead the relationship management of key partners, and other core third parties, including establishment and monitoring of contractual arrangements.
- To identify and advise on relevant emerging legislative and policy issues and to evaluate the policy and resource implications for the Council and its partners.
- To undertake projects and other tasks commensurate with role and grade.

CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITIES:

- To define, lead and deliver key programmes contributing to the corporate delivery of the Council's vision and core values, providing a clear sense of direction, optimism and purpose.
- To define, lead and contribute to corporate areas of activity, organisational development and Council wide/cross departmental strategies, policies or projects for the Council, as required from time to time.
- To work with the Leader, Members and senior colleagues to provide high level advice and guidance to ensure that the Council's procedures are effective and minimise risk of loss.
- To establish effective working relationships with the community, government, professional bodies, the business sector and other appropriate public and private bodies, to represent and promote the Council's interests, and address key strategic issues.
- To develop and promote internal and external partnerships where appropriate that reflects the Council's commitment to work in active partnership with the community and improve the quality of life for all its residents.
- To lead aspects of, and contribute to, the corporate management of the Authority through participation in corporate groups.