Audit & Assurance LeadPermanentManchesterSalary: £51,000 - £58,200 Working arrangements: Hybrid (office based two days per week)IntroductionThis role gives you the opportunity to play a meaningful part in protecting how AQA operates and how it is trusted. You will work across the organisation to strengthen assurance, risk management and internal control, helping leaders understand whether processes are working as intended and where improvements are needed. Your contribution will support confident, well-informed decision making and help ensure AQA continues to operate effectively at all times.Purpose of the roleIn this role, you will provide independent, risk based assurance across AQA and its subsidiaries. You will support senior leaders, the Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee and the Board of Trustees by delivering clear, evidence led insight into how risks are managed and controls are operating in practice. By acting as a trusted and constructive critical friend, you will help teams improve ways of working while maintaining objectivity, independence and professional judgement. Ultimately, your work will help protect AQA's reputation and enable positive outcomes for learners of all abilities.Key responsibilitiesIn this role, you'll be responsible for:Delivering end-to-end internal audits, including planning, fieldwork, stakeholder engagement and reporting.Applying audit methodology consistently while exercising sound professional judgement.Draft and finalise clear, proportionate and insightful audit reports.Engage directly with stakeholders throughout audits, supporting open and constructive conversations about risk and control.Support audit action agreement, closure and verification, including follow-up testing where required.Contribute to continuous improvement of audit approaches, reporting and templates.Work collaboratively with external audit partners, including participation in ISO audits.Support audit sign-off meetings, clearly articulating findings, context and agreed actions.What we are looking forYou will thrive in this role if you bring a blend of assurance expertise, curiosity and strong judgement:Strong experience delivering end-to-end internal audits independentlyHigh-quality audit report writing experience and ability to articulate risk and impact clearlyExperience applying audit methodology consistently and proportionatelyConfidence engaging stakeholders and influencing outcomes without formal authorityAble to identify themes, root causes and improvement opportunitiesAble to propose proportionate recommendations commensurate with business risk appetite and maturity - able to get action owners to agreeCIA / IIA qualification (part- or fully-qualified), orACA / ACCA with clear internal audit experienceWhat's in it for youThis is a role where your expertise and judgement will be visible and valued. You can expect:The opportunity to deliver assurance work that genuinely influences organisational decisions.Exposure to senior stakeholders and governance forums across AQA.Support for your professional development and continuing learning.25 days' annual leave, rising to 30 with service, plus bank holidays and extra closure days at ChristmasA 35-hour working week with flexible working arrangementsExcellent contributory pension scheme (6%-11.5% depending on your contribution)Life assurance, BUPA PMI, and health cash planEnhanced maternity and paternity schemesDiversity and inclusionAt AQA, we are committed to fostering a workplace that celebrates diversity and promotes equity and inclusion. We believe that a diverse team brings richer perspectives and drives better outcomes. Our ED&I strategy ensures that everyone-regardless of religion, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, age, disability, sexual orientation, or background-is valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. We actively promote inclusive language, avoid stereotypes, and strive for representation across all dimensions of diversity. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and lived experiences.Application processTo apply, submit your CV and a short supporting statement outlining your suitability for the role.The application deadline is Monday 4 May 2026.The selection process will include an initial interview held remotely, followed by a face to face interview in Manchester.#PRO22JBRP1_UKTJ