Internal Audit Manager

We are looking for an experienced individual to join our central team as Internal Audit Manager.

You will be responsible for providing independent, objective assurance and consulting services to improve operations and identify areas of risk across Harris Federation academies and Head Office, and will play a key role in supporting and monitoring compliance with financial, operational and governance procedures and regulations.

This role will be based at the Federation head office near East Croydon station, but will require regular travel to academies in and around London.

About Us

The Harris Federation is a leading education charity with 52 Harris primary and secondary academies across London and Essex. The founder, Chairman and sponsor of the Harris Federation, Lord Harris of Peckham, opened our first school in 1990. We now educate almost 40,000 young people and closing the gap between children from disadvantaged backgrounds and their peers has always been a core mission.

The Harris Federation has a track record of accomplishment in achieving success through rapid school improvement and has built an unrivalled reputation for running outstanding academies in London.

Our central team comprises a dedicated, driven group of departments working centrally to provide support across the Federation and all of our academies. Across a multitude of key departments, we maintain an outstanding body of staff all integral to supporting central and academy finance, HR, Data, Estates management, Talent and many more.

Main Areas of Responsibility

The Internal Audit Manager will:

• develop an annual audit plan using appropriate risk-based methodology, including any risk or control concerns identified by the management, and submitting the plan to the Chair of the Audit & Risk Committee for review and approval
• implement the annual audit plan, as approved, including, and as appropriate, any special tasks or projects requested by the senior management and the Audit & Risk Committee.
• execute and deliver audits in line with industry best-practice methodology and IIA standards including producing audit reports, which are impactful and address the root cause of issues.
• perform consulting services to assist senior management in meeting the Federation's strategic objectives.
• monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the Federation's Risk Management processes.
• highlight risks for inclusion in the Federation Risk Register as appropriate and assist the Director of Risk and Compliance in its compilation.
• issue periodic reports to the Audit & Risk Committee and senior management summarising results of audit activities.
• assist in the investigation of suspected fraudulent activities in the Federation and notify senior management and the Audit & Risk Committee of the results.
• prepare annual internal scrutiny reports to the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA).
• manage all internal audit processes effectively and look to continuously improve them.
• provide day-to-day oversight and management of the internal audit team, providing clear direction and effective communication.
• develop internal audit team members, through coaching and knowledge transfer.
• develop and maintain effective working relationships with multiple senior stakeholders in academies, Head Office and Board members.

You will also line manage the internal auditor.

Qualifications & Experience

The successful candidate will have:

• Qualifications to degree level or equivalent (Bachelors or Masters).
• Full qualifications as an audit professional (ACA/ACCA/CIA or equivalent qualified) with three years of internal audit experience, or part qualifications/qualifications by experience with the minimum of seven years' previous internal audit experience.
• Experience in assurance, controls and/or compliance-related roles, including consulting, auditing, risk management. Experience should include performing internal audits from the beginning of an engagement through to completion.
• Competencies required to address requirements to improve the overall control environment, risk management strategy and organization's strategic planning process.
• Experience in evaluating control design and operating effectiveness under an internal control framework.
• Proven experience of leading, managing teams and audits.
• Proven ability to create an effective risk-based audit plan in alignment with the organisation's strategy, risk profile, and risk management strategy.

Knowledge of forensic auditing techniques in fraud prevention, deterrence, and investigation is desirable.

Next Steps

If you have any questions about this opportunity, please contact us via e-mail, or call to arrange a conversation.

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.

Professional Development & 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 a Performance and Loyalty Bonus, Pension Scheme, a Wellbeing Cash Plan, electric car scheme, 26 days' annual leave (plus bank holidays) for non term-time only employees, and many other benefits. We offer flexible working in the form of "Core Hours" and potential for hybrid working.

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.