Associate Director for Audit, Controls and Assurance
Be the change. Lead the future. Improve lives.

About the role

This high-impact, high-profile role is central to the Council's improvement journey, focusing on upholding the highest standards of governance and championing continuous improvement. 

You will drive strategic and operational change, work closely with Directors and Group Directors, and lead internal audit, assurance, and controls functions. You will report independently to the Audit Committee and support the Chief Executive, Monitoring Officer, and Section 151 Officer to safeguard the Council’s governance and operational integrity. 

You will be part of the Council’s senior leadership team, driving the transformation agenda by maximising technology and automation, fostering a culture of high performance, and ensuring modernised, efficient services that prioritise customers.
 

Key responsibilities:

 

• Fulfil the statutory role of Chief Internal Auditor, leading an independent, risk-based audit programme compliant with PSIAS and CIPFA codes.

• Provide expert tactical leadership and advice to managers and senior leaders, supporting delivery against corporate priorities and governance standards.

• Ensure robust internal controls and assurance systems, promoting transparency, ethical governance, and compliance with legal and regulatory frameworks.

• Lead counter fraud efforts, managing proactive and reactive investigations including corporate, procurement, housing, and benefits fraud.

• Oversee the Council’s corporate health and safety strategy, ensuring compliance and cultural embedding across services.

• Support the Audit Committee & Standards Committee, delivering training and ensuring committee effectiveness in governance oversight.

• Collaborate closely with procurement, commissioning, and contract management teams to ensure best value and measurable impact.

• Drive organisational transformation by supporting the delivery of the Council Improvement Programme and embedding the new operating model.

• Champion evidence-based decision making, financial management, and effective leadership behaviours.

• Manage designated budgets and performance systems to optimise resources and deliver value for money.

• Participate in corporate resilience, emergency planning, and business continuity.

• Build and nurture strategic partnerships across sectors to enhance service delivery and innovation 

• Lead on the operational delivery of risk management

• You will bring credibility, compassion, and courage — with the ability to lead transformation, inspire teams, and work collaboratively across our Groups and partners through: -

• Proven experience in public sector internal audit and assurance leadership, ideally including Chief Internal Auditor responsibilities.

• Expertise in governance, risk management, and counter fraud with a strong understanding of PSIAS, CIPFA, and IIA standards.

• A strategic mindset with a track record of driving transformation through technology, process redesign, and culture change.

• Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

• Integrity and a commitment to the Nolan Principles of public life.

• Ability to provide clear, insightful advice to senior leaders and elected members.

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Why Dudley?

 

Dudley is a borough on the rise — ambitious, inclusive and committed to change. Join us and play a central role in helping our residents live healthier, more independent lives. This is a unique opportunity to influence the future direction of the Council, working at the forefront of innovation and governance. Be part of a leadership team committed to improving services, efficiency, and customer experience for our community.

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For an informal discussion please contact Aftab Razzaq, Director  - Legal, Compliance & Assurance/Council Monitoring Officer via Jo Cook – Joanne.Cook@dudley.gov.uk

 

Applications close: Thursday, 18 September 2025.

The recruitment process will be to undertake technical interviews with longlisted applicants to confirm the shortlist.

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Shortlisted candidates will be invited to assessment centres and to attend final interviews. Please indicate any periods you are unavailable.