Internal Auditor, Public Sector, North Dublin

Our client, part of a Public Sector body based in North Dublin, is currently looking to recruit an Internal Auditor to join their team.
The Internal Auditor is a senior middle management position within the organisation. The role reports directly to the CEO and Board of Directors, forming a key part of the wider corporate governance regime.
Internal Audit is an independent, objective assurance and consulting activity designed to add value and improve an organisation's operations. It assists and supports an organisation to accomplish its objectives by bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve risk management processes and controls and provide reasonable assurances to senior management in this regard.
Internal Audit evaluates and identifies risk exposures in an organisation's governance, operations and information systems, specifically in relation to:

• Effectiveness and efficiency of operations
• Reliability and integrity of financial and operational information
• Safeguarding of assets
• Compliance with laws, regulations and contracts

The internal audit activity advises senior management and the Audit Committee on the adequacy and effectiveness of the whole system of internal controls within the organisation and provides reasonable assurances that the internal controls are effective and working as intended.
The Internal Auditor is expected to carry out their duties with an understanding of the political context of local government and in such a manner that enhances public trust and confidence and ensures impartial decision making.
The Internal Auditor will also work closely with the external Local Government Audit Service during the annual audit process. Duties & Responsibilities The key duties and responsibilities of the post of Internal Auditor include the following although the list is by no means exhaustive:

• To lead the Internal Audit Unit and provide effective leadership for staff within their area of responsibility
• To work with senior management to ensure all major risks are identified and analysed, on an on-going basis
• To provide Senior Management, Audit Committee and the Local Government Auditor with an opinion on the adequacy of the local authority system of internal controls
• To critically review and advise on risk management mitigation and control within the local authority
• To plan, organise and carry out the internal audit function including the preparation of an audit programme, scheduling / assigning of work and estimating resource needs
• To report to both the Audit Committee and senior management as required on the policies, programmes and activities of the Internal Audit Department and undertake reviews as requested
• To report to central government departments and other agencies that directly fund local authority activities when required
• To make recommendations on the systems and procedures being reviewed, report on the findings and recommendations and monitor management's response and implementation
• To review and report on the accuracy, timeliness and relevance of the financial and other information that is provided for management
• To report on local authorities activities and services with special regard to economy, efficiency and effectiveness and advise on the implementation of any recommendations contained within national Value for Money reports
• To work with and support the National Oversight and Audit Commission (NOAC) in their work generally within the sector
• To review, report and advise on compliance with the Public Spending Code
• To review and report on the performance in the overall sectoral Service Indicators
• To coordinate coverage of work programmes with the external auditors and to work with external audit service providers if required
• To assist and advice where required with regards to formal Protected Disclosures
• The post holder will contribute actively to developing and implementing policy generally throughout the organisation
• To carry out such duties as may be required by the Chief Executive or other designated senior officer

Qualifications for the Post:

• Hold a Recognised Accountancy or Internal Audit qualification
• Have a minimum of 3 years’ relevant experience at a senior level including management accounting and/or internal audit
• Be able to demonstrate a high level of knowledge of public sector financial systems and processes
• Have excellent report writing, communication and IT skill

It is also desirable that the successful candidate would possess the following:

• A thorough knowledge of the principles, procedures and practices of accounting and financial records and transactions
• A thorough knowledge of audit procedures, including risk assessment, planning, techniques, test and sampling methods involved in conducting audits
• An ability to investigate, gather, analyse and evaluate facts
• An ability to prepare and present concise oral and written reports
• An ability to establish and retain effective working relationships with other staff and to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing
• An ability to plan and organise audits
• An ability to work unsupervised
• An ability to manage and supervise staff
• An ability to use IT Systems

This is an excellent opportunity based in North Dublin with a hybrid working arrangement offered.