Lead Auditor in INTERNAL AUDIT

Internal Audit

Internal Audit (IA) assists the Court of Directors and Executive Management in protecting the Bank’s assets, reputation, and sustainability. It does this by independently and objectively evaluating the effectiveness of internal controls, risk management and governance processes. As part of this assurance, IA provides advice, insight and foresight and recommends cost-effective improvements, including efficiencies, which are agreed with management and tracked until implementation.

Internal Audit (IA) acts as the third line of defence within the Bank and currently has c. 25 professional staff. The Directorate reports directly to the Audit and Risk Committee (ARCo) through the Audit Director and works closely with the Bank’s external auditors, the Treasury as well as other European banks.

Each year, we present our audit plan to ARCo for the year ahead that sets out the audits we will complete in the year ahead. As well as completing the audits in the plan, we also engage in continuous monitoring, provide input to Bank-wide projects and complete unplanned work, usually at the request of ARCo. Based on our audit work, we make cost-effective recommendations to management that are designed to improve the Bank's control environment.

Job Description

The Internal Audit Directorate has a vacancy for a Lead Auditor. The ability and desire to drive positive change is central to the Bank's remit and you will be passionate about making a real difference to the Bank’s controls and business processes. With limited direct supervision from an Audit Manager, you will be required to: form relationships with management and staff across the Bank; develop a keen understanding of the business; and plan and perform audits in all areas of the Bank as required.

Role Accountabilities

The role requires the role holder to:

• Gain an understanding of the Bank and its evolving role in the UK financial system to be able to identify the risks facing the Bank and to inform the planning of specific audits.
• Investigate everything from the effectiveness of controls through to behaviour and culture.
• Ensure completion of all audit work within allocated time and budgets.
• Articulate conclusions and formulate cost-effective recommendations.
• Voice independent opinions underpinned by objective analysis.
• Write precise and readable audit reports that clearly convey key messages to senior stakeholders.
• Challenge management constructively to ensure they take appropriate action.
• Collaborate closely with the business in tracking progress in addressing audit recommendations and confirming their closure.
• Provide input into often high-profile projects across the Bank.
• Support the development of departmental standards and audit methodology.
• Work efficiently across audits and supporting processes, improving and sharing practices to strengthen Directorate delivery.
• Role model the Bank’s behaviours at all times; Acting Inclusively, Driving Growth and Delivering Outcomes.

Minimum Criteria

• Ability to identify, recommend and drive through practical, cost-effective control improvements.
• Excellent attention to detail, ensuring that outputs are accurate and supportable the first time.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to express views clearly and encourage open discussion.
• Able to balance multiple priorities and deliver within pre-agreed timelines.

Essential Criteria

• Comfortable building business relationships and collaborating closely with senior management and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrable experience of working both independently and within a team and delivering high quality work to deadlines.

Desirable Criteria

• Working level experience of conducting audit, risk or compliance reviews.
• Accountancy or audit qualification.

Our Approach to Inclusion

The Bank values diversity, equity and inclusion. We play a key role in maintaining monetary and financial stability, and to do that effectively, we believe we need a workforce that reflects the society we serve.

At the Bank of England, we want all colleagues to feel valued and respected, so we're working hard to build an inclusive culture which supports people from all backgrounds and communities to be at their best at work. We celebrate all forms of diversity, including (but not limited to) age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, race, religion, sexual orientation and socioeconomic status. We believe that it’s by drawing on different perspectives and experiences that we’ll continue to make the best decisions for the public.

We welcome applications from individuals who work flexibly, including job shares and part time working patterns. We've also partnered with external organisations to support us in making adjustments for candidates and employees in the recruitment process where they're needed.

From 1st October 2026, we expect all our colleagues to spend a minimum of 50% of their working time in the office per month. This is to capitalise on the benefits of working together in person across teams, while maintaining the flexibility offered by home working. Subject to that minimum requirement, individuals and managers should work together to find what works best for them and their team.

Finally, we're proud to be a member of the Disability Confident Scheme. If you wish to apply under this scheme, you should check the box in the ‘Candidate Personal Information’ under the ‘Disability Confident Scheme’ section of the application.

Salary and Benefits Information

We encourage flexible working, part time working and job share arrangements. Part time salary and benefits will be on a pro-rated basis as appropriate.

This role offers a salary as follows:

• Leeds circa £46,320 - £52,110

• London circa £51,440 - £64,300

In addition, we also offer a comprehensive benefits package as detailed below:

• Currently a non-contributory, career average pension giving you a guaranteed retirement benefit of 1/80th of your annual salary for every year worked. There is the option to increase your pension (to 1/65th) or decrease (to 1/105th) in exchange for salary through our flexible benefits programme each year. The Bank has the discretion to vary standard accrual rates and dial up and dial down rates at any time and to withdraw dial up and dial down options at any time.
• A discretionary performance award based on a current award pool.
• An 8% benefits allowance with the option to take as salary or purchase a wide range of flexible benefits.
• 26 days’ annual leave with option to buy up to 12 additional days through flexible benefits.
• Private medical insurance and income protection.

National Security Vetting Process

Employment in this role will be subject to the National Security Vetting clearance process (and typically can take between 6 to 12 weeks post offer) and the passing of additional Bank security checks in accordance with the Bank policy. Further information regarding the vetting and security clearance requirements for the role will be provided to the successful applicant, and information about how the Bank processes personal data for these purposes, is set out in the Bank's Privacy Notice.

The Bank of England welcomes applications from all candidates, but as a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) approved sponsor, we have a responsibility to comply with the Immigration Rules and guidance. As such, our ability to employ individuals who require sponsorship for immigration purposes is limited. The Bank cannot guarantee that you and / or the role you are applying for will be eligible for sponsorship and that any application made to UKVI will be successful. Eligibility will therefore be considered on a case by case basis.

The Application Process

Important: Please ensure that you complete the ‘work history’ section and answer ALL the application questions fully. All candidate applications are anonymised to ensure that our hiring managers will not be able to see your personal information, including your CV, when reviewing your application details at the screening stage. It’s therefore really important that you fill out the work history and application form questions, as your answers will form a critical part of the initial selection process.

The assessment process will comprise of two interview stages.

This role closes on 15 October 2026.

Please apply online, ensuring that you complete your work history and answer ALL the application questions fully and in detail as your application will not be considered if all mandatory questions are not fully completed.