Job Description

• To strategically direct, lead and innovate the Audit, Fraud, Risk and Insurance service for the client, providing an assurance function on behalf of the Section 151 Officer.
• To direct the development and delivery of the internal assurance framework, setting the strategy and policies that deliver effective governance and support the achievement of the clients's corporate and service objectives.
• To provide innovative and professional leadership in co-operation with stakeholders and lead assurance services of appropriate reliability and quality.
• To direct, innovate and motivate a professional service

RESPONSIBILITY FOR:

• The head of assurance will be responsible for the departmental budget of approximately.
• The role will have overall day to day responsibility for managing and leading departmental staff of 16 FTE. Direct line management responsibility for 3 FTE

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic and Operational Management

• To carry out the Head of Assurance / Audit responsibilities as defined in Section 151 of the Local Government Act 1972, the Accounts and Audit Regulations and other legislation and to ensure that internal governance, risk management and financial control is maintained throughout the councils.
• To direct, innovate and lead Newham's internal audit, fraud, risk and insurance service, ensuring that the council receives adequate and appropriate audit coverage.
• To direct and lead the development and delivery of Newham's Internal Audit Strategy, Terms of Reference and Charter as Newham's Audit Executive in line with the requirements of the Accounts and Audit Regulations and Public Sector Internal Audit Standards.
• To direct, lead and develop Newham audit and fraud polices and strategies for approval by Newham's Audit Board/Committee.
• To develop, direct and manage the organisations' insurance and risk management functions.
• To provide an objective and evidence based annual internal audit opinion and other reports that give assurance to the Corporate Leadership Team and others, and make recommendations for improvement.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

• Full membership of a professional accountancy body recognised by CCAB or qualified member of the Chartered Institute of Internal Auditors
• Accredited Counter Fraud Specialist ; Professional CIPFA Certificate in Investigative Practice; OR equivalent and significant audit/fraud experience
• Evidence of significant relevant Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Strategic management experience, including translating organisational drivers into strategic objectives, longer term plans, new ways of working and specific outcomes, for a service in a large public sector organisation (preferably local government) Knowledge of the major issues facing local government, understanding of the national policy context, requirements and future direction for relevant service areas Proven ability to drive through and deliver effective performance management within own organisation Experience in persuading a wide range of stakeholders to work together, encouraging an organisational focus on the needs of the community Excellent interpersonal and communication and presentation skills, with proven ability to communicate effectively to a wide range of audiences both horizontally and vertically, financial and non-financial, throughout the organisation Evidence of successful resources management in a multi-disciplinary environment, as well as a successful track record in managing large budgets, business planning, quality and performance management including formulating budgets and financial models, resolution of conflicting priorities, applying rigorous planning challenge and appropriate control procedures Significant experience of leading or delivering an audit service at management level and/or in advising at Committee/Cabinet/Board level Managing and successfully delivering a number of projects simultaneously, a knowledge of project management and of implementing and operating major changes to service provision; Experience of working effectively in an area with competing demands and tight time-scales. Able to lead, inspire and motivate a range of employees and generate a positive working environment Ability to think critically, apply innovative and creative thinking to address complex service challenges Well-developed IT skills (MS Office suite, financial systems, data visualisation tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau)) Demonstrate the ability to communicate, both written and oral, complex assurance issues to members, non-financial managers, senior officers and external organisations