Internal Auditor

We are looking for an Internal Auditor to join our central compliance team at the Harris Federation.

WORKING WITH US

The founder and sponsor of the Harris Federation, Lord Harris of Peckham, opened our first school in 1990. We have, over the past thirty years, implemented ideas and initiatives that have transformed the opportunities of pupils from working class and disadvantaged backgrounds. Harris academies are widely recognised as a force for social mobility. We are immensely proud of the role that our alumni are now beginning to play in the world and of what we believe our current generation of pupils will go on to achieve.

We now have over 50 schools educating more than 40,000 young people across London and Essex, and employ over 5,000 staff across our academies and head office. With the majority of our academies located in areas of high socioeconomic disadvantage, a high-quality education is key to the futures of the pupils we serve.

As a provider of employment and education, we value the diversity of our staff and students, and all our staff are equally valued and respected. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment for our students and staff.

Our work will impact many generations to come, and our staff come from all backgrounds and walks of life, coming together to inspire young minds. We promote an inclusive culture that embraces the valuable and enriching contribution that all of our community make. We continue to be proactive in uplifting and supporting all voices at Harris.

To discover more about our culture, ethos and what it is like to work here, visit the Why Work For Us page.

MAIN AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

You will play a key role in the delivery of the approved Internal Audit plan and related risk and assurance activities in accordance with recognised professional standards. This will include being responsible for completion of the end-to-end audit process for a portfolio of assigned reviews.

Reporting to the Internal Audit Manager, your key responsibilities will include:

• Being accountable for the delivery of a portfolio of audits to time and budget whilst managing conflicting priorities.
• Planning, undertaking and reporting on audits across the Federation's Head Office and 55 academies.
• Identifying, assessing and reporting on the risks arising from areas under review.
• To complete follow up exercises on previously agreed recommendations.
• Providing assistance to the Internal Audit Manager in, or leading on, ad hoc audit work, projects and investigations.
• Deputising for the Internal Audit Manager, including at Audit and Risk Committee as required.
• To contribute to the annual planning cycle.
• To produce statistical data for inclusion in termly and annual reports.
• To seek and build professional relationships with key stakeholders across the Federation including at academy sites.
• To contribute to service improvement and the development of the Internal Audit function.

This role will require to Federation sites, currently located across London and Essex, as required to fulfil the job description.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We would like to hear from you if you have:

• Sound knowledge of Internal Audit professional Standards and the role of Internal Audit
• A recognised Internal Audit qualification or considerable transferable experience and a willingness to obtain such a qualification
• Current membership of a relevant professional body
• Significant experience of working within Internal Audit
• The ability to complete the end-to-end Internal Audit process with minimal supervision
• A proven track history of maintaining effective relationships with key stakeholders
• Effective communication skills, both oral and written
• The ability to build, develop and maintain effective professional relationships
• Strong time management skills
• The ability to manage conflicting priorities while delivering to deadlines
• Analytical skills including an understanding of data analytics tools and techniques
• The ability to use professional influence to coach management responses to issues raised
• A professional can-do attitude

For a full job description and person specification, please download the Job Pack.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

Harris has a strong culture of collaboration and best practice, with professional development and career planning at its centre. We invest in our staff with support, coaching, mentoring, and a wide range of top-quality training programmes delivered at every level.

You will also have access to a variety of benefits, support programmes and initiatives including:

• Excellent opportunities for continuous professional development and career progression
• Annual performance and loyalty bonus
• Pension scheme (Teachers' Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme) with generous employer contribution
• 26 days' annual leave (inclusive of our Christmas Eve closure day) plus bank holidays, rising to 27 days after 2 years' service, or equivalent for staff on term time contracts
• Harris Wellbeing Cash Plan including cover for routine and specialist healthcare
• Employee Assistance Programme for free and confidential advice
• Cycle to work salary sacrifice scheme
• Wide range of shopping, leisure, and travel discounts
• 20% off at Tapi Carpets, exclusive to Harris employees
• Interest-free ICT and season ticket loans

For most non-teaching staff based at our Head Office in East Croydon, we also offer lifestyle friendly working arrangements including flexible start and end times, and hybrid working with two days from home and three days on site.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Safeguarding Notice

The Harris Federation and all our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, references, an online search, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed.

Equal Opportunities

The Harris Federation is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. We value the diversity of our staff and students, and everyone at the Harris Federation is equally valued and respected. We aim to be an inclusive employer that reflects the communities we serve. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment.