Financial Assurance and Counter Fraud Manager

We are seeking a seasoned Financial Assurance and Counter Fraud Manager to join our dynamic finance team. In this critical role, you will oversee financial assurance processes, craft and implement fraud prevention strategies, and uphold the integrity of our financial operations. Your expertise in financial compliance, coupled with strong analytical skills, will drive cross-functional initiatives aimed at safeguarding our organisation's financial resources. Working as part of the second line of defence, you will report on fraud controls and other areas of financial compliance. You will collaborate closely with the University's Finance Division and Assurance Directorate to report to the University's Audit & Scrutiny Committee. We encourage applications from all sections of the community and are committed to building a truly diverse workforce where every individual's unique contribution is valued and respected., 1. Financial Assurance:

• Lead the assurance activities to ensure financial processes and controls are robust.
• Develop annual, risk-based work programs informed by a deep understanding of the University's activities.
• Manage the financial self-assurance program, ensuring adherence to policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Identify financial risks, implement mitigation strategies, and evaluate the effectiveness of internal controls.
• Provide input on new processes to ensure appropriate financial controls are in place.
• Collaborate with internal and external auditors to facilitate smooth audit processes.
2. Counter Fraud Management:
• Lead the development and implementation of the University's counter-fraud and corruption strategy in conjunction with the annual action plan.
• Maintain high-level fraud risk assessments, collaborating with colleagues to ensure comprehensive coverage.
• Drive fraud awareness through communication activities and training programs.
• Monitor data for signs of fraudulent activity, conduct investigations, and support the Financial Misconduct Review Group.
• Work closely with legal, compliance and human resource teams to ensure fraud cases are handled appropriately.
3. Policy and Procedure Development:
• Establish and regularly update policies and procedures related to financial assurance and fraud prevention.
• Ensure these policies are effectively communicated and enforced across the organisation.
• Stay abreast of industry best practices and emerging fraud risks, serving as a trusted expert for colleagues. In particular, building assurance into the design of processes and systems emerging from the organisation's digital transformation programme.
4. Reporting and Communication:
• Prepare detailed reports on financial assurance and fraud-related activities for senior management and the Audit & Scrutiny Committee.
• Communicate findings and recommendations clearly to stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with both internal and external partners.
5. Team Leadership:
• Manage and lead the Financial Assurance and Counter Fraud team, providing clear objectives, guidance, and professional development opportunities.
• Supervise the team's work, ensuring high-quality outputs and reasonable workloads.
• Foster a culture of integrity, accountability, and continuous improvement within the finance team.
  
  This is an exceptional opportunity to make a meaningful impact by ensuring the financial integrity of a prestigious institution. If you are a detail-oriented professional with a passion for financial assurance and fraud prevention, we'd love to hear from you!