Principal Auditor
Principal Auditor
Local Authority | West Midlands | 6-Month Interim Contract
An exciting opportunity has arisen for 2 experienced Principal Auditors to join a Local Authority in the West Midlands on an interim basis. Due to increased demand and a focus on strengthening audit capability, the Council is looking for experienced professionals to deliver complex audit reviews, support the internal audit programme, and help drive innovation across the audit function.
These roles offer the opportunity to play a key part in developing a modern, data-led approach to internal auditing, with a particular focus on data analytics, emerging technologies, and continuous improvement.
Contract Details
- Job Title: Principal Auditor
- Location: West Midlands
- Rate: Up to £500 per day (Inside IR35)
- Contract Length: 6 Months initially, with potential extension
- Start Date: ASAP
- Working Pattern: Full-time
- Working Arrangement: 1 day onsite in Birmingham every 2 weeks (non-negotiable)
The Role
Working as part of the Internal Audit team, you will lead and deliver complex audit assignments across a broad range of services, systems and control environments. You will use data analytics and modern audit methodologies to provide meaningful assurance, identify risks, and support improvements to governance, risk management and internal controls.
You will work closely with senior stakeholders across the organisation, providing robust challenge and practical recommendations while helping to shape and enhance the Council’s audit service.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and deliver complex internal audit reviews across a range of services, systems and operational areas
- Undertake data-led audit assignments, analysing information to identify risks, trends and control weaknesses
- Support the planning and delivery of the annual internal audit programme
- Produce high-quality audit reports with clear, practical and risk-based recommendations
- Provide assurance on governance, risk management and internal control arrangements
- Develop strong working relationships with senior officers, managers and key stakeholders
- Promote innovation, continuous improvement and modern audit practices across the service
- Support the use of data analytics, AI tools and emerging technologies within audit reviews
- Identify opportunities to improve audit methodologies and increase service effectiveness
- Ensure audit work is delivered in accordance with professional standards and best practice
About You
- Significant experience delivering internal audit assignments at Senior Auditor or Principal Auditor level
- Strong understanding of governance, risk management and internal control frameworks
- Excellent data analytics skills with experience using data to drive audit findings and assurance work
- Experience utilising AI tools or emerging technologies within audit, assurance, risk or related functions
- Strong report writing skills and the ability to communicate complex findings clearly and concisely
- Excellent stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence and challenge at all levels
- Able to work independently and manage a varied workload with minimal supervision
- Proactive, forward-thinking and committed to continuous improvement
- Public sector audit experience is desirable, although candidates from private sector internal audit backgrounds will also be considered
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Principal Auditor, Senior Auditor, Internal Audit Manager, Audit Consultant, or Internal Audit Specialist looking to make an immediate impact within a progressive and forward-thinking Local Authority audit function.
To apply or find out more, please apply with your most up to date CV and a member of the team will be in contact.