Job Description
Deputy Head of Internal Audit & Consultancy
Department - Finance, Audit and Procurement
Location(s) - Central London
Salary - £80,996
Flexible working: Flexible working opportunities are available including flexi-time, job
share and compressed hours. There will also be the opportunity to work from home
during part of your working week however you will be expected to be in the office for a
minimum of four days per week.
About Us
MI5 safeguards the UK against threats such as terrorism, espionage, cyber and sabotage.
We investigate suspect individuals and organisations in the UK to obtain, collate, analyse
and assess secret intelligence relating to these threats. Alongside our British Intelligence
partners MI6 and GCHQ, we provide the UK government with the information they need
to protect national security. At MI5, you’ll enjoy varied and rewarding work in a supportive
and encouraging environment that puts the emphasis on teamwork.
The Role
Our Internal Audit and Consultancy (IAC) function is a diverse team that works as a
trusted business partner with the agencies: protecting value, delivering insight, and
developing talent and future leaders. We have privileged exposure to the work of the
community as a whole and take pride in delivering high quality and impactful services,
while continuously seeking opportunities to innovate. It’s challenging, varied and
meaningful work that you simply won’t find anywhere else. Find out more about
our internal audit team here.
We’re looking for an experienced leader to become a member of the IAC Senior
Leadership team. In this role you’ll lead the MI5 and MI6 audit teams and the delivery of
the audit programmes. You’ll manage and oversee the delivery of internal audit assurance
and advisory work at pace, covering a wide range of topics. This will include topics that
are truly unique to the intelligence community, such as reviews of mission-focused
capabilities and adherence to the legal framework underpinning our mission work.
You’ll develop and maintain key stakeholder relationships to understand their needs.
You’ll develop and maintain a deep understanding of the organisation’s strategic
objectives, key risks and opportunities to know where and how IAC can add value on an
ongoing basis. You’ll work closely with other assurance providers, including second line of
defence functions, and work with them to develop integrated assurance. You’ll manage
the MI5 and MI6 teams by supporting their capability development and career
aspirations.
Your contribution will make a real difference. You’ll provide customers with high quality
assurance and advisory services that help strengthen and enhance our risk management,
governance, and internal control arrangements.
About you
You’ll be an experienced audit professional who has experience in developing and leading
teams. You’ll be able to understand and evaluate business arrangements quickly and be a
credible communicator who can interact with staff at all levels across the organisation -
taking a lead role when communicating to senior stakeholders. You’ll be motivated by
making a difference and be passionate about driving improvement.
You will bring a solid and demonstrable audit and risk management background in the
public and/or private sector. You’ll also hold a relevant qualification, such as IIA, CCAB or
equivalent.
As this is a leadership role, you will have experience in managing and leading teams to
deliver complex, risk based internal audit programmes as well as leading on the broader
audit lifecycle activities, including developing the annual audit plan and opinion. Your
experience will demonstrate leadership and people management skills with the ability to
adapt oversight and coaching approaches to support and empower your team.
You will be a strong communicator, able to influence stakeholders and deliver difficult
messages with impact. You will build networks and work collaboratively with business
areas to support change. Additionally, you will have a high standard of written
communication skills with experience of writing reports for senior management.
As a strategic thinker, you’ll be able to apply your analytical skills in complex and
uncertain environments to deliver organisational value through audit and advisory
services. You’ll also be able to manage competing priorities, having oversight of a
portfolio of work and providing clear direction to your team to deliver timely and high-
quality results.
Training and Development
No matter your experience or background, you’ll receive dedicated support when you join.
You’ll have access to resources to support your career growth and get all the help and
guidance you need to grow a rewarding career at the heart of national security.
You’ll be working in a culture committed to your development. You’ll have an induction
into the function when you start and regular check-ins with your manager throughout the
year, as well as help to identify the skills and experience you need to excel. You won’t be
on your own – throughout your career, you’ll be surrounded by colleagues who want you
to succeed.
Rewards and Benefits
You’ll receive a starting salary of £80,996 plus other benefits including:
25 Days Annual Leave automatically rising to 30 days after 5 years' service, and an
additional 10.5 public and privilege holidays.
Opportunities to be recognised through our employee performance scheme.
Personal Learning Budget.
Interest-free season ticket loan.
Excellent pension scheme.
Cycle to work scheme.
Facilities such as a gym, restaurant and on-site coffee bars (at some locations).
Paid parental and adoption leave.