Grade VII Internal Audit Operations

The HSE’s Internal Audit Division is responsible for ensuring that a comprehensive programme of audit work is carried out annually throughout the HSE. The purpose of this work is to provide assurance that controls and procedures are operated in accordance with best practice and with the appropriate regulations, and to make recommendations for the improvement of such controls and procedures. The HSE Audit Committee, to whom the Division reports, monitors the work of the Division. In addition the Division reports at the highest level in the HSE. The scope of Internal Audit covers all systems and activities throughout the HSE and bodies totally or partially funded by the HSE.

The Division comprises three units:

1. Internal Audit Operations– this is the main part of the work of the Division and entails the completion of a programme of internal audits by each of the various audit offices (9 in all based throughout the country).
2. ICT Audit– this comprises of a number of ICT audits conducted in the main by external specialist ICT auditors contracted to work for the Division.
3. Special Projects & Investigations– this work is conducted by a small team in the Division together with, if required, specialist forensic accounting contractors.

Reporting Relationship

Reports to the Grade VIII (or delegated officer)

Working Relationship: To work collaboratively with colleagues in Internal Audit and senior management of HSE Corporate areas, Hospital Groups and Community Health Organisations.

Purpose of the Post

The role of the Grade VII is:

• To undertake audits including follow up audits,within the area of responsibility, shared services and funded agencies,  with the exception of the work assigned to other areas of the Division
• To supervise the work of other members of the Audit Unit;
• To support the work of the Grade VIII

The objectives of the post are:

To undertake a programme of audits and to assist Internal Audit line management achieve the annual Internal Audit plan.

Participate in the development and implementation of uniform audit systems and processes including operational and reporting methodologies.

The principal duties and responsibilities will, inter-alia, be:

• Undertake Audit Risk assessments
• Assist in the preparation of Internal Audit Strategic and Operational Plans
• Undertake audits from planning stage to completion of audit
• Discuss and agree client expectations and requirements;
• Preparation of audit briefs for proposed audit assignments
• Devise plans, relevant audit programmes and audit tests for each assignment
• Obtain analyse, interrogate and interpret data/information
• Use Computer Assisted Audit Techniques where applicable
• Carry out audit tests and obtain sufficient reliable evidence to support audit finding and conclusions, and prepare clear, well-documented audit working papers, which support audit findings
• Discuss and agree all draft report findings, conclusions and recommendations with local management, including the preparation of an agreed management action plan, incorporating timelines for completion
• Prepare clear, concise, accurate reports backed up by sufficient reliable documentary evidence using standard audit working papers and practices
• Prepare clear, logical, sufficiently documented audit files for each assignment.
• Execute audit assignments in accordance with agreed plans, time budgets and deadlines
• Plan and undertake Value For Money audits
• Undertaking special assignments and investigations as directed
• Effectively discharge the Unit’s day to day operations, including compliance with HSE Financial regulations and all HSE policies and procedures
• Supervise and enable other audit team members to carry out their responsibilities
• Review the conduct and completion of audit assignments of other audit staff in accordance with the operational audit plan and expected quality standards
• To track auditees’ status of the implementation of agreed audit recommendations and to report on same to audit management
• Prepare regular reports on the progress of work against the operational plan
• Provide information to Audit Management in a timely manner
• Manage the performance of staff
• Responsible for, either as an individual or part of a team for the development and training of audit staff
• Responsible for administrative duties of the unit.
• Advise management on best practice to ensure optimum use of resources
• Advise, promote and participate in the implementation of best practice (including Corporate Governance)
• Assess and analyse compliance with National and EU legislative obligations, and national policies and procedures
• Promote and participate in the implementation of change
• Participate in and lead project working groups
• Represent Internal Audit on committees and groups as required
• Maintain confidentiality in all aspects of work

General Requirements

• Have a working knowledge of the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) Standards as they apply to the role for example, Standards for Healthcare, National Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections, Hygiene Standards etc and comply with associated HSE protocols for implementing and maintaining these standards as appropriate to the role.
   
• To support, promote and actively participate in sustainable energy, water and waste initiatives to create a more sustainable, low carbon and efficient health service.

The above Job Description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to him/her from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post while in office. 

Eligibility Criteria

Qualifications and/ or experience

IMPACT have agreed to run this recruitment campaign as an open competition

Candidates must have at the latest date of application:

• Experience of working in an Internal Audit or similar environment (e.g. external audit, finance, control assurance), as relevant to the role of GVII Internal Audit Operations.

Health

A candidate for and any person holding the office must be fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties attached to the office and be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

Character

Each candidate for and any person holding the office must be of good character.

Age

Age restrictions shall only apply to a candidate where he/she is not classified as a new entrant (within the meaning of the Public Service Superannuation Act, 2004).  A candidate who is not classified as a new entrant must be under 65 years of age on the first day of the month in which the latest date for receiving completed application forms for the office occurs.

Other requirements specific to the post

Access to appropriate transport to fulfil the requirements of the role as post will involve travel.

Successful applicants will be encouraged to achieve relevant professional accountancy qualification or audit qualification certification. The following courses are deemed relevant:

Accountancy and Audit qualifications:

• ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants)
• CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants),
• CIPFA (Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy)
• ICA (Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland and the Institute of Chartered  Accountants in England and Wales)
• CPA (Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Ireland)
• IIPM  (Institute of Incorporated Public Accountants)
• IIA - Institute of Internal Auditors

Skills, competencies and/or knowledge

Professional Knowledge & Experience

Demonstrate:

• Understanding of Internal Audit best practice
• Knowledge of HSE regulations (e.g. National Financial Regulations, HSE policies and procedures).
• Knowledge of how to conduct and lead internal audits
• Excellent MS Office skills to include, Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Knowledge and experience of using an email system effectively e.g. Outlook, Lotus Notes
• Knowledge of the health service including a good knowledge of HSE reform

Communications & Interpersonal Skills

Demonstrate:

• Effective  verbal communication skills, delivering complex information clearly, concisely and confidently
• Excellent written communication skills including strong report writing and presentation skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills in order to deal effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.

Planning & Organising and Delivery of Results

Demonstrate:

• The ability to successfully manage a range of different projects and work activities concurrently,  utilising computer technology effectively and assigning work to others as appropriate to meet strict deadlines
• The ability to work under pressure
• The ability to proactively identify areas for improvement and to develop practical solutions for their implementation
• The ability to embrace change and adapt local work practices accordingly by finding practical ways to make policies work, ensuring the team knows how to action changes
• The ability to use resources effectively, challenging processes to improve efficiencies where appropriate

Evaluating Information, Problem Solving & Decision Making

Demonstrate:

• Excellent analytical, problem solving and decision making skills
• The capability of in-depth analysis of data and ability to draw relevant conclusion to support findings
• The ability to quickly grasp and understand complex operational and financial issues and the impact on control processes
• The ability to confidently explain the rationale behind decision when faced with opposition
• Ability to make sound decisions with a well-reasoned rationale and to stand by these
• Initiative in the resolution of complex issues

Building and Maintaining Relationships including Teamwork & Leadership Skills

Demonstrate:

• The ability to build and maintain relationships with colleagues and other stakeholders  and to achieve results through collaborative working
• Ability to work both independently and in teams and to show initiative
• The ability to lead the team by example, coaching and supporting individuals as required.
• Flexibility, adaptability and openness to working effectively in a changing environment
• Tact and diplomacy skills

Commitment to a Quality Service

Demonstrate:

• Evidence of incorporating the needs of the service user into service delivery
• Evidence of practicing and promoting a strong focus on delivering high quality customer service for internal and external customers
• Commitment to developing own knowledge and expertise
• Evidence of setting high standards of performance for self and others, ensuring accurate attention to detail and consistent adherence to procedures and current standards within area of responsibility