Strategic Audit and Assurance Business Partner

Overview

Are you a forward‑thinking audit professional who thrives on influence, collaboration and driving meaningful change? We’re looking for a Strategic Audit & Assurance Business Partner to play a pivotal role in strengthening governance, supporting strategic decision‑making, and helping our services proactively manage their key risks and priorities.

This is an exciting opportunity to work at the heart of a large and diverse organisation where your insight, challenge and expertise will help shape how we deliver for our communities today and in the future.

Salary of up to £78,453 per annum dependant on experience.

Contract: This is a 12 month fixed term contract/secondment opportunity (potential for extension)

About us

Buckinghamshire Council is a relatively new organisation that combines the strengths and expertise of the previous five councils in the county to create positive change for local people, communities, and businesses. We are firmly focused on the future and have made a clear commitment to serve residents better and to provide stronger representation for Buckinghamshire, both locally and nationally. 

About the role

As our Strategic Audit & Assurance Business Partner, you’ll be instrumental in providing high‑level advice, assurance and specialist insight across the Council. You’ll partner with senior leaders, members, and stakeholders to support robust governance, ensure effective risk management and deliver high‑quality audit and assurance work that drives improvement.

In this influential role, you will:

• Lead and deliver strategic audit and assurance assignments, presenting insightful findings and practical recommendations to senior leadership.
• Influence and support strategic decision‑making across major projects, service areas and Council priorities.
• Oversee key assurance frameworks, including the Council’s Assurance Map and Grant Assurance Programme.
• Anticipate emerging risks and sector developments, using horizon scanning to advise services and shape strategic planning.
• Build and manage strong partner and stakeholder relationships, including with external providers through our co‑sourcing arrangements.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of the audit function, including quality assurance processes and compliance with Global Internal Audit Standards.
• Deputise for the Head of Business Assurance at senior meetings, governance boards and Audit & Governance Committee sessions.
• Lead, coach and develop others helping embed a collaborative, customer‑focused, “can‑do” culture across the service.

This role is about more than meeting audit requirements it’s about driving assurance that adds value, strengthens governance, and supports delivery of better outcomes across the organisation.

Any-Desk:
As an ‘any-desk’ worker, you’ll need to be connected to our network to access digital folders and resources, but this can either be from home or an office location when required. You will be required to work from the office a couple of times a week, depending on your role and team requirements.

About you

You’ll bring a blend of technical expertise, strategic thinking and exceptional communication skills. You’ll be confident navigating complex, politically sensitive environments and influencing at the highest levels.

We’re looking for someone who can demonstrate:

• Significant experience in audit, assurance and risk (some experience of counter-fraud and insurance would be an advantage) within a large, complex organisation.
• Deep understanding of audit practice, regulatory requirements, and relevant legislation, including the Local Government Act, Accounts and Audit Regulations and Internal Audit Standards.
• Strong strategic insight, with the ability to anticipate change, identify emerging risks and shape effective responses.
• Excellent communication, influencing and relationship‑building skills, with the credibility to engage senior leaders and Members.
• Evidence of innovation, continuous improvement and the ability to lead change.
• Leadership capability, with experience managing or developing others.
• A relevant professional qualification (e.g., CCAB/MIIA) or equivalent experience.
• A commitment to our organisational values: Proud, Ambitious, Collaborative and Trustworthy.

A full driving licence is required.

Please refer to the job summary attached for full details about the role.

Other information

If you would like to have an informal conversation with the recruiting manager, please contact Joanna Baschnonga at [email protected]

This post is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants are required to declare:

• All unspent cautions and/or unspent convictions

For further information on how long it takes for cautions and convictions cautions to become spent, please refer to our guide on the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (updated 2023) | Nacro

We reserve the right to close the vacancy once we have received sufficient applications, so please be advised to submit your application as early as possible.

We understand that candidates may use AI tools to assist with their applications. While we welcome innovation, we expect all submissions to reflect your own experience, skills, and achievements accurately. Please ensure your application is truthful and demonstrates your personal capabilities, as this will be assessed during the selection process.

Buckinghamshire Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk.

Our values and culture

We have a set of values, which our employees have chosen, that represent what we are – Proud, Ambitious, Collaborative and Trustworthy.

By joining Buckinghamshire Council, you can expect:

a fair and inclusive culture

• the chance to really make a difference to those around you
• health and well-being initiatives including an Employee Assistance Programme, Mental Health First Aiders and mindfulness workshops
• a unified voice through our Employee Representative Group
• ongoing support, and the opportunity to develop and progress in your career with us
• opportunities to take part in fun activities such as fundraising and social events

At Buckinghamshire Council, we know that our biggest strength comes from the people that work for us, and that’s why we’re working hard to ensure we continue to be an accessible and inclusive organisation.

From dedicated staff networks overseen by our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Steering Group, to proudly standing as a Disability Confident employer, it’s important to us that all our colleagues feel engaged, listened to, and valued. Our offer of flexible working empowers a productive and happy workforce and allows employees to combine work with other responsibilities and commitments.

We believe our workforce should reflect the diverse communities we service in Buckinghamshire, and are looking for like-minded individuals to join us in promoting equality, fairness, and inclusion for everyone.

About the Business Unit

The Assistant Chief Executive directorate is central to Buckinghamshire Council’s journey to establish itself as one of the best councils in the country. With a clear focus on service improvement through transformation and a drive to build better relationships with the local community, the directorate is fast-paced; but extremely rewarding. Our teams are not only proactively delivering on projects and plans but also reacting to developing situations. If you are ambitious, innovative, and would relish the opportunity to influence change - a role within our service area could be your next career move.

The team includes exciting areas of work, including our Policy and Communications, Legal and Democratic Services teams – innovating the way we communicate with our colleagues, Members and the local community, and role-modelling best practice through policy, planning and legal services. If you think you can help us achieve our goals, and want to be a part of this exciting journey, we would love to hear from you!

We recognise and reward you

Hard work and success deserves recognition. That’s why we pride ourselves on the benefits we give our people. We actively encourage a good work-life balance and promote flexible and agile working arrangements. We provide discounts on various Cafés, restaurants, shops and auto enrolment onto our generous Pension Scheme. In addition to the opportunity to gain membership to Costco, we have discounted gym memberships, travel discounts with Arriva and much more.

https://jobs.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/working-buckinghamshire-council/