Head of Internal Audit (ESFA)

Company

We are delighted to be working on behalf of one of the UK’s leading training providers to appoint a Head of Audit & Risk. As a newly created role in structure, this is a highly visible role requiring strategic thinking, effective leadership, and a strong commitment to ensuring compliance and funding risks are minimised via effective processes, controls, and funding assurance activity.

Responsible for undertaking ESFA (Education & Skills Funding Agency) audit activity and supporting the business in improving its internal control environment. In addition, it is responsible for leading risk discussions to identify key risks faced by the business and to understand and challenge how these risks are mitigated.

Offered on a fully remote basis with occasional travel to HQ

Role

Reporting to the Director of Compliance and Audit Committee, you will lead the internal audit agenda. Working across the business you will lead a team to ensure that technology-led, risk-based funding assurance activity is completed via data analysis and internal funding assurance activity, quantifying and escalating any identified risks. Working you will ensure that all corrective actions are completed, trends are analysed, and processes, controls and governance are enhanced to prevent reoccurrence of non-compliance and risk.

You will work closely with third party Internal Auditors, and carry out independent assessments of the effectiveness of internal controls, risk management and governance processes . You will also assist with setting the annual Internal Audit Plan, undertaking ad-hoc investigations and corrective actions/reviews when required.

About You

• ACA or ACCA Qualified
• Extensive understanding of ESFA apprenticeship funding rules
• Experience of audit planning at a strategic level involving the preparation of long-term audit plans
• Experience in driving technology-led process improvements and leading and managing complex projects