Interim Head of Audit
CV-LibraryLondoncontractPosted: 1 October 2026
Apply NowMust have previous Local Authority experience
The Role
We are recruiting on behalf of a London local authority for an experienced Interim Head of Internal Audit, Anti-Fraud & Risk to lead the council's internal audit, anti-fraud and risk management functions. This is a high-profile, statutory post requiring close engagement with senior leadership, Members and the Audit Committee, acting as the council's principal advisor on audit, risk and counter-fraud matters.
Key Responsibilities
* Provide strategic leadership of the internal audit, anti-fraud and risk services, ensuring delivery of effective and compliant assurance arrangements across the council and any associated entities
* Fulfil the statutory responsibilities of the Head of Internal Audit, including development of the audit strategy, annual audit plan and provision of the annual audit opinion
* Manage the audit and investigation units, ensuring service plans and objectives are met across the borough
* Manage contracts for any externally provided elements of the internal audit service, and oversee outsourced audit partners
* Lead the development and implementation of the council's counter-fraud and corruption strategy, overseeing complex investigations
* Act as the organisation's lead on risk management, supporting the Corporate Leadership Team in identifying and managing strategic risks
* Provide expert advice on governance, internal control and value for money across all services
* Maintain strong relationships with external auditors, Members, the Audit Committee, law enforcement and government bodies
About You
* Significant experience in a Head of Internal Audit, Chief Internal Auditor or senior audit leadership role, within local government.
* CMIIA, CCAB-qualified accountant, or equivalent recognised audit/accountancy qualification
* Strong working knowledge of the Public Sector Internal Audit Standards (PSIAS) / Global Internal Audit Standards (GIAS)
* Proven experience managing counter-fraud and corruption strategy and complex investigations
* Confident operating at a senior level with elected Members, Audit Committees and Corporate Leadership Teams
* Available for an immediate or short-notice start
The Role
We are recruiting on behalf of a London local authority for an experienced Interim Head of Internal Audit, Anti-Fraud & Risk to lead the council's internal audit, anti-fraud and risk management functions. This is a high-profile, statutory post requiring close engagement with senior leadership, Members and the Audit Committee, acting as the council's principal advisor on audit, risk and counter-fraud matters.
Key Responsibilities
* Provide strategic leadership of the internal audit, anti-fraud and risk services, ensuring delivery of effective and compliant assurance arrangements across the council and any associated entities
* Fulfil the statutory responsibilities of the Head of Internal Audit, including development of the audit strategy, annual audit plan and provision of the annual audit opinion
* Manage the audit and investigation units, ensuring service plans and objectives are met across the borough
* Manage contracts for any externally provided elements of the internal audit service, and oversee outsourced audit partners
* Lead the development and implementation of the council's counter-fraud and corruption strategy, overseeing complex investigations
* Act as the organisation's lead on risk management, supporting the Corporate Leadership Team in identifying and managing strategic risks
* Provide expert advice on governance, internal control and value for money across all services
* Maintain strong relationships with external auditors, Members, the Audit Committee, law enforcement and government bodies
About You
* Significant experience in a Head of Internal Audit, Chief Internal Auditor or senior audit leadership role, within local government.
* CMIIA, CCAB-qualified accountant, or equivalent recognised audit/accountancy qualification
* Strong working knowledge of the Public Sector Internal Audit Standards (PSIAS) / Global Internal Audit Standards (GIAS)
* Proven experience managing counter-fraud and corruption strategy and complex investigations
* Confident operating at a senior level with elected Members, Audit Committees and Corporate Leadership Teams
* Available for an immediate or short-notice start