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 Senior Auditor is a key member of the Internal Audit team providing audit review services across a range of the Councils services including West Yorkshire Pension Fund. The role is crucial to the delivery of the Council’s audit plans and development of assurance for the Governance and Audit Committee. The postholder will be involved in developing and assisting with providing a strategic vision for the future development of the service in the context of the function’s role in the broader Internal Audit, Risk, Business Development and Improvement team. This role is an opportunity to make a real difference in our vibrant and diverse city.
We are looking for an exceptional individual to lead as our Senior Auditor to join our dedicated team in the Finance Department. The successful candidate will be expected to lead audit work, whilst developing and ensuring implementation of key aspects of the audit plan in order to deliver a service compliant with the Public Sector Internal Audit Standards.
The main responsibilities of this role are:
- To provide an effective internal audit service delivering assurance to management that the key risks within the services examined across all parts of the Council are being managed effectively.
- To develop proactive, creative and cost-effective solutions where identified weaknesses in systems and processes expose the Authority to unacceptable levels of risk.
- To advise management and other stakeholders on both internal audit matters and on the most effective governance, risk management and internal control arrangements.
- To undertake complex internal audit assignments in accordance with public sector internal audit standards.
- To undertake a wide range audit assignments, included in the Audit Plan, in order to strengthen and improve financial control, risk and governance arrangements across the Council and its partners.
- To communicate the results of internal audit assignments to audit clients in accordance with professional standards in an informed, confident, polite and understanding manner.
- To manage time efficiently to ensure assignments are completed on time and within budget.
- To listen to the department’s customers and identify potential solutions to their needs.
- To perform investigations and undertake reviews on behalf of top management reporting findings direct.
- To undertake specialist audit work as appropriate; e.g. contract audit, computer audit, and grant verification work.
- To research and maintain specialised knowledge in various financial disciplines to provide expert audit advice to and on behalf of the council.
- To improve the effectiveness of internal audit by leading in the development of processes and procedures and assist in training and development of audit staff.
- To carry out joint assignments working alongside other audit staff or staff from the Corporate Fraud Unit.
- To maintain all records and databases required to support the Internal Audit function.
How to Apply
If you are interested in joining our team and would like some further information, please contact
- Michael Parkinson, Deputy Head of Internal Audit on Tel 01274 433148 or email: Michael.Parkinson@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.
