Head of Internal Audit, Risk, Business Development and Improvement

Job Introduction

Bradford Finance is undergoing significant change and investment. Having been under resourced for a number of years it is now entering a new phase of development and strategic focus in order to support the Council’s ambitious new corporate strategy and plans. 

A restructure has recently completed with the department now comprising four key teams: Management Accounting; Corporate and Strategic Finance; Projects, Systems and Commercial; and Internal Audit, Risk, Business Development and Improvement. The restructure includes significant additional capacity and investment in training and development.  

A new service plan is being developed during 2025 with a clear strategic focus and direction including a development plan to focus on delivering financial literacy across the organisation, while at the same time, elevating the impact of the Finance team within the organisation to support and drive the Council’s strategic plans whilst delivering its financial sustainability and recovery programme.  

The team has recently been highly instrumental in the last 12 months in helping the Council secure:

• The lifting of the Best Value Notice put in place in February 2024 by February 2025, an unprecedented achievement.
• A very positive review by CIPFA about progress being made in Bradford to become financially sustainable. CIPFA cites progress being made in several key areas, including the addressing of risks identified in the previous review of 2023. They also report that financial planning in Bradford is robust, savings proposals are well considered and are being delivered, even where choices are difficult.
• Completion of the 2025/26 budget much earlier than previously.
• Closure and audit sign off of the 2022/23 and 2023/24 accounts in the last 4 months, both with an unqualified opinion.
• A very positive half year report by the Council’s Independent Board. 

The Head of Internal Audit, Risk, Business Development and Improvement role is crucial to the delivery of the Council’s plans and future financial sustainability. The post is key to developing and providing a strategic vision for the future development of the service to enable the council to meet its future challenges whilst fostering a culture of continuous improvement. This role is an opportunity to make a real difference in our vibrant and diverse city. 

We are looking for an exceptional individual to join our dedicated team to lead as our Head of Internal Audit, Risk, Business Development and Improvement. The successful candidate will be expected to lead, develop and ensure implementation of and review change management programmes to deliver continual improvement. 

 The main responsibilities of this role are:

1. To manage, lead and motivate a team of staff to provide high quality internal audit, risk, business development and improvement services across the Council and its partners.  To define the strategy and execution of plans for delivery of the services in line with the highest professional standards.  
2. Responsible to the Director of Finance, working within broad policy guidelines and objectives with a high degree of discretion and delegated authority. The seniority of the post is such that the post holder is required to demonstrate initiative, high levels of political awareness, professional and managerial competence in carrying out the functions of the post.
3. Quality assure, prepare and present appropriate reports to senior management and elected Members as required. Support the Director of Finance in the approval of reports prepared for Executive and other Committees providing advice and guidance as appropriate. The role will be a key contact and supporter of the Council’s Governance and Audit Committee or any alternative Constitutional arrangement.
4. Deal with complex, sensitive and confidential matters on a regular basis and liaise directly with elected Members, Strategic Directors, assistant directors, senior management, Trade Unions, senior officers and external agencies, providing professional advice and assurance on internal control, risk, governance and business development and improvement matters. 
5. To positively support and deliver the vision, values and strategic objectives of the Council through the Finance service by providing constructive and timely advice on all financial matters, control issues, innovative solutions to key projects and corporate initiatives. 
6. Develop and maintain strong and positive working relationships with top management and other senior officers, other council services, external agencies, external audit and peer groups working corporately and cooperatively to ensure the service is at the forefront of innovation and change.
7. Responsible for communicating corporate goals, values and objectives and all associated tasks relating to health and welfare of staff which will include, carrying out staff appraisal, coaching and mentoring in order to assist with career progression and ensure staff operate within a learning culture and ensuring corporate standards are met, for example management of sickness absence. 

Internal Audit

• Direct and manage the internal audit service in line with the Public Sector Internal Audit Standards ensuring the planning,  supervision and control of the activities of the Internal audit section to:
  • Promote the development of soundly-based systems of control within the Council by making appropriate recommendations;
  • Review financial and non-financial systems and make recommendations for improvement in controls to mitigate or manage identified risks;
  • Assist in the safeguarding of the Council’s assets and interests from losses due to fraudulent offences, waste, extravagance and inefficiency;
  • Provide independent advice on new and existing systems and procedures;
  • Undertake the audit of government grant claims ensuring compliance with grant conditions.

Risk Management

• Direct and lead the development of risk management arrangements across the Council and partners in line with best professional practice ensuring:
  • there are plans for the development of risk management, 
  • arrangements to embed risk in day-to-day processes including regular training 
  • regular reporting of strategic and operational risks at corporate, departmental and project level
  • maintenance of a corporate-level summary analysis of the Council-wide risk landscape and the associated mitigations. 
  • regular review of the risk management strategy and processes.
•  To direct and lead the Council’s approach to the development and completion of the Council’s Annual Governance Statement. 

Business Development and Improvement

• Lead and embed a planning, programme and project management culture and direct the Deputy Head of Business Development and Improvement on post implementation reviews, LEAN methodology and processes; be an advocate and active representative of Bradford Finance on external bodies, for example, CIPFA, including advising national panels and groups as required.
• Ensure and embed “Best in Class” working methods across Bradford Finance to achieve major improvement e.g. in processes and systems to support key financial activities including budget monitoring and tracking; foster and lead a high performance and continuous improvement culture delivering leading edge financial management, commercial analysis and advice to support service reviews, key strategic projects and procurements.
• Develop and maintain working relationships with top management and other senior officers, other Council services, external agencies and peer groups working corporately and cooperatively to ensure the service is at the forefront of innovation and change.
• Direct the Deputy Head of Business Development and Improvement to commission and undertake leading research and benchmarking nationally, across the public and private sector, to inform Bradford Finance and ensure it is best in class; develop an effective framework for promoting high levels of compliance with the Councils performance standards, procedures and financial regulations.
• Work across the Council to prompt, challenge and support radical and ambitious programmes of work and projects to improve services and value for money.

How to Apply

If you are interested in joining our team and would like some further information, please contact

• Steven Mair, Interim Director of Finance email Steven.Mair@Bradford.gov.uk, or
• Mike Thomas on 07738 128501 or email Mike.Thomas@Bradford.gov.uk.

Further information is available through the links below, along with the attached Job Profile and Candidate Information Pack.

Budget Meeting of Council - 06 March 2025

Statement of Accounts - 2023/24

CBMDC - External Assurance Review

Employee Offer

Why work for Bradford Council? Find out why by taking a look at Our Employee Offer.pdf .

Equal Opportunities 

We do not discriminate against any applicant or employee directly or indirectly on the grounds of gender, marital status, gender re-assignment, pregnancy, sexual orientation, disability, race, colour, ethnic background, religion or belief nationality or age. And, as an equal opportunities employer, the Council strives to employ the best qualified people from a diverse range of applicants. 

 The RESPECT Allyship Programme is available to all staff, which offers the opportunity to learn more about the diverse communities & groups and provides added benefits and resources to its members.