Head of Assurance

• Location: Ashton Office Base & Home-working. Willing to accept mostly remote. 
• Day rate: £650 per day umbrella. 
• Job Type: Permanent, Full-time (36 hours per week)
• Working Pattern: Monday to Friday (flexible / hybrid working)

We are seeking a Head of Assurance to provide strategic leadership to our assurance function, which includes risk management, internal audit, counter fraud, and information governance. This pivotal role supports the Council in achieving its strategic and operational objectives by ensuring robust governance and internal control arrangements.

• Lead and develop the Council’s assurance function, aiming for best-in-class service that is respected both internally and externally.
• Maintain and enhance stakeholder relationships, providing guidance and advice to both officers and members.
• Oversee the Council’s risk management, insurance, and information governance frameworks.
• Direct the risk-based internal audit provision, assessing needs and ensuring effective delivery.
• Manage investigations of fraud and corruption, ensuring compliance with legal standards and maintaining effective counter fraud measures.
• Deliver high-quality assurance reports to governance structures such as the Senior Leadership Team, Council, and Audit Panel.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and update assurance-related policies as needed.
• Collaborate with external auditors and agencies to optimize assurance coverage.
• Support strategic management of the Assurance function and deputise for the Resources Director when necessary.
• Manage operational budgets and staffing resources within the function, ensuring continuous improvement and value for money.

• CCAB qualification (CIPFA, ICAEW, CIMA, ACCA, MIIA).
• Extensive experience leading/managing an assurance function, preferably in the public sector.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to engage and manage teams effectively.
• Proficient in technical auditing and accounting.
• Excellent analytical skills to handle complex data.
• Superior communication and presentation skills.
• Proactive, problem-solving approach with high levels of motivation.
• Ability to maintain objectivity in a political environment.
• Demonstrated honesty, integrity, tact, and diplomacy.
• Outcome-focused and flexible