Bromyard and Winslow Town Council is seeking to engage an Internal Auditor for the current financial year, 2023-2024. Companies or individuals who feel they can provide this service are welcome to apply.
All expressions of interest must be received in writing by 25th September 2023 addressed to The Town Clerk to Bromyard, The Old Vicarage, 1 Rowberry Street, Bromyard, HR7 4DU, or by email to clerk@bromyardandwinslow-tc.gov.uk
Introduction
A smaller authority is required by Regulation 5(1) of the Accounts and Audit Regulations 2015 to ‘undertake an effective internal audit to evaluate the effectiveness of its risk management, control and governance processes, taking into account public sector internal auditing standards or guidance’.
Purpose
To review and report to the Council on whether its systems of financial and other internal controls over its activities and operating procedures are effective.
Key Principles
The person or persons carrying out internal audit must have relevant knowledge of the public sector and be able to show that they are independent and competent to carry out the role.
Applicants must follow best practice guidance on Internal Audit as prescribed in section 4 of “The Joint Panel on Accountability and Governance – Practitioners’ Guide – March 2023”. This guidance is published by the National Association of Local Councils.
Audit Planning and Reporting Requirements
The Internal Auditor will be required to perform a two-stage audit and submit a written report for Council’s consideration following each visit.
Scope of Audit
In order to complete and sign the Annual Internal Audit Report section of the Annual Governance & Accountability return (AGAR), the auditor will need to be satisfied that the system of financial control is adequate and working satisfactorily. A minimum level of testing will be necessary as set out in section 4.2 of the ‘Governance and Accountability for Local Council – A Practitioners Guide March 2023. These tests include:
- Proper Book-keeping
- Financial Regulations, Standing Orders and Payment Controls
- Risk Management
- Budgetary Controls
- Income Controls
- Petty Cash Procedures
- Payroll Controls
- Asset Control
- Bank Reconciliation
- Year-end Procedures
(Tests may change as new guidance is published)
Audit Timetable
The internal audit will operate in accordance with the timetable agreed with the Council.
Access to Information, Members and Officers
You will work with the Town Clerk/Responsible Financial Officer in the first instance and have full access to all Council books and records, staff and councillors as you consider necessary.
Assurances around independence and competence
The person or persons carrying out internal audit must not have any involvement in, or responsibility for, the financial; decision making, management or control of the Council and its financial controls and procedures. Applicants must not have any personal connection to any Councillor or employee of the Council.
A degree of experience in a similar post would be desirable supported by references.
The applicant must undertake to confirm to the Council in writing awareness of any threats to his/her independence or if these circumstances change.
Period of Engagement
This is initially a one-year appointment with the option to extend for a further 2 years.
Remuneration
Fees will be paid on a fixed rate basis.
Travel expenses will be paid in accordance with national guidance.