Auditor sought to scrutinise work of MoJ

Government Internal Audit Agency offers up to £117,800 a year for the right candidate
Photo: CP Hoffman/Flickr/CC BY-SA 2.0

The Government Internal Audit Agency is seeking a “proven leader who is able to influence at senior levels” to scrutinise the work of the Ministry of Justice and its arm’s-length bodies.

The group chief auditor will lead the development and implementation of an internal audit plan for the MoJ. They will be embedded in the department and work with its ALBs, including HM Prison and Probation Service and HM Courts and Tribunals Service, and its 31 other agencies and public bodies.

They will provide the MoJ, the GIAA's accounting officers and audit committees with "reliable, evidence-based, independent opinions on risk management, control and governance" and help manage relationships with external bodies such as the National Audit Office, the Treasury, and parliament's Public Accounts Committee around value for money and financial audits.

“This role presents a fascinating opportunity to work in a large, complex, government department in the political and public spotlight,” GIAA chief executive Elizabeth Honer wrote in the candidate pack.

“It requires deep experience of modern, risk-based internal audit along with sophisticated strategic thinking and political sensitivity. The confidence to build trusted, productive relationships at the highest levels in government is essential.”

The successful candidate could earn up to £117,800 a year. However, external applicants can expect to earn up to £85,000 in the role, “being mindful of the scrutiny on public sector pay”, according to the candidate pack. Existing civil servants who apply could earn more “in line with the normal civil service pay rules”.

Within the GIAA – an executive agency of the Treasury – the successful candidate will lead a team of professional auditors and work with the wider internal audit community to enhance the agency’s service across Whitehall, helping to build the capability of the government’s audit function.

“This is a significant career opportunity to join a fast-paced and growing organisation,” the job advert says.

Applicants must have strong leadership skills, a track record of influencing senior figures to adopt good practice, strong analytical capability and an “outstanding” ability to communicate with a wide range of people.

They must have worked at board level or equivalent, have managed relationships between departments and their sponsored bodies, and have developed and delivered a risk-based internal audit programme.

Applicants must also have accounting or auditing qualifications and be members of a relevant professional body.

Applications close on 2 May.

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