Independent Member, Audit and Governance Committee - Co-Opted Committee Member

Job Introduction

About Us 
Oxfordshire County Council is committed to maintaining high standards of governance and accountability. We are seeking a dedicated individual to join our Audit and Governance Committee as an Independent Member, in line with the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) Audit Committee Guidance.

Job Description
As an Independent Member of the Audit and Governance Committee, you will provide independent assurance on the effectiveness of the control environment and corporate governance arrangements within the Council. Your role will involve reviewing financial statements, monitoring audit activities, and promoting high standards of conduct among councillors and co-opted members.

Key Responsibilities

• Review the annual statement of accounts and annual governance statement.
• Consider reports from internal and external auditors.
• Monitor the independence, objectivity, and performance of auditors.
• Oversee counter fraud plans and activities.
• Review the council’s treasury management strategy and activities.
• Promote high standards of conduct by councillors and co-opted members.
• Participate in committee meetings and training sessions.

Qualifications

• Practical experience in financial or general management within a business or public sector environment.
• Understanding of internal and external audit roles and the importance of good risk management.
• Ability to analyse, interpret, and absorb information effectively and quickly.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Commitment to building a strong council with clearly articulated objectives and purpose.
• Understanding of statutory duties and legislative requirements relevant to local government.
• Previous experience of audit-related activities is desirable but not essential.

Independence Criteria

To ensure independence, candidates must not be:

• Councillors, co-opted members, or officers of Oxfordshire County Council.
• Relatives or close friends of such persons.
• Affiliated with any political party.

Terms of Appointment:

• Fixed term of four years.
• Annual allowance of £3,156 plus reasonable expenses.
• Appointment subject to approval by a majority of Council members.

How to Apply: Interested candidates are invited to submit their application form detailing their experience and qualifications. For further details please contact Colm O'Caomhanaigh at colm.ocaomhanaigh@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Our commitment to:
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

At Oxfordshire County Council we are proud of our diverse workforce. Everyone is accepted for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or on maternity or family leave. We have a number of staff network groups which provide peer support, education and safe spaces for all.

Our commitment to:
Guaranteed Interview Schemes

As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job. We also guarantee interviews to care leavers who have completed further education and who meet the essential criteria for the job. For those leaving care without any further education, we guarantee an interview for our apprenticeships. We are also committed to helping and supporting those transitioning from HM Armed Forces to civilian life and guarantee an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria for the role, within three years of leaving the service.

Our commitment to:
Safeguarding

Oxfordshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect these commitments.

Our commitment to:
Flexible Working

We are open to discussions about flexible working, which can include flexi-time, part time working, job sharing, nine-day fortnights and annualised hours, depending on the requirements of the role and the service.

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If you encounter any technical issues with the application system, please contact us at: careers@oxfordshire.gov.uk