Director of Internal Audit

About Our Client

Southern Housing is a housing association whose vision is to create communities where everyone has a safe home in a place where they're proud to live. Residents are at the heart of our services. We're big and we're local, and we use our size to influence positive change in the areas where we operate.

Job Description

• Providing leadership to your internal audit team
• Leading the operational delivery of a risk-based audit strategy and audit plans that provide assurance over Southern Housing's principal risks in accordance with our Standards (currently the Public Sector Internal Audit Standards)
• Providing an independent review and objective opinion on governance processes, management of risk, systems of internal control and value for money
• Providing expert, up-to-date subject matter, and best practice advice across the key strands of internal audit
• Planning, managing, and monitoring the delivery of the internal audit budgets (including the appointment of external resources where required), driving through continuous improvement efficiencies to achieve a value for money service
• Being accountable to the Audit & Risk Committee and Board
• Providing an annual opinion on the effectiveness of internal controls
• Ensuring the business is aware of all legal amendments and requirements in relation to the internal audit service along with good practice and include all necessary approved changes within the group's policies and procedures
• Ensuring good relationships are sustained with all key stakeholders, identifying opportunities to raise the profile of Southern Housing including attendance at networking events and taking on speaking opportunities
• Attending Committees and Board to present reports as required.

The Successful Applicant

• A track record of operating at a senior level within a large and complex organisation with demonstrable success in delivering professional risk-based internal audit services to global standards,
• Knowledge of risk, regulation and compliance matters as relevant to UK Social Housing including Regulatory Standards,
• Good communication skills, both orally and written, using a range of techniques and tools to convey messages,
• Be action orientated with an ability to act and react as required e.g. to Audit & Risk Committee requests or Fraud & Bribery Action Team requests to carry out investigations
• Able to present complex information in a clear, transparent, and readily understandable manner
• Work effectively, in conjunction with others within and outside the directorate to deliver objectives
• Proven track record in Stakeholder Management
• Committed to customer service across the board.

• Previous housing sector experience an advantage.

Leadership

• Proven track record in leading and managing high performing functional teams
• Track record of effective delivery in functional area
• Ability to manage change effectively, understanding the needs and benefits for change and plays an active role in delivering successful change
• Develops and empowers staff, sets clear objectives, and gives feedback.
• Diplomatic with the ability to interact successfully at all levels
• Patience, tolerance, and resilience
• Good listener with the ability to effectively apply the knowledge gained
• Strong belief in customer satisfaction and business benefit driven solutions
• Ability to make presentations and deliver clear messages to teams

• Educated to degree level or equivalent through relevant training / experience
• Qualified Internal Audit professional (CMIIA or CIA) with at least 5 years post qualification internal audit leadership experience.

• Evidence of continuous professional development.

What's on Offer

• Competitive salary of up to £110,000
• Flexible working with a mix of office and home working available,
• Attractive benefits package including private medical insurance.