Job Description

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About The Role

Working hours:

35 hours per week

Contract type:

Temporary for 18 months

Closing Date:

11.59pm, 23 November 2025

Interview Method:

In person

This role is subject to -

2 references

- where possible, we require 3 years' history

DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) clearance

- this post is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (amended in 2013). Appointable candidates will be required to apply for a Standard Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Information provided by you or the DBS will be dealt with in a confidential manner and in accordance with the DBS Code of Practice which can be viewed here. We have a policy on the Employment of Ex-Offenders and it is available upon request.

BPSS (Baseline Personnel Security Standard) clearance

- this post is subject to BPSS checks. You will therefore be required to consent to and comply with BPSS checking requirements prior to commencing in this post. This check involves verification of identity; nationality and immigration status; employment history (past 3 years) and basic criminal record check.
Fraud is the number one reported crime in the UK, costing UK Local Authorities an estimated 2.2 billion each year, which has an adverse impact on vital public services and community trust.



We are looking for a dynamic Senior Auditor / Investigator to join our forward-thinking Counter Fraud and Irregularity Team within Manchester City Council's Audit and Risk Management Division. You will play a key role in protecting public funds by identifying, investigating, and preventing a wide range of fraudulent activities. The position is for a fixed term of 18 months and is based on the role, skills and competencies identified within the role profile.



The role-holder will evaluate allegations of fraud and irregularity and conduct investigations in accordance with the relevant laws and regulations. Investigations will require the research, securing and collating of information, reviewing and evaluating evidence, planning the conduct of interviews and decision making.



You will work with colleagues across the Council and partners across the City to gather information, ensure the appropriate co-ordination of investigation work and influence improvements in systems of control.



You will also support the delivery of a proactive programme of counter fraud work, which may include reviewing controls in areas of inherent or identified fraud risk, delivery of training/awareness with support from colleagues within the Team, and support the development of policy and procedures.

Why Join Us?

Manchester City Council is bold, ambitious, and collaborative and the local council for one of the UK's most vibrant and diverse cities. We're nationally recognised for innovation and excellence, with a strong track record of working in partnership to deliver regeneration, cultural transformation, and public service reform. Working for Manchester isn't just a job - it's an opportunity to contribute to a city that leads change and transforms lives.



Our Counter Fraud and Irregularity Team within the Audit and Risk Management Division is central to our success. Working together with partners across the City, we provide expert Counter Fraud and Irregularity support, undertake fraud investigations, drive continuous improvement, and embed a culture of good governance and accountability. The work is varied, interesting and incredibly important and will enhance the services provided to our communities.###

About the Candidate

We are looking for the following:

Technical Skills

Hold or be studying towards either a counter fraud qualification or an audit/accountancy qualification; or have knowledge and experience of undertaking an audit or investigation role, preferably within a Local Authority.

Generic Skills

Able to demonstrate they have acquired the following generic skills, as included within the role profile, with examples from your career so far: Communication Skills. Analytical Skills.
Planning and Organising.
Problem Solving and Decision Making. Creative Skills. Strategic Thinking.

What You'll Bring

Motivation to perform a key roles in supporting the service to affect change and improvement. A methodical approach to work and prioritisation skills to manage your workload. Strong analytical and problem solving skills providing practical solutions to address risks. Commitment to equality, inclusion and the Our Manchester values.

Ready to Apply?

To apply, please complete the full application process and submit an Expression of Interest (max 2 A4 pages) outlining your suitability and motivation for the role. Your application must include evidence of:

Alignment with the Our Manchester Values and the following core competencies as set out in the role profile:
Communication Analytical Thinking Planning & Organising Problem Solving & Decision Making Creative Skills Strategic Thinking
If you are interested in applying and want to find out more about the role, contact Helen Smith (helen.smith@manchester.gov.uk) for an informal discussion.###

About Us

We're the local council for one of the UK's most vibrant and diverse cities.



Working for Manchester isn't just a job - it's an opportunity to contribute to a city that leads change and transforms lives. Whether it's strengthening communities or driving innovation in public services, you'll play a vital role in creating opportunities and shaping a brighter future for everyone.



