Waterford City and County Council is seeking applications from suitably qualified candidates with relevant experience for the position of
Internal Auditor. The Internal Auditor will engage at the highest levels with Council management, the Audit Committee and external parties for improving governance and related matters within the organisation.
Internal Auditing is an independent, objective assurance and consulting activity designed to add value and improve an organisation's operations. It helps an organisation accomplish its objectives by bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of risk management, control and governance processes. The internal audit activity evaluates risk exposures relating to the organisation's governance, operations and information systems, in relation to:
- Effectiveness and efficiency of operations
- Reliability and integrity of financial and operational information
- Safeguarding of assets
- Compliance with laws, regulations and contracts.
While management is responsible for internal controls, the internal audit activity provides assurance to management and the audit committee that internal controls are effective and working as intended. An effective Internal Audit activity is a valuable resource for management and the Audit Committee due to its understanding of the organisation and its culture, operations and risk profile. Internal Audit is required to give an opinion on the adequacy and effectiveness of the whole system of internal controls within the organisation, and shall develop an overall audit strategy taking account,
inter alia, available resources, knowledge of the organisation, the work of external auditors and its own assessment of risk.
Based on the overall audit strategy, Internal Audit will undertake medium term and annual programmes of work to provide the required assurance. These will be drawn up by the Internal Auditor in consultation with the Senior Management Team via the Head of Finance and the approval of the Audit Committee.
The programme will be designed to appraise the soundness, adequacy and application of the internal control systems and ascertain the extent to which the system of internal control:
- promotes Value for Money and the efficient / effective use of resources
- ensures the integrity and reliability of financial and other information
- ensures compliance with laws & regulations, and the organisations policies and procedures
- ensures that the assets of the organisation are properly controlled and safeguarded from losses arising from fraud, irregularity or corruption
Internal audit may also be called upon to:
- review performance and performance measurements
- carry out special investigations
- provide a consultative role to management
- co-operate with external audit
- Examine and report on compliance with the requirements in relation to EU co- funded projects
Duties and Responsibilities
Key duties and responsibilities of the Internal Auditor will include the following:
- To lead the Internal Audit Unit within the Council
- To work with management to ensure that a system is in place which ensures that all major risks are identified and analysed, on an annual basis
- To provide both management and the Audit Committee with an opinion on the internal controls
- To plan, organise and carry out the internal audit function including the preparation of an audit programme, scheduling / assigning work and estimating resource needs
- To report to both the Audit Committee and management on the policies, programmes and activities of the Internal Audit Department
- To make recommendations on the systems and procedures being reviewed, report on the findings and recommendations and monitor management's response and implementation
- To review and report on the accuracy, timeliness and relevance of the financial and other information that is provided for management
- To report on the value for money that the organisation obtains in all its activities with special regard to economy, efficiency and effectiveness
- To conduct any reviews or tasks requested by management and the Audit Committee, provided such reviews and tasks do not compromise the independence or objectivity of the Internal Audit function
- To coordinate coverage with the external auditors
- To identify and agree work programmes, targets and deadlines and to ensure their subsequent implementation
- To build effective teams, develop motivation and commitment
- To undertake any other duties of a similar level and responsibility as may be required from time to time
- The post holder will be directly accountable for the work of the staff reporting to them. The post holder will be expected to provide effective leadership for all of the staff within their area of responsibility
- The post holder will contribute actively to developing and implementing policy.
Qualifications
Each candidate must, on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms possess:
- Character
Candidates shall be of good character.
- Health
Each candidate must be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.
- Education, Training, Experience, etc.
Each candidate must, on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms possess:
• a professional qualification in Finance or Auditing
• have satisfactory experience of audit and accountancy work, including management
accounting and /or financial accounting, and
• be experienced in the management of staff, and
• possess a knowledge of public sector finance, and
• hold a full driving license, Category B, free from endorsement and have access to a vehicle for use in carrying out duties.
The Ideal Candidate will possess the following skills and competencies:
• ability to report to, engage with and win the confidence of senior management, the Audit Committee and external stakeholders.
• logical and persuasive, with the skills and ability to influence people at all levels.
• apply appropriate discretion and maintain confidentiality and political sensitivity in carrying out duties.
4.
Age
Each candidate must be under 65 years of age on the latest date for receipt of completed Application Forms for the office if they are deemed not to be new entrants to the Public Service as defined by the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004.
However, the age restriction of 65 years does not apply to "new entrants" to the Public Service as defined by the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004.
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE OF AUDIT PROCEDURES, TECHNIQUES AND FINANCIAL SYSTEMS
In additional candidates must be able to demonstrate that they have the following skills;
- A thorough knowledge of local government legislation/regulations, Council policies/procedures and financial systems
- A thorough knowledge of the principles, procedures and practices of accounting and financial records and transactions (particularly in relation to the Councils Financial Management System)
- A knowledge of audit procedures, including risk assessment, planning, techniques, test and sampling methods involved in conducting audits
- An ability to use IT systems (including Computer Assisted Audit Techniques)
- An ability to maintain and update knowledge of developments related to internal audit, particularly new auditing techniques and practices.
Human Resources Department