Senior Fraud Prevention Officer

Job Introduction

About Us

At OCC, you'll be part of a team that’s not only passionate about what we do, but also about how we do it. We foster a culture of inclusion, respect, and continuous improvement, and we’re proud to offer flexible working arrangements, professional development opportunities, and a strong sense of purpose in everything we do.

• Hybrid working – Flexibility is important to deliver the service and to suit individual lifestyles, we encourage discussion at interviews as we acknowledge there isn’t a one size fits all approach – the post holder is likely to attend the office once per week
• Culture of flexible working
• Great learning and development opportunities to support your growth
• Technology to support agile working – with unlimited access to Copilot for smarter productivity
• Employee Assistance Programme with health and wellbeing support
• Generous annual leave - up to 30 days plus bank holidays, and an option to 'buy' additional time off
• Enhanced family friendly policies
• Local Government Pension Scheme - employer contributions up to 19.9%
• Discounts - local and national offers for shopping and travel

About the Role

The Counter Fraud Team plays a vital role in reducing losses from fraud and irregularity, while promoting a strong, Council‑wide culture of zero tolerance to fraud. As part of the Internal Audit Service, the team delivers a joined‑up approach to strengthening risk management, internal controls and organisational integrity.

We now have an exciting opportunity to join the Internal Audit Service as a Senior Fraud Prevention Officer, leading complex counter‑fraud investigations and delivering proactive fraud prevention and detection activity to protect public funds. The team undertakes high‑quality civil and criminal investigations, securing appropriate sanctions and supporting the recovery of losses.

This is an excellent time to join us as we continue to embed new ways of working, including greater use of data and analytics to drive high‑quality, intelligence‑led counter‑fraud activity across the Council.

About you

You will bring strong experience in conducting and leading fraud investigations, supported by sound professional judgement and an ability to manage cases from initial referral through to resolution. You will also have a genuine enthusiasm for using data and analytics to enhance the prevention, detection and investigation of fraud, and a curious, analytical and collaborative approach to working with services across the Council.

We are seeking a high‑performing, self‑motivated individual with a positive, forward‑thinking and innovative approach to counter‑fraud work.

Key responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Lead and manage complex fraud investigations, ensuring compliance with legal, evidential, and professional standards, and preparing cases for criminal or civil proceedings as required.
• Design and deliver proactive counter-fraud initiatives using advanced data analytics, data-matching, and statistical techniques to detect and prevent fraud across Council services.
• Oversee National Fraud Initiative (NFI) data-matching exercises, including data management, risk assessment, and reporting of outcomes to senior management and the Audit & Governance Committee.
• Provide expert advice and training to staff and managers on fraud risks, controls, and best practices, promoting a strong anti-fraud culture throughout the Council.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external agencies (e.g., police, other councils) to share intelligence, coordinate investigations, and recommend appropriate sanctions and recovery actions.
• Maintain accurate case records and prepare clear, evidence-based reports on investigation outcomes, fraud risks, and recommendations for control improvements.
• Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of anti-fraud policies, procedures, and risk assessments, supporting the Council’s strategic objectives.
• Operate with independence, integrity, and resilience, managing a complex workload and balancing reactive investigations with proactive fraud prevention projects in a challenging environment.
• Support Internal Audit assignments when required by performing data matching and advanced analytics.

Ready to apply?

• If you are interested in this role, please submit your application by 10 May 2026. 
• When applying, please upload a current CV and a personal statement.
• Your personal statement should explain how your skills and experience meet the requirements of the role, referring to the key criteria set out in the job description. We recommend that the statement is no more than 750 words.
• Shortlisting will take place week commencing 11 May 2026. 
• Interviews are expected to take place in our central Oxford office (County Hall) on Tuesday 19 May. Please note the interview date listed and keep free where possible, as we aim to stick to these timelines.
• For informal enquiries or further information about the role, please contact Declan Brolly, Counter Fraud Manager  Declan.brolly@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, full time and 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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