Our Manchester is our vision for a fairer, greener, and healthier city - a vision shaped by the people of Manchester. It guides everything we do at the Council and is brought to life through the Our Manchester behaviours:


We take time to listen and understand We work together and trust each other We show that we value our differences and treat each other fairly We 'own it' and we're not afraid to try new things We're proud and passionate about Manchester

Benefits we offer

Generous holiday allowance -

Enjoy up to 26 days annual leave per year plus bank holidays. Increasing to 31 days after five years of local government service. Want more leave? You can purchase up to two additional weeks.

A buzzing pension -

You'll be enrolled in the UK's largest local government pension scheme, with plenty of options to top up your benefits. Includes life cover of three-times your salary as a lump sum.

Enhanced parental and carers leave -

Take advantage of our enhanced family leave options, designed to provide ample time for you to bond with your new born or support your family during critical life events.

Brilliant

perks

-

Access a range of discounts, from saving on the weekly shop to holidays and days out with MCR+. Plus discounts on phone contracts, cycle to work scheme, free flu jabs and eye tests, and more.

Learn and grow -

We are dedicated to nurturing talent and providing you with the tools to thrive. Take part in a diverse set of learning opportunities, from workshops and training sessions through to apprenticeships and qualifications. All this begins with our comprehensive onboarding process.

A Good Employment Charter member -

We are committed to offering secure, flexible work and embedding fairness into everything we do. We review pay annually, recognize three trade unions, and are constantly working to offer the best possible health and wellbeing support throughout all stages of your working life.

Up to 3 days volunteering leave -

Give back to the community with three days pro-rate of paid volunteering leave, in addition to existing benefits.

Creating an Inclusive Team at Manchester City Council

At Manchester City Council, we're dedicated to creating a workplace that truly reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We actively welcome applications from people of all ages and backgrounds, particularly from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities, Disabled people and young people.

Support During the Process

Interview Adjustments: Let us know if you need any adjustments to demonstrate your suitability during the interview. Accessible Formats: Our ReciteMe tool can be accessed through the "Accessibility tools" button at the top of our careers page. This tool offers features like text-to-speech, translation into multiple languages, and adjustable text size and colour to make our site more accessible for everyone.

Guaranteed Assessment Scheme

We guarantee assessments for applicants who meet the recruiting panels minimum shortlisting requirements for the role and identify with at least one of the criteria below:


Members of the Armed Forces members or veterans Current or former care leavers Have a disability or long-term condition If you have completed the GM Elevate (Leadership Development) Programme or any MCC positive action programme

If you have completed the GM Elevate (Leadership Development) Programme, please indicate this within the Supporting Statement section of your application.

When You Join Us

We're a Disability Confident Employer, offering:


A workplace adjustment hub which provides specialist support, advice and guidance to ensure you have the adjustments needed to thrive at work. Disabled Staff Network, Neurodiversity Staff Network and Mental Health Staff Network that provides a safe inclusive space to share experiences and opportunities to influence council practice. A strong commitment to ensuring all information adheres to accessibility standards and that our workplaces are accessible and disability-friendly.

For more information about the role or any adjustments, email jobs@manchester.gov.uk.

What we will need from you if you're successful

In accordance with Home Office guidance, successful candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK before commencement of employment. This is not a role we consider to be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route based on Manchester City Council policy. Candidates are therefore encouraged to consider their own right to work options without the requirement for Manchester City Council sponsorship.

Pre-Employment Checks

If you are successful in securing a position with us, the pre-employment checks required will depend on the role you've applied for. As a guide, these checks may include:


Proof of Right to Work: You'll need to provide documentary evidence of your right to work in the UK. References: We'll require references from your current and previous employer(s). Proof of Qualifications: Evidence of qualifications relevant to the role will be required. Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check: A criminal record check may be necessary, depending on the role. Proof of Manchester Residency: For some roles, you may need to demonstrate that you reside within the boundaries of Manchester City Council. Police Vetting: Some roles may require police vetting to ensure suitability for accessing sensitive law enforcement systems or information. Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) Clearance: BPSS clearance is primarily used for roles that involve access to government data, systems, or assets. It ensures that individuals meet basic security requirements and can be trusted with sensitive information Driving Licence: If the role requires driving, we'll need evidence of your valid driving licence.

These checks are an important part of our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our workforce and the community we serve.

Other relevant information

We want everyone to be able to be themselves at work and give their best. If you need additional support to undertake the duties of the role, we'll make every effort to source any necessary aids, adaptations or equipment. If, however, any task proves to be unachievable, we will look at redesigning parts of the role.



For more information about the role, please ensure that you read the role profile attached.

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