Internal Audit Lead

Internal Audit Lead
We're looking for an enthusiastic and motivated individual to be our Internal Audit Lead, working as a trusted business partner to colleagues across the charity and providing assurance to trustees.
Position:  REF
000081 Internal Audit Lead

Location:

Home-based UK, Nationwide. However, occasional travel will be required as part of this role (may include team meetings or other work-related meetings)

Hours:

Full-time, 35 hours per week
Salary:  £55,000 per annum (inner London weighting £3,950 per annum or outer London weighting £2,457 per annum may be applied in accordance with where you live)

Contract:

Permanent
Closing Date:  29 November 2026
First round interview date:  14 December 2026
Second round interview date:  21 or 22 December 2026

The Role
A good knowledge of how charities operate and their main processes including Finance, HR, Fundraising and CRM systems would be advantageous as the Internal Audit Lead is the sole permanent auditor within the staff team. Whilst we value charity experience, we are keen on finding the best person who can provide assurance whilst working in a relational working culture. This means that we would like someone who is comfortable with balancing controls with delivery.

The role will be able to call upon externally sourced support for areas where more expertise is needed. The role reports to the Associate Director of Legal and Governance, with an independent reporting line to the Chair of the Finance Committee.
The role will provide a comprehensive programme of internal audits into the activities of our charity and will report to our Finance Committee with recommendations for improvement. This is a crucial role in safeguarding the charity's assets and reputation. Our culture is built on trusting our staff to do the right thing. You will work with colleagues to review processes and controls that support this trust, while providing independent assurance and constructive challenge.

Your approach will encourage open conversations, shared learning and practical improvements, rather than excessive risk aversion.
Key responsibilities will include:
To establish effective and robust operational and strategic Internal Audit plans for the Charity and to report on progress of the plan
To carry out the Internal Audits within the Internal Audit Plan, within the agreed timetable and budget shown in the Plan, to report on them, to present them to Board and Committee meetings and to monitor progress.
To liaise with externally sourced providers of internal audit services in support of the role and for conducting internal audits into specialist areas of activity of the charity (such as IT arrangements).
To maintain a strong working relationship with the Finance Committee, its Chair and the Chief Executive and to act as a Business Partner to Executive Directors and colleagues across the charity, listening to their needs and working together on practical recommendations while maintaining independence.
To contribute to the Charity's efforts to avoid fraud, including by advising on new policies and to lead on fraud investigations where appropriate, and regular review of counter fraud arrangements.
To ensure a joined-up approach to both the external and internal audit work, minimising duplication and feeding into the external audit risk assessment.
To work with colleagues to ensure any potential new systems include proportionate internal controls and procedures that reflect our culture of trust and make it easier for staff to do the right thing.
To keep up to date with Internal Audit practice and developments and advise the Charity in relation to internal audit matters.
About You

You will have:

A qualification in internal audit or accounting (e.g. CIA, MIIA, AAT, ACCA, CIMA) or…