Audit Manager (Audit Services Group) (Fixed Term)

We have vacancies for two Audit Managers to join our Audit Services Group on a Fixed Term basis for 23 months.

Audit Scotland provides the Auditor General and Accounts Commission with the services they need to carry out their duties. Together we ensure that the Scottish Government and public-sector bodies throughout Scotland are held to account for the proper, efficient and effective use of public money. We employ around 340 staff in a wide variety of roles, working from our main offices in Edinburgh and Glasgow, and through a network of regional offices across Scotland.

Overall purpose of the role

You will conduct and manage financial audit work. You will make risk-based decisions about the audit approach and you will make complex audit judgements and oversee the work of the team to deliver our audits to a high standard. You’ll engage with clients and stakeholders and proactively use these networks to add value to the work we deliver. You will lead on distinct areas to support the development of Audit Scotland’s work programme and contribute to corporate activities.

What you will be doing

You’ll be inspiring with your ability to:

• Make risk-based decisions about the audit approach and breadth and depth of auditing required in proportion to the circumstances.
• Make complex audit judgements and lead the team to make audit judgements and strategic recommendations based on all the evidence collected.
• Prepare and finalise audit outputs and be responsible for the content of the finished products.
• Be responsible for planning and delivering audits to time, cost and quality standards. This includes responsibility for all elements of managing an audit, including resourcing, cost monitoring (and taking appropriate action), impact work and supporting media enquiries.
• Identify, build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders and proactively use these networks to add value to our work and reputation.
• Provide leadership, build capacity and resilience in the team and motivate, support and develop people to achieve their full potential.
• Line manage staff, actively managing their development and addressing performance issues.
• Maximise the impact of our work, including presenting and promoting audit outputs and findings at the highest client and stakeholder level e.g. the Scottish Parliament or Accounts Commission, governing boards, audit committees or external stakeholder events.
• Be responsible for identifying lessons learned to improve audit quality and efficiency and, where appropriate, share these across the organisation.
• Lead on distinct areas to support the development of Audit Scotland’s work programme.
• Contribute to the management of Audit Scotland by promoting, contributing to and, where appropriate, leading on corporate activities.

Knowledge and experience

You will be a fully qualified accountant (CIPFA, ICAS, other CCAB, or equivalent) with practical experience of delivering high-quality financial audits, ideally in a public sector environment.

You’ll undertake professional and personal development to maintain technical expertise, meet CPD requirements and enhance your career prospects at Audit Scotland.

Self-aware in your own abilities, you can plan and manage your own work. You will have well developed auditing, accountancy and analytical skills. You will have the ability to convert your analysis into clear judgements backed up by clear recommendations for improvement. You know how to work seamlessly within an audit team and help to bring out the best in your colleagues

Person specification - specific knowledge and experience 

Essential 

• You are a fully qualified accountant (CIPFA, ICAS, Other CCAB, or equivalent)
• You have demonstrable external financial audit experience – preferably in a public sector environment
• You will have practical experience of delivering audits to time, quality and cost (i.e. tight deadlines)
• You think laterally and creatively to research and analyse complex problems
• You use your judgement to present balanced findings and persuasive recommendations
• You know how to bring out the best in a team and have experience of managing/supervising and coaching others.
• Experience of the public sector including knowledge of public finances and policy
• You can deal confidently, and establish good relationships, with stakeholders and deal with difficult situations in a professional and effective manner.

Desirable

• Demonstrable knowledge of the challenges facing the organisation and the wider public sector.
• You have digital ICT audit experience.
• You can demonstrate significant experience in leading discussions with senior staff in audited bodies and stakeholder groups.

Other conditions 

Audit Scotland is committed to ensuring that: 

•  We minimise our impact on the environment in accordance with Government policy affecting public sector organisations.  
• We uphold the principles of equality, fairness & diversity.  
• We all work within a safe environment and adhere to good standards of health & safety.  
• All information is protected and managed appropriately.  
• We maintain independence and political neutrality.