We are looking for a Head of Internal Audit to provide assurance, support and assistance to RSPB trustees regarding the management and control of all forms of risk at the RSPB and in its subsidiaries.

RSPB’s vision is for a shared world where wildlife, wild places, and all people thrive. The health of the natural world is fundamental to the survival of all species and has the right to flourish. We work locally in the UK and around the world, conducting scientific research into the natural world, acting to support the survival and protection of species, managing precious habitats, making connections between people of all ages and backgrounds with the natural world, and advocating for changes to law, regulation and practice to create a world where wildlife can thrive. It is a complex organization and the assurance that audit provides is very important to us.

About the Role

RSPB operates the ‘three lines’ model of assurance to ensure that the RSPB operates in a safe and sustainable manner, including compliance with law, regulation and good practice. The Internal Audit function works closely with an Internal Risk Committee to validate and improve the functioning of the second line. The Head of Internal Audit meets regularly with the Treasurer, the Chief Executive and the Director of Finance, Governance and Strategy; and provides a formal quarterly report to trustees.

The Head of Internal Audit directly manages one Internal Auditor. Duties will include managing and revising the three-year and one-year audit plan, developing protocols for conducting audits and investigations, in consultation with the RSPB Treasurer. The postholder must be able to act independently of internal management, holding staff to account where required, while maintaining the support and engagement of colleagues in support of the role's purpose.  The postholder should be able to conduct their work in a diplomatic and analytical manner, and present results clearly and compellingly.

What we need from you:

Essentials

•    Qualified with a recognised UK professional accounting body or internal auditing body or overseas equivalent. (e.g. CMIIA,        ACA, CIMA, ICAEW)
•    Experience of internal or external audit (business or charity), including experience of managing sensitive investigations 
•    Up to date with best practice audit and risk methodologies
•    Experience in the development of audit strategies and plans for a large and/or complex organisation
•    Practical experience of the application of assurance models e.g. the Three Lines model
•    Experience of the management and delivery of risked based audits
•    Planning and organisational skills, ideally including project management skills, to deliver the work plan
•    Effective team working, including experience of line management
•    Ability to research, interpret and communicate regulation and good practice, and assess the relevance to the RSPB.
•    Ability to challenge, influence and motivate others on issues of risk and compliance.
•    Ability to review and assess current processes and introduce improvements.
•    Strong, concise and influential communications skills, including written and verbal communication.
•    Ability to influence internally and externally, and to challenge in a constructive and supportive manner, including the ability to resolve conflicts.
•    Ability to work independently and free from internal influence, to plan, manage and deliver work commitments.
•    IT literate, sound knowledge of MS Office and conversant with electronic communications including SharePoint.
•    Ability to communicate and work to deadlines, particularly those set out as part of a regulatory requirement

Additional Information

For all application/role enquiries please contact - rob.george@rspb.org.uk

Please note that you will be required to upload a CV and complete an application form where you will have the opportunity to tell us how you meet the criteria set above.

Before applying for this role we would recommend reading through the candidate guidance notes attached to the top of this advert.

We are actively recruiting for this role and reserve the right to close this advert at any time. We will be contacting applicants throughout the recruitment so please don't delay in submitting your application.

The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.