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Job description

The NICS Internal Audit Services (NICS IAS) is a professional internal audit and investigation service which is part of the Department of Finance (DoF). It provides a service to all NICS Departments and a range of agencies and other arm’s length bodies. Internal Audit within central government primarily provides Accounting Officers (heads of departments and agencies) in an economical, efficient and effective manner, with an objective evaluation of and opinion on, the overall adequacy and effectiveness of the organisation’s framework of governance, risk management and control. The NICS IAS has both professional and administrative staff. It is organised into teams that provide assurance, consulting and investigative services to particular departments, agencies and arm’s length bodies. Successful candidates will be allocated to a specific team. However, they may be required to work across different locations and within any of the bodies to which the Group Service provides a service. All departmental Internal Audit units are required to comply with the Institute of Internal Auditors’ Global Internal Audit Standards (GIAS) and the UK Public Sector Application Note.

Responsibilities

• The successful candidates will report to the Head of Internal Audit (HIA) and the main duties and responsibilities will include:
• Assisting the Head of Internal Audit (HIA) in providing relevant Accounting Officers with annual assurance on risk management, control and governance.
• Assisting the HIA to develop an effective risk-based audit strategy and assisting in delivering the audit strategy through effective management of work programmes.
• Managing/undertaking or advising on audit / advisory engagements or special investigations when required.
• Assisting with the overall management of the team including day to day management of auditors, quality assurance of their work and ensuring staff are suitably trained, mentored and developed.
• Advising the HIA on the formulation of audit policies and procedures in response to central initiatives/change programmes and regulatory requirements.
• The above list is not exhaustive but gives a good indication of the main duties of the post. The emphasis on particular duties will vary over time according to business needs.

Skills and Qualifications

Essential Skills

• Applicants must, by the closing date for applications, be able to demonstrate that they have the following:
• Hold one of the following qualifications and have full current membership of the relevant professional institute/body: The Chartered Institute of Internal Auditors (CIA, PIIA or CMIIA);
• The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) Diploma in Public Audit (DPA) or Advanced Diploma in Public Audit (ADPA);
• A recognised Consultative Committee of Accountancy Bodies, Chartered Institute of Management Accountants or overseas equivalent accountancy qualification.
• AND Demonstrate a sound understanding of risk, control and corporate governance principles and its impact on the work of Internal Audit.
• AND Have at least 2 years’ post qualification experience of carrying out risk-based internal audit engagements in line with Public Sector Internal Audit Global Internal Audit Standards / Global Internal Audit Standards (GIAS) and monitoring the..
• delivery of an audit programme.

Further Information

NICS Application form only, Vacancy closing date Monday 25th September 2026 at 12 noon. Applications from Protestants, young people (people under the age of 35), people with a disability and people from minority ethnic communities are particularly welcomed for this post. The Northern Ireland Civil Service is an Equal Opportunities Employer. All applications for employment are considered strictly on the basis of merit.