Deputy Head of Internal Audit
Job Introduction
Bradford Finance is undergoing significant change and investment. Having been under resourced for a number of years it is now entering a new phase of development and strategic focus in order to support the Council’s ambitious new corporate strategy and plans.
A restructure has recently completed with the department now comprising four key teams: Management Accounting; Corporate and Strategic Finance; Projects, Systems and Commercial; and Internal Audit, Risk, Business Development and Improvement. The restructure includes significant additional capacity and investment in training and development.
A new service plan is being developed during 2025 with a clear strategic focus and direction including a development plan to focus on delivering financial literacy across the organisation, while at the same time, elevating the impact of the Finance team within the organisation to support and drive the Council’s strategic plans whilst delivering its financial sustainability and recovery programme.
The team has recently been highly instrumental in the last 12 months in helping the Council secure:
The lifting of the Best Value Notice put in place in February 2024 by February 2025, an unprecedented achievement.
A very positive review by CIPFA about progress being made in Bradford to become financially sustainable. CIPFA cites progress being made in several key areas, including the addressing of risks identified in the previous review of 2023. They also report that financial planning in Bradford is robust, savings proposals are well considered and are being delivered, even where choices are difficult.
Completion of the 2025/26 budget much earlier than previously.
Closure and audit sign off of the 2022/23 and 2023/24 accounts in the last 4 months, both with an unqualified opinion.
A very positive half year report by the Council’s Independent Board.
Do you have drive, enthusiasm, and a passion to help continually improve Internal Audit? If yes, then come and be part of our team here at Bradford Council. We are delighted to be recruiting into the Deputy Head of Internal Audit role as part of our Internal Audit team.
Working for the Council will give you the opportunities for a wide range of experiences of how a large public sector body works. We aim to make a real difference to support and protect our stakeholders, and you will play a key role in how we continually move our service forward and be empowered to fully display your skills to make this difference.
You will be joining a service which is fully committed to your development.
The ideal candidate will have:
A forward-looking, innovative and value adding outlook.
Extensive knowledge and application of forward-thinking internal audit approaches.
Communicates with impact and gravitas.
Knowledge of professional standards.
Stakeholder relationship management experience.
Experience of supervising and motivating staff.
The post is key to the future development of the service to enable the Council to meet its future challenges whilst fostering a culture of continuous improvement. This role is an opportunity to make a real difference in our vibrant and diverse city.
How to Apply
If you are interested in joining our team and would like some further information, please contact:
Jonathan Idle, Head of Internal Audit, Risk, Business Development and Improvement email Jonathan.Idle@bradford.gov.uk,
Further information is available through the links below, along with the attached Job Profile and Candidate Information Pack.
Budget Meeting of Council - 06 March 2025
Statement of Accounts - 2023/24
CBMDC - External Assurance Review
Why work for Bradford Council? Find out why by taking a look at Our Employee Offer.pdf .
Equal Opportunities
We do not discriminate against any applicant or employee directly or indirectly on the grounds of gender, marital status, gender re-assignment, pregnancy, sexual orientation, disability, race, colour, ethnic background, religion or belief nationality or age. And, as an equal opportunities employer, the Council strives to employ the best qualified people from a diverse range of applicants.
The RESPECT Allyship Programme is available to all staff, which offers the opportunity to learn more about the diverse communities & groups and provides added benefits and resources to its members.