Head of Business Assurance and Chief Auditor

Overview

Are you ready to make a real impact at the heart of a modern and ambitious local authority? We are seeking an exceptional strategic leader to become our Head of Business Assurance and Chief Auditor.

This is a unique opportunity to shape and lead Buckinghamshire Councils audit, risk, insurance and anti-fraud functions, safeguarding the integrity of our organisation. If you thrive on challenge and want to influence decision-making at the highest level, we want to hear from you.

Salary of up to £93,450 per annum dependant on experience.

About us

Buckinghamshire is an ambitious, rapidly growing county, and our economy is one of the strongest in the country. The county ranks as one of the top areas to live in the UK and it is incredibly well connected– less than an hour from London on the train. The county has a rich history and heritage and is the birthplace of the international Paralympic movement.

Buckinghamshire supports and delivers positive change for local people, communities, and businesses. We are firmly focused on the future and have made a clear commitment to serve residents better and to provide stronger representation for Buckinghamshire, both locally and nationally. 

The Business Assurance Team is responsible for providing assurance to the Council that the governance and control framework in place is operating effectively, that risk management is embedded across the Council and that adequate insurance provision is in place to protect the Council’s insurable assets. This is an opportunity to define the future vision and design of the service, working with the Service Director Major projects, Assistant Chief Executive and the Cabinet Member for Resources.

About the role

As the Head of Business Assurance and Chief Auditor, you will provide essential assurances to Cabinet, Committees, the Corporate Management Team, the Monitoring Officer and to the Section 151 Officer. You’ll lead internal audit, risk management, and anti-fraud functions, helping to fulfil the Council’s statutory obligations, safeguard the Council’s reputation and drive continuous improvement.

You will be joining the Service at a pivotal moment, as we consider the future vision and design. You will help to define and implement this, working with the Service Director Major Projects, Assistant Chief Executive and the Cabinet Member for Resources.Key responsibilities include:

• Provide assurance to Members, the S151 Officer, and Monitoring Officer that Council activities align with strategies and policies, and that risks are managed effectively.
• Lead the Internal Audit service, ensuring it supports the Council’s Assurance Framework and complies with Global Internal Audit Standards.
• Deliver strategic risk management advice and a proactive Anti-Fraud and Investigation service, supporting our zero-tolerance stance on fraud.
• Oversee the Council’s insurance arrangements, advising on insurable risks and ensuring best value.
• Develop and embed robust assurance, risk management, and anti-fraud strategies across the Council.
• Manage complex and sensitive issues, requiring negotiation, persuasion, and influencing skills at the highest levels.
• Lead a professional team, manage a significant budget, and report regularly to senior committees and boards.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, professional development, and innovation within the Business Assurance service.

For further information on this role please see the attached job summary.

About you

We are looking for an accomplished senior leader with substantial expertise in assurance, internal audit, risk management, and anti-fraud within a large and complex organisation. You will demonstrate exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement skills, a proven track record of inspirational leadership, and the ability to influence and build relationships at the most senior levels. A strong commitment to upholding the highest standards, fostering continuous improvement, and consistently embodying our organisational values in all you do is fundamental to this role.

Other information

The team works on a hybrid model, with 2 days in the office and 3 days working from home (with flexibility to allow for times when more office days are required to cover formal/ in-person meetings).

Closing date: 26^th November 2025

Interview date: To be confirmed

Interview-type / process: In person

This post is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants are required to declare:

• All unspent cautions and/or unspent convictions

For further information on how long it takes for cautions and convictions cautions to become spent, please refer to our guide on the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (updated 2023) | Nacro

We reserve the right to close the vacancy once we have received sufficient applications, so please be advised to submit your application as early as possible.

Our values and culture

We have a set of values, which our employees have chosen, that represent what we are – Proud, Ambitious, Collaborative and Trustworthy.

By joining Buckinghamshire Council, you can expect:

a fair and inclusive culture

• the chance to really make a difference to those around you
• health and well-being initiatives including an Employee Assistance Programme, Mental Health First Aiders and mindfulness workshops
• a unified voice through our Employee Representative Group
• ongoing support, and the opportunity to develop and progress in your career with us
• opportunities to take part in fun activities such as fundraising and social events

At Buckinghamshire Council, we know that our biggest strength comes from the people that work for us, and that’s why we’re working hard to ensure we continue to be an accessible and inclusive organisation.

From dedicated staff networks overseen by our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Steering Group, to proudly standing as a Disability Confident employer, it’s important to us that all our colleagues feel engaged, listened to, and valued. Our offer of flexible working empowers a productive and happy workforce and allows employees to combine work with other responsibilities and commitments.

We believe our workforce should reflect the diverse communities we service in Buckinghamshire, and are looking for like-minded individuals to join us in promoting equality, fairness, and inclusion for everyone.

 

About the Business Unit

The Assistant Chief Executive directorate is central to Buckinghamshire Council’s journey to establish itself as one of the best councils in the country. With a clear focus on service improvement through transformation and a drive to build better relationships with the local community, the directorate is fast-paced; but extremely rewarding. Our teams are not only proactively delivering on projects and plans but also reacting to developing situations. If you are ambitious, innovative, and would relish the opportunity to influence change - a role within our service area could be your next career move.

The team includes exciting areas of work, including our Policy and Communications, Legal and Democratic Services teams – innovating the way we communicate with our colleagues, Members and the local community, and role-modelling best practice through policy, planning and legal services. If you think you can help us achieve our goals, and want to be a part of this exciting journey, we would love to hear from you!

We recognise and reward you

Hard work and success deserves recognition. That’s why we pride ourselves on the benefits we give our people. We actively encourage a good work-life balance and promote flexible and agile working arrangements. We provide discounts on various Cafés, restaurants, shops and auto enrolment onto our generous Pension Scheme. In addition to the opportunity to gain membership to Costco, we have discounted gym memberships, travel discounts with Arriva and much more.

https://jobs.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/working-buckinghamshire-council/