Head of Internal Audit

Robertson Bell Audit is proud to be exclusively partnered with the Royal Horticultural Society in recruiting for a Head of Internal Audit, based at their Head Office in Wisley.

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) was founded in 1804, and their core objective is to be the world's leading gardening charity by inspiring passion and excellence in the science, art and practice of horticulture. The RHS announced a 10-year Strategic Investment Programme of £160 million in June 2014, which includes opening a new RHS garden, a brand new Science research building and creating two new inner city gardens. The aim of the programme is to enable the charity to provide even better inspiration and advice for more people - both its members and the British gardening public. It also plans to broaden its appeal and raise the profile and impact of every aspect of horticulture.

Reporting to the Director of Risk and Governance, the Head of Internal Audit is responsible for planning, conducting and delivering a range of audits across the organisation. Leading a team of two, you will deliver audits from engagement planning through to reporting and follow up, outlining independent and objective perspectives on time, cost and risks of projects including that of the £160 million investment plan. Specifically, this role requires you to develop the annual audit plan, identify and provide assurance over high risk activities including management of the RHS risk register. Knowledge of the detail across the society and the ability to build strong relations within these are essential in order to provide the business advice necessary. Furthermore, you will prepare and manage the internal audit budget as well as support across the society on process, controls and procedures, acting as a representative for Internal Audit to the Leadership team and the Audit & Risk Committee, conducting reviews or tasks as required from them, trustees or the Finance Director.

This is a really exciting time to be joining the RHS as they embark on the realisation of their strategic investment plan, which will require support from audit for its structure and controls. The successful candidate will be a fully qualified, experienced auditor with financial management, accounting and a thorough understanding of tax, VAT and pension compliance. You must clearly demonstrate at a strategic and operational level, experience of implementing, delivering and embedding risk management as well as extensive experience auditing across wide and diverse areas of organisations. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, are essential for the successful candidate, with effective communication across the organisation as well as the ability to influence others, being key elements for success in this role.

Interviews will commence week commencing 12th September so please do not delay in applying for this position.