Reading is a thriving university town, rich in history, culture, and diversity, and year after year is rated one of the best places in the country to live and work. We are just 23 minutes by train from London, with great transport connections across the country and the region, including Crossrail.
At Reading Borough Council, Internal Auditors are essential and well regarded, providing assurance that services are well run, and resources are well managed. Our dedicated Internal Audit function provides assurance and consultancy services to both Reading Borough Council and Brighter Futures for Children, an independent, not-for-profit, company wholly owned by the Council that manages the provision of education, early help, and children’s services in Reading.
We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.
You will be based in the Council’s main offices in the centre of the town, less than a 10-minute walk from Reading station. We are open to flexible working patterns and can provide a hybrid working environment that utilises the best of both worlds with a mix of office working in central Reading and homeworking according to the needs of the Service. However, there will be some office days as we feel these are important to support you as an apprentice learning new skills to complement your studies.
About the role
We are looking for an enthusiastic and committed graduate or the equivalent to join our internal audit team and study towards becoming a qualified Internal Auditor.
When you join the team, you will be working towards your professional qualifications by completing a three-year graduate programme via a Level 7 apprenticeship.
This consists of the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) qualification for the first 18 months, followed by the Chartered Member of the Institute of Internal Auditors (CMIIA) for the following 18 months via Birmingham City University. The training is fully supported with study leave and training costs met by us but it is anticipated that you will need to commit some of your own time in the evenings and weekends to successfully achieve your professional qualification.
This role is a great opportunity for someone looking to start and/or progress their career in public sector internal audit. To support your studies, there will be on-the-job training where you will be work shadowing across the internal audit team, with the possibility of gaining some experience in other areas of the finance team and/or more widely in the organisation, whilst learning about the fundamental principles of internal audit.
Key responsibilities
- To undertake a programme of study to obtain the Institute of Internal Auditors Inc. Certified Internal Auditor and the Chartered Institute of Internal Auditors Chartered Internal Auditor qualifications within three years.
- To work on a variety of audits to gain a broad range of experience both within the internal audit team and services across the Council.
- To contribute towards the completion of a comprehensive audit programme to the required standard.
- To review and report on the effectiveness of a range of controls and governance arrangements to help ensure the efficient, effective, and secure use of Council resources.
- To demonstrate the highest professional and ethical standards.
You’ll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you’ll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place.
Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success. Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this:
- Work Together as one team - work collaboratively, with each other and with our partners, and demonstrate the Team Reading values in everything we do.
- Drive Efficiency - show initiative, be adaptable to change and put forward ideas to help improve delivery and efficiency. Take responsibility for our own learning and development and for reaching our potential.
- Be Ambitious - be demanding of our own performance – striving to be even better – and be prepared to engage with and challenge leaders in a constructive and positive way.
- Make a Difference to Reading - maintain the highest levels of customer service and be flexible and willing to provide the services needed at the time they are needed.
About you
We are looking for someone educated to graduate level who is keen to learn and is interested in a career in public sector internal audit, who wants to make a difference in local people’s lives and help the council to deliver its plan, although we will also consider applicants with some internal audit experience who are keen to progress by obtaining professional internal audit qualifications. You will be self-motivated and have a flexible approach to carrying out your workload.
Our offer
We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your internal audit career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition is strongly encouraged, and you’ll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment. We offer a competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:
- Generous holiday entitlement - 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays - rising to 33 days after 10 years' service, with the option to buy additional leave.
- A wide range of flexible working opportunities.
- Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading.
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
- Life Assurance - three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS).
- On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted.
- Season Ticket Loan - to help with the cost of your rail/ bus journey, to & from work.
- Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax.
Interview date on week commencing 17th June 2024.
Please note that the closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you complete and return your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.