Public Sector Internal Audit Director (Happy to talk flexible working)

More than you expected

Grant Thornton UK LLP is part of a global network of independent audit, tax and advisory firms, made up of some 58,000 people in over 135 countries. We're a team of independent thinkers who put quality, inclusion and integrity first. All around the world we bring a different experience to our clients. A better experience. One that delivers the expertise they need in a way that goes beyond. Personal, proactive, and agile. That's Grant Thornton.

Job Description:

Following the appointment of Fiona Baldwin, our Head of Audit and member of the Senior Leadership Team, Grant Thornton has seen a number of positive steps forward across our audit business. With quality and inclusion at the forefront, we have a clearly defined and robust audit strategy over the next 5 years. The strategy outlines our commitment to quality, business growth across our commercial and public sector client base, having the right talent in senior positions and working with the right clients that share our values.

Part of achieving this commitment sees us looking to strengthen our Public Sector Team with a particular focus on our Engagement Leader population. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who would be keen to play a leading role in the development of our client proposition, whilst having a critical focus on our people and quality. Our Public Services Group comprises a team of 500 nationally including circa 300 in the audit group. With our reputation as the market leaders of assurance services to local government (40% of appointments) and the NHS (circa 30% of appointments ) clients, the team are now looking to recruit two Directors. You will join us and develop as an engagement leader, taking responsibility for a portfolio of public sector clients and a focus on the strategic growth of the team.

What you'll be doing:

• You'll take the lead on dealing with a portfolio of NHS and Local Government clients with minimal partner input
• You'll act as a trusted business adviser to our clients
• You'll be leading client meetings with senior members of our clients' workforce, including Chief Executives and Finance Directors
• You'll be trusted to oversee all aspects of client engagement assuming overall responsibility for allocating work
• You'll work with our Senior Managers and Managers to ensure they're being supported and coached, whilst identifying any areas for development
• You'll be client facing and contributing to winning work

Who we're looking for:

• You'll hold a professional accountancy or risk management qualification (CIPFA/ACA/ACCA/ IIA or equivalent)
• You'll have experience of auditing the internal controls of clients within the NHS and Local Government sectors
• You'll have significant post qualification experience and the ability to manage a large portfolio of internal audit clients
• You'll have experience of leading and managing audits of varying sizes across a range of public sector clients
• A genuine interest in our clients with an ability to confidently discuss business challenges and needs
• You will contribute as part of a senior leadership team that is growing our business in service areas such as commercial audit and wider assurance.
• We have an open and collaborative culture and as such, you need the ability to communicate confidently and effectively with colleagues and clients at all levels.

Do you care about the same things we do?

We have six values we work by. When we meet, we'll want you to show us how they're important to you, too.

Collaboration: We are aligned around a common purpose that unites us in providing the same quality experience for our clients and our people, seamlessly across borders.
Leadership: We are committed to the success of our clients, our people, our profession, and our stakeholders at large, demonstrating leadership at all levels.
Excellence: We are passionate about exceeding expectation and delivering high quality work. We love what we do, and it shows. We sweat the details. We see things through, no matter how tricky.
Agility: The world moves quickly. To keep up, we stay flexible - changing approaches, changing projects, working offline, online, together and alone to get things done.
Respect: A given, of course: we value each other and our clients. We listen, we understand, we care.
Responsibility: The decisions we make and advice we give affects people's lives and livelihoods. We take that seriously and always do well by doing what's right.

Bring your whole self

Now you've seen our values, it shouldn't be a surprise that we're creating a respectful, open, diverse place to work. Building an inclusive culture, where we value difference and respect our colleagues, is not just the right thing to do, it helps our people to perform at their best. We provide opportunities for all our people to fulfil their potential by embracing and respecting difference whether that is age, disability, ethnicity, faith, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, socioeconomic background, working style, education and family or care responsibilities.

"We are committed to making sure that the opportunities within our firm are equally accessible for everyone - regardless of background or gender." Dave Dunckley, CEO

There's more to life than work

Families, children, sports, night classes...the things you do and the people you're with outside work matter. They can inspire, motivate and energise you. Inside the office and out. So if you'd like to work flexibly, let us know. We're happy to look at flexible working options for all our roles, and we'll always do our best to keep your work and life in balance.

For further details or to register your interest please contact Graham Hargreaves - Senior Talent Manager at graham.hargreaves@uk.gt.com