Independent