Strategic Audit and Assurance Business Partner

Strategic Audit and Assurance Business Partner

Location:

Aylesbury

This is an exciting opportunity to work at the heart of a large and diverse organisation where your insight, challenge and expertise will help shape how we deliver for our communities today and in the future.

Salary of up to £78,453 per annum dependant on experience.

Contract:

This is a 12 month fixed term contract/secondment opportunity (potential for extension)

Buckinghamshire Council is a relatively new organisation that combines the strengths and expertise of the previous five councils in the county to create positive change for local people, communities, and businesses. We are firmly focused on the future and have made a clear commitment to serve residents better and to provide stronger representation for Buckinghamshire, both locally and nationally.

As our Strategic Audit & Assurance Business Partner, you’ll be instrumental in providing high‑level advice, assurance and specialist insight across the Council. You’ll partner with senior leaders, members, and stakeholders to support robust governance, ensure effective risk management and deliver high‑quality audit and assurance work that drives improvement.

In this influential role, you will:

• Lead and deliver strategic audit and assurance assignments, presenting insightful findings and practical recommendations to senior leadership.
• Influence and support strategic decision‑making across major projects, service areas and Council priorities.
• Oversee key assurance frameworks, including the Council’s Assurance Map and Grant Assurance Programme.
• Anticipate emerging risks and sector developments, using horizon scanning to advise services and shape strategic planning.
• Build and manage strong partner and stakeholder relationships, including with external providers through our co‑sourcing arrangements.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of the audit function, including quality assurance processes and compliance with Global Internal Audit Standards.
• Deputise for the Head of Business Assurance at senior meetings, governance boards and Audit & Governance Committee sessions.
• Lead, coach and develop others helping embed a collaborative, customer‑focused, “can‑do” culture across the service.

This role is about more than meeting audit requirements it’s about driving assurance that adds value, strengthens governance, and supports delivery of better outcomes across the organisation.

Any-Desk:
As an ‘any-desk’ worker, you’ll need to be connected to our network to access digital folders and resources, but this can either be from home or an office location when required. You will be required to work from the office a couple of times a week, depending on your role and team requirements.

You’ll bring a blend of technical expertise, strategic thinking and exceptional communication skills. You’ll be confident navigating complex, politically sensitive environments and influencing at the highest levels.

We’re looking for someone who can demonstrate:

• Significant experience in audit, assurance and risk (some experience of counter-fraud and insurance would be an advantage) within a large, complex organisation.
• Deep understanding of audit practice, regulatory requirements, and relevant legislation
  , including the Local Government Act, Accounts and Audit Regulations and Internal Audit Standards.
• Strong strategic insight
  , with the ability to anticipate change, identify emerging risks and shape effective responses.
• Excellent communication, influencing and relationship‑building skills
  , with the credibility to engage senior leaders and Members.
• Evidence of innovation
  , continuous improvement and the ability to lead change.
• Leadership capability
  , with experience managing or developing others.
• A commitment to our organisational values:
  Proud, Ambitious, Collaborative and Trustworthy
  .

A full driving licence is required.

Please refer to the job summary attached for full details about the role.

This post is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants are required to declare:

• All unspent cautions and/or unspent convictions

We reserve the right to close the vacancy once we have…