Internal Audit Officer

The West Midlands Combined Authority is delivering ambitious plans for the region, from inclusive growth and better transport to investment in places, jobs and communities. To deliver that well, we need strong governance, effective risk management and robust assurance, so decisions are evidence-led, public money is protected and services are continually improving.

As an Internal Audit Officer, you will play an important role in helping WMCA remain accountable, well-controlled and focused on delivering value for money. By independently planning, delivering and reporting on risk-based audits, you will provide the insight and challenge that helps strengthen governance, improve internal controls and support better decision-making across the organisation.

This role is suitable for a generalist internal auditor who enjoys working across a broad range of business areas and can apply their audit skills to different services, risks and priorities. Local government or wider public sector experience would be beneficial, but we are also open to candidates with relevant private sector experience, those who are part-qualified or interested in working towards a professional qualification, and experienced auditors who are qualified by experience. You will have the opportunity to gain exposure to a varied programme of work, including internal audit, assurance, risk, grant funding, organisational audits and, where appropriate, fraud and investigations.

What you’ll be doing.

• Independently plan, scope and deliver risk-based audits across WMCA.
• Provide impartial, evidence-driven assurance on governance, risk management and internal control arrangements.
• Produce clear, high-quality audit reports with practical, evidence-based recommendations.
• Identify systemic weaknesses, control gaps, financial risks and opportunities for improvement.
• Support the development of the risk-based Internal Audit Plan by identifying emerging risks and areas requiring audit attention.
• Provide high-quality assurance outputs that inform senior decision-making, the Audit and Risk Committee and the Annual Governance Statement.
• Build constructive relationships with senior managers and audit clients, providing professional challenge while maintaining independence.
• Influence stakeholders to strengthen risk culture and adopt more effective governance practices.
• Perform detailed testing, data analysis, evidence collection and evaluation of systems and processes.
• Track and verify completion of management actions for assigned audits.
• Support investigations into alleged fraud, irregularities or malpractice, including interviews, evidence gathering and formal statements.
• Handle confidential, sensitive and protected information appropriately and securely.
• Provide assurance over financial controls, financial reporting, contract management, procurement, grants and programme spend.
• Make recommendations that strengthen financial stewardship and support value for money.

What’s essential.

• Demonstrable experience independently delivering end-to-end internal audits, including planning, scoping, field work analysis and reporting.
• Experience presenting complex audit findings to senior managers and influencing through evidence-based recommendations.
• Strong understanding of audit methodologies, risk assessment techniques and internal control evaluation.
• Excellent analytical skills, including the ability to interpret complex data and identify underlying issues and form sound judgements.
• Ability to remain independent, objective and confident when challenging senior stakeholders.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce compelling and concise audit reports.
• Strong working knowledge of Global Internal Audit Standards and the Global Internal Audit Standards in the UK Public Sector application note.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information appropriately.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365, audit management systems and data analysis techniques.
• Practical training in internal audit techniques and professional standards.

Hiring Manager: Sarah Rogers

Talent Acquisition Partner: Tom Bailey

Pay Scale: SP32 - SP36

Location.

The location for this role is 16 Summer Lane, Birmingham, B19 3SD with at least 2 days a week spent in the office.

There may be a requirement to work outside normal office hours on occasion to meet investigation or audit deadlines.

How to apply.

Applying for a role with WMCA is straightforward. Follow these steps to get started.

Please note, we reserve the right to close any vacancy from further submissions when we have received sufficient applications from which to make a shortlist. Please apply without delay if you wish to be considered for this role.

Anonymised Applications.

Your uploaded CV won’t be visible after submission. Our process is anonymised, and only the information in your profile is used for shortlisting. Be thorough in each section. It’s your chance to showcase your skills and experience.

Using Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We cannot stop anyone from using AI to help write application content. Used right, it can be a great tool. If you choose to use AI, then use it as a helper rather than relying on it wholly to write your application.

Applications that rely too heavily on AI may be rejected during shortlisting. For help on how to write a supporting statement, please visit the FAQs section of our careers site.

Reasonable adjustments.

If you have an accessibility need, disability, or condition that means you might require changes to the application or recruitment process, please get in touch with our Recruitment Team ([email removed]).

Salary and benefits.

We advertise salary ranges, with new appointments typically starting at the lowest salary point. In exceptional cases, the salary point may be adjusted to secure the best candidate. This approach allows for potential year-on-year salary increases, offering progression and appropriate rewards to employees. Requests for salaries above the maximum advertised range will not be considered.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Local Government Pension Scheme (one of the most generous pension schemes in the UK).
• Shared Cost Additional Voluntary Contribution scheme where you can build an additional pot of money alongside your pension with contributions exempt from Income Tax and National Insurance contributions (NICs).
• 28 days paid annual leave (with an option to purchase more) + Statutory days.
• EV car benefit scheme
• Healthcare plans.
• Discounted gym membership, will writing, and mortgage advice.
• An option to buy a bicycle, including e-bikes and adapted pedal cycles, at a discounted rate.
• 3 days of paid leave each year to volunteer.<