Job Description

Contract:

Permanent

Location:

Wales, hybrid

Closing Date:

Sunday, 30th November (midnight)

The role

We are looking to recruit an Audit Director with primary responsibility for a portfolio of national and/or local performance audit work.

The postholder would have lead responsibility for one or more performance audit teams and for research and development activity in a sector(s) - such as health, local government, or central government - and/or other specific devolved policy areas. They will contribute to the development and delivery of the wider audit work programme, working with other Audit Directors as appropriate. In doing all this, they will ensure our audit approach keeps pace with the modern world and with the issues that matter for people, both now and for the future.

While the immediate gap that has emerged is in a role leading our NHS performance audit work, applicants will be expected to demonstrate knowledge, skills, and experience relevant to leadership of performance audit work across any sector(s) and other supporting activity. The recruitment process will therefore be generic in nature. Decisions on future portfolio leadership will follow the outcome of the process.

As a Director within Audit Delivery, the postholder would be accountable to the Executive Director for Audit Delivery and to the Auditor General for Wales. The collective Director Team supports the Executive Leadership Team by providing strategic leadership and direction across the organisation.

The appointee will model the values and behaviours that underpin Audit Wales, motivate colleagues through a culture of coaching and development, and bring the energy and strategic leadership needed to realise our potential as a driver of improvement in Welsh public services.

Audit Delivery includes:

Financial Audit - around 160 staff led by five accounts audit directors.

Performance Audit - around 70 staff led by three performance audit directors (to include this role).

Main duties:

Directing performance audit team/s including shaping the content of the programme of work to align with the holistic development of the Auditor General's value for money work.

Delivery of a significant budgeted fee income and / or draw down of Consolidated Fund financing across a varied portfolio of audited bodies.

Directing research and development activity within their portfolio.

Working closely with the Audit Development and Guidance team to help inform the work of that function in respect of relevant audit guidance, learning and development, and other materials and activities that ensure the delivery of high-quality performance audit work.

Building and maintaining effective relationships with key internal and external stakeholders at a senior level, including representing Audit Wales and the Auditor General at relevant external forums and events.

Actively supporting the delivery of the Audit Wales Annual Plan, contributing to the work of Director Team and other forums as necessary.

Direct line management for audit managers on projects and as part of team management arrangements.

Lead roles on other functional activities as directed by the Executive Director Audit Delivery.

Championing the strategic importance of people development and talent management, building a strong culture of continuous learning and knowledge sharing.

Accountable for protecting information assets in their area of responsibility.

Key results areas:

Deliver a portfolio of audit work efficiently and within Audit Wales' quality expectations.

Develop constructive professional relationships with senior officers and non-executives, members, etc at audited bodies and in other stakeholders.

Role model the values and behaviours of Audit Wales.

Embed a culture of value-for-money in Audit Wales, working collaboratively and collegiately to ensure that Audit Wales maximises its strategic outcomes within the resourcing available.

Develop and actively protect the reputation of Audit Wales, creating a sense of pride in all work undertaken.

Build a performance culture to deliver high-quality and timely outcomes.

Person specification - key components

Essential criteria:

Educated to degree level or equivalent.

Good understanding of the governance and legislative framework surrounding public bodies, including the role of external audit within it.

Strong leadership skills which promote collaboration, continuous improvement, customer focus, motivate and develop staff, and ensure delivery of high-quality audits and a positive organisational culture.

Able to motivate and support staff from different backgrounds and build high performing multidisciplinary engagement teams.

Able to build, develop and maintain a positive organisational reputation with key clients, and other key stakeholders, and portray the organisation in a positive light in all forms of communication.

Able to produce clear reports, presentations, and guidance for both internal and external audiences and explain complex technical issues and audit findings clearly and concisely.

Able to develop and maintain positive and professional working relationships with people at all levels of audited bodies and internally, displaying tactful yet firm persuasive and negotiating skills and including autonomy in managing client relationships as the senior point of contact - representing the Auditor General.

Proven line management skills and ability to build a strong culture of continuous learning and knowledge sharing.

Able to work under pressure and to respond quickly to changing circumstances, incomplete information and to tight timetables.

Excellent strategic and analytical thinking and skills.

Able to consistently apply sound judgement in dealing with complex and time-pressured inter-linked issues with imperfect information which could have a significant impact on key audit judgements and consequently on the reputation of Audit Wales and client bodies.

Experience of managing the delivery of a large volume of projects / complex tasks with competing demands and resources to time, cost, and quality standards.

Confident operating in a digital environment, using a range of software tools to support project delivery and demonstrating a willingness to learn/develop new skills.

Ability to deal sensitively and discreetly with confidential information.

Take clear ownership and accountability for their own continuous learning and professional development, including around issues relating to their work area.

Self-aware and a role model for Audit Wales values and behaviours.

An awareness and commitment to equality and diversity, and to arrangements for health and safety.

Desirable criteria:

Postgraduate or professional qualification in a relevant discipline.

CCAB professional qualification and up to date CPD accreditation.

Extensive experience of working at a senior leadership level with an organisation.

Good understanding of the Welsh public sector landscape in which Audit Wales operates.

A proven track record of delivering public sector external audit across the full range of public sector organisations.

Working for us

Audit Wales is a dynamic and friendly place to work, with a very supportive culture. We're passionate about working with the Welsh public sector and making a difference to local communities.

Our candidate pack provides further detail about our benefits, but here are the basics about this role's terms and conditions.

Permanent contract.

Based out of one of our Cardiff, Penllergaer, or Llandudno Junction offices, but with remote working also possible.

Competitive base salary of 92,585 on appointment with progress subject to performance (top of salary band is 114,864).

35 hour working week (with flexible working options).

33 days leave plus 8 days public holidays.

Civil Service Pension Scheme (employee contribution 7.35%: employer contribution 28.97%).

Relocation expenses of up to 8,000.

How to Apply

If you have any questions or would like to informally discuss this opportunity please contact Ann-Marie Harkin, Executive Director for Audit Delivery on 02920 320500, or email Ann-Marie.Harkin@audit.wales.

All applications must be submitted via

our website

.

The closing date for applications is 30th November 2025 at midnight.

For those shortlisted, the next stage of the process will take place on

the week commencing 8th December 2025, to include a professional panel interview, a technical assessment, and a staff panel

.

We welcome applications from people from all backgrounds. We are also a member of the Disability Confident Scheme and guarantee to interview all disabled candidates who meet the essential criteria for the role.

We welcome applications that may be submitted in Welsh; an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 92,585.00-114,864.00 per year

Benefits:

Additional leave Bereavement leave Cycle to work scheme Employee discount Enhanced maternity leave Enhanced paternity leave Free flu jabs Free parking Health & wellbeing programme Paid volunteer time Relocation assistance Sick pay Work from home
Education:

Bachelor's (required)
Licence/Certification:

CCAB professional qualification (required) and up to date CPD accreditation (required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Cardiff CF10 4BZ

Reference ID: WAO0292