Strategic Audit and Assurance Business Partner

Strategic Audit and Assurance Business Partner

Location:

Aylesbury

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

Contract: 9‑month fixed‑term, potentially extending to 12 months with possibility of permanent appointment.

This is a rare opportunity for an experienced assurance leader to step into a Deputy Chief Auditor role as our Strategic Audit & Assurance Business Partner. You will provide leadership across Internal Audit, Risk Management and Integrated Assurance, shaping the future of Business Assurance at Buckinghamshire Council.

As a trusted advisor to senior leaders and Members, and a key link between the Business Assurance Management Team and the Head of Business Assurance (Chief Auditor), you will re‑define how assurance supports strategic decision‑making across the Council, lead the development and implementation of the Integrated Assurance Framework, and build a positive assurance culture.

• Leading the design and implementation of our Integrated Assurance Framework and shaping the future direction of Internal Audit, Risk Management and Business Assurance across the Council.
• Providing leadership across the Council’s Internal Audit, Risk and Assurance activities, ensuring they work together to deliver insight, challenge and organisational value.
• Supporting the design and implementation of a fresh approach to integrated assurance, assurance mapping and strategic risk management.
• Providing trusted advice and constructive challenge to senior leaders and Members.
• Supporting the Corporate Management Team, Members and governance boards with insight on risks, assurance coverage and audit performance.
• Delivering insightful, risk‑based audit and assurance work that drives improvement.
• Developing integrated assurance reporting that helps leaders understand risks, assurance gaps and emerging trends.
• Championing innovation, continuous improvement and new approaches to assurance.
• Deputising for the Chief Auditor and Head of Business Assurance at senior leadership and governance forums.

You are a strategic thinker and experienced audit and assurance professional with a track record of influence at senior levels and thriving in complex environments.

• Significant experience in audit, assurance, governance and risk management.
• Strong understanding of integrated assurance and risk‑based decision‑making.
• Ability to build trusted relationships and influence across the organisation.
• Excellent communication skills and confidence to work with senior leaders and elected Members.
• Experience influencing senior leaders and operating confidently in complex and politically sensitive environments.
• Ability to translate complex assurance, governance and risk information into clear strategic insight.
• Track record of leading improvement, innovation and change programmes.
• Commitment to our organisational values:
  Proud, Ambitious, Collaborative and Trustworthy.

A full driving licence is required.

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 unspent cautions and/or unspent convictions.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy once sufficient applications have been received.

Benefits include discounts on various cafés, restaurants and shops, auto‑enrolment onto a generous Pension Scheme, membership to Costco, discounted gym memberships, travel discounts with Arriva and more.