Opportunities

Smaller Authorities’ Audit Appointments Ltd (SAAA) is an independent, not for profit, limited company established to procure external audit services and appoint external auditors for smaller authorities (under £6.5 million annual income/expenditure).

SAAA was established in 2015 by the Secretary of State at the then Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG) who specified SAAA as a sector led body with powers to procure and appoint auditors and set audit fees for smaller authorities in compliance with the Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014, the Accounts and Audit Regulations 2015, and the Local Audit (Smaller Authority) Regulations 2015.

An opportunity has arisen for a new Deputy General Manager role to deputise for and assist the General Manager and take responsibility for the operational day-to-day management of SAAA. The appointment will be made with consideration of a succession plan to the position of General Manager in time subject to performance.

The Deputy General Manager will be expected to manage various aspects of the company’s operations including liaison with external audit firms, performance monitoring, appointment of auditors to new authorities, financial management, debtor management, communications with sector organisations and authorities, complaint management and liaison with key sector stakeholders.

The general management is responsible to the SAAA Board and coordinates and prepares reports for Board meetings, implements resulting actions, future initiatives, and governance of the organisation.

SAAA is looking for an experienced senior manager who is familiar with the smaller authorities and local council sector, has experience of project management and the legal frameworks of smaller authority financial governance and audit.

The role is predominantly based at home, although SAAA has an office in central London at CIPFA and attendance at the office and meetings in London will be required (travel expenses paid).

The salary for this role is highly competitive and will average 3 to 4 days per week initially, likely to increase over time. Flexibility is essential as there will be busier periods and quieter periods which may require either more or less days during some weeks.

Closing date for applications is Monday 16 May 2022

(Due to the nature of this role we will be reviewing applications on an ongoing basis and the role might be filled and closed before the closing date. Early applications are encouraged).

Interviews will take place on Thursday 26 May 2022.

Applications should be sent by e-mail to Katherine Mitchell at [email protected]

Please include your CV and a covering letter stating how you match the skills, competencies and experience required and what you would bring to the role.

If you require any further details or a brief initial informal discussion about the role, please e-mail Katherine Mitchell with your contact details and availability.