Background:

Central London. The National Audit Office (NAO) applies the unique perspective of public audit to help Parliament and government drive lasting improvement in public services. We do this through our financial audit of government accounts and the 60 value-for-money reports we produce each year, as well as through other non-statutory work.

The NAO has an ambitious strategy and is committed to developing and applying its knowledge, increasing its influence and delivering as a high performing organisation.

Following the Government's announcement to abolish the Audit Commission, the Department for Communities and Local Government has published proposals for the future framework for the audit of local public bodies. As part of this, the Government has proposed that the NAO takes on, from the Commission, the role of developing and maintaining a Code of Audit Practice, which sets the audit framework for auditors of local bodies, and producing guidance on how to apply the Code.

The NAO will not formally take on this role from the Audit Commission until legislation has been passed by Parliament, but, in anticipation, the NAO is building its knowledge and capabilities in this area, so that, working with the Commission, it is well-placed to manage the transition to take on these new responsibilities..

We are, therefore, looking to appoint two Principals – Code of Audit Practice Development, to our ‘Future of Local Audit Team' to bring expertise in financial management and reporting developed in either local government or health sectors. The post-holders will apply this to the development of the Code of Audit Practice and supporting guidance.

Appointments will be on a permanent basis and will be based at our central London headquarters.

Roles and Responsibilities:

Our expertise in public audit leaves us well-placed to take responsibility for the Code of Audit Practice, but we recognise the need to develop further our detailed knowledge of the local authority and health sectors, and of the accounting and auditing issues which affect them.

We also anticipate an increased level of NAO input as draft legislation on future local audit arrangements is published in advance of the formal introduction of a Bill in Parliament.

These roles involve producing the Code of Audit Practice and guidance. They will not involve producing accounts or conducting audits.

Working with Mike Suffield, Director, these roles will form an important element of the NAO's growing ‘Future of Local Audit' team. Specific responsibilities will include the following:-

* Develop proposals for a draft Code of Audit Practice, and for the framework and operation of supporting guidance for auditors of local bodies. The Code and guidance will cover financial and value-for-money audit.
* Work closely with colleagues from the Audit Commission to develop plans to ensure an orderly transition of functions from the Commission to the NAO.
* Develop and maintain relationships with local audit providers and other key stakeholders.
* Monitor emerging accounting and audit issues.
* Work with the NAO's Financial Audit Practice and Quality team to prepare responses to relevant consultation papers on accounting and audit-related issues, and support the NAO's contribution to local public sector auditing and accounting technical forums.
* Provide analysis and briefing on the Government's legislative proposals to help ensure that the NAO's future role is appropriately reflected. This aspect of the role will necessitate close working with NAO senior management and colleagues from the Department of Communities and Local Government.
* Contribute to specific NAO initiatives or projects as required.


Benefits

* £47,533 to £58,550 (Central London) per annum
* Access to attractive Civil Service pension scheme
* 25 days paid leave a year + 10 ½ public/privilege holidays
* Interest free season ticket loan
* Childcare voucher scheme
* On-site fitness centre


Person specification

Skills and capabilities required:

These are the key skills and capabilities we are looking for:-

* Genuine expertise in financial management and reporting gained in either local authority or health sectors. With two roles available, it is likely that one will have a focus on local authority accounting and one on accounting practice in local health bodies.
* Strong and up-to-date understanding of the complexities of local bodies' accounting practices and can apply this to develop clear and comprehensive guidance for auditors to follow and apply.
* CCAB qualified – can contribute to developing a credible NAO voice on accounting and auditing issues affecting local bodies.
* Technical expertise – provides clear and sound advice on complex technical and sector-specific issues and how they should be handled.
* Energy and drive – demonstrates energy and drive to achieve excellent delivery and results to meet business needs and stakeholder expectations.
* Team working – demonstrates strong commitment to collaborative and collegiate working with shared responsibility for success.
* Communication and Influencing skills – develops clear, succinct written guidance which others can follow and apply; presents and communicates technical information clearly; influences people to secure their ‘buy-in and commitment using a range of methods; develops connections and networks with colleagues in the wider business.
* Personal and professional credibility –authoritative, particularly in the field of local bodies' accounting and auditing practices but balances technical credibility with the ability to inspire confidence and achieve positive outcomes with colleagues and stakeholders at all levels.
* Strong and agile intellect - grasps complex issues quickly and articulates clearly key messages.


Recruitment Process:

For an informal discussion about this post contact Mike Suffield (Tel: 020 7798 7126) email here.

The closing date for applications is Friday 2nd March 2012.

Contact Polly Akroyd t(020 7798 7723) email here if you have any queries about the process.

Or, visit our website here for more information.