Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Local Audit Office - Controller of Local Audit
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Local Audit Office - Controller of Local Audit
Controller of Local Audit – Job Description
Location
Birmingham/Leeds (Flexible with expected UK-wide remote work and in-person attendance as agreed)
Salary
£200,000 – £220,000 per annum
Contract
5-year fixed-term, full-time (37 hours/week)
Job Summary
The Government is overhauling the local audit system, leading the most transformative reform programme in over a decade. Seeking a Controller of Local Audit to establish and operate the new Local Audit Office (LAO) as an arm’s-length body, driving system-wide reform and rebuilding public trust in local accountability.
Why This Matters
- Over 600 public bodies (local authorities, NHS bodies, police/fire services) publish audited accounts.
- 10,000 smaller authorities follow tailored assurance regimes.
- Current system disrupts public accountability, contributing to whole-of-government financial disclaimers and eroded trust.
The LAO will:
- Appoint/replace auditors for local bodies.
- Develop and enforce the Code of Audit Practice.
- Inspect and regulate local audit quality.
- Publish systemic insights on audit performance.
- Oversee auditor qualification/professional standards.
The Role
Your Impact
As Controller, you will orchestrate the establishment of the LAO and direct the reform of local audit. Key responsibilities include:
Strategic Leadership & Delivery
- Set a clear, ambitious strategic direction for the LAO’s vision, priorities, and system reform.
- Restore local audit’s effectiveness as an early-warning system for public sector risks.
- Shape the future of local audit—representing the LAO domestically and internationally.
- Design organisational infrastructure to ensure alignment with government policy while delivering value for taxpayers.
Organisation & Culture
- Build a high-performing team from diverse backgrounds.
- Embed values and inclusive culture to foster accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Attract and retain top talent in the public audit domain.
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Public & Policy Engagement
- Disseminate reforms transparently, including parliamentary scrutiny and media engagement.
- Influence key stakeholders (government departments, audit firms, regulators, NHS trusts, and public bodies).
- Navigate political and regulatory challenges with clarity and decisiveness.
Regulatory & Operational Oversight
- Design procurement strategies, audit market dynamics, and support independent oversight without operational conflict.
- Typical workflows: selecting auditors, upholding Code of Audit standards, quality assurance, and enforcement action.
Responsibilities
Leadership
- Lead and establish the LAO’s operational framework.
- Align LAO strategy with MHCLG’s policy goals.
- Ensure efficient, accountable, and effective performance from day one.
Public and Political Representation
- Promote the LAO via parliamentary engagement, media appearances, and policy forums.
- Influence regulatory change across local audit.
Organisational Excellence
- Develop promises, targets, and long-term metrics for audit quality and stakeholder satisfaction.
- Adopt modern service delivery models, utilising analytics and digital tools.
- Prioritise risk mitigation and delivery of value for money.
Engagement & Collaboration
- Partner with NHS, business, academic, and regulatory bodies to drive reconciled audit standards.
- Develop articulation and implementation of audit reform with coherent, unified messaging.
Governance & Ethical Conduct
- Champion impartiality, transparency, and fair processes at all stages.
- Ensure legacy audit capabilities are utilised effectively as reform progresses.
Person Specification
Essential Criteria
- Senior leadership in established organisations, ideally building/transforming within regulated public sectors.
- Proven track record in strategy development, governance, and transformation initiatives.
- Commercial/financial acumen with experience in budget management, procurement, and stakeholder finance analysis.
- Credibility and experience in audit/accounting disciplines (e.g., statutory assurance, systems governance, missions*).
- Unparalleled influence across diverse stakeholders with a reputation for clarity and political awareness.
- Integrity) Selective assessment, combined with succinct, integrated judgment under pressure.
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Desirable Criteria
- Experience leading/supervising an arm's-length bodies.
- Expertise in local audit reform, accounting changes, or chartered accounting (e.g., CCAB qualifications).
- A background in public-sector procurement ranks with a customer-focused approach.
Évolution & Reporting
- Reports to: LAO Board → CKCG/MHyg Department → Ultimate Accountable Authority (Parliament).
- Security Clearance: Mandatory Counter-Terrorism Check (CTC).
Benefits
- Pension (adds 1/49th of salary), 26 base days annual leave + commemoration.
- Possible accrued leave via service.
- Flexible working policy + development/learning opportunities.
- Disability-friendly engagement scheme (guaranteed checkpoints).
Selection Process
- Advertises until: 12 July
- Online Stage: CV (2pp) + Statement of suitability (2pp) via College Prusias (aligned to essential/desirable criteria).
- Interviews: Dissemination seven weeks later, with potential panel or exercise follow-ups.
Key Logistical Notes
- Salary/Fixed Term: £200k–£220k i.e., 49x pensions bonus, plus accrued holiday.
- Assignment Duration: 3–5 years, dependant on service provision needs.
- Locations: Headquarters between Birmingham or Leeds, with remote work flexibility.
Important Integrity Note
All statements and CVs undergo plagiarism detection alongside real-experience verification.
Contact
SCS Recruitment: scs.recruitment@govincident.co.microsoft.co.uk For application guidance, contact bullet points reflect LGB applicants CFG Valuing Vulnerable Communities.
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