Internal Auditor

We are looking for an objective Internal Auditor to add value and improve our operations by bringing a systematic and disciplined approach to the effectiveness of risk management, control, and governance processes.

The successful candidate will possess a thorough knowledge of accounting procedures and sound judgement. Working within a newly established team, they will also have a record of and preference for working in change environments with ambiguity.

About Us

The Harris Federation is a not-for-profit charity with almost 25 years’ experience of education in and around London. We have built our reputation on a family of Academies that, across the board, are setting standards of excellence and fulfilling high expectations.  Harris Federation exists to support and assist Academies to build upon their existing strengths to achieve rapid educational transformation.  Harris Academies comprise academies in both the secondary and primary sectors, traditionally sponsored Academies as well as schools which have chosen to convert to Academy status.  We also work alongside parent groups in promoting Free Schools.

Main Areas of Responsibility

Reporting to the Internal Audit Manager, your key responsibilities will include: 

• Working closely with Internal Audit Manager in the development of work programs to obtain assurance on controls and manage risks to improve the charity’s performance. 
• Delivering full end to end internal audits and preparing audit planning documentation including conducting walkthroughs of procedures. 
• Participating in risk-based audit engagements from planning to reporting, and producing quality deliverables to both IA team and professional standards according to the annual audit plan. 
• Assessing the internal control environment through control and substantive testing in accordance with the Audit & Risk Committee approved audit plan. 
• Identifying opportunities for improving internal controls; ensuring integrity and reliability of the controls. 
• Attending close out meetings to discuss findings identified, providing support and guidance to stakeholders and management on how to handle new opportunities. 
• Finalising audit findings and use judgment to provide an overall opinion on the control environment by developing recommendations to strengthen internal controls. 
• Performing follow up reviews to assess implementation status of internal audit findings. 
• Participating in IA team methodology review & updates to ensure quality and conformance with International Auditing Standards.

Qualifications & Experience

The successful candidate will: 

• Have previous experience in the Internal Audit role 
• Have knowledge of COSO or similar control/governance frameworks 
• Be able to demonstrate competencies required to plan and perform internal audit engagements in conformance with the Standards 
• Be able to produce, analyse and interpret complex data to identify issues 
• Have a proven ability to produce written reports of a good standard 
• Show good understanding of risk management and assurance techniques 
• Have good communication and stakeholder relationship skills 
• Have good planning and organisational skills 
• Be resilient and able to accept reasonable challenge but push back where necessary 
• Have good written & verbal communication skills 
• Demonstrate proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Next Steps

If you have any questions about this opportunity, please contact careers@harrisfederation.org.uk to arrange a conversation with the Director.

Before applying, please download the Job Pack for full details on the job responsibilities and person specification. You will need this when completing your application.

Please note: we may hold interviews as and when applications are received and we reserve the right to offer to a candidate prior to the closing date. We only accept applications submitted online via our careers website and which are completed before the closing deadline. With this in mind, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible and advise you check the job information as per the listing on our careers site.

Rewards & Benefits

Our people are at the heart of our success. We have developed a strong culture of collaboration and best practice, with professional development and career planning at its centre. We invest in our staff with support, coaching, mentoring, and a wide range of top-quality training programmes delivered at every level to senior leadership.

We look for talented individuals who share our vision for creating exceptional places of learning, and are committed to ensuring that every child in London has access to the best possible education.

In addition to the opportunities for career progression, training and development, we also offer a competitive rewards and benefits package which includes our Harris Allowance, a Performance and Loyalty Bonus, Pension Scheme, a Wellbeing Cash Plan and many other benefits.

We also operate a flexible hybrid working policy, details of which can be discussed at interview.

Safeguarding Notice

The Harris Federation and all our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share in this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed for all applicants. Before applying, please review our Policy Statement on the Recruitment of Ex-Offenders.

Equal Opportunities

The Harris Federation is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

As a provider of employment and education, we value the diversity of our staff and students, and all our staff are equally valued and respected. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment for our students and staff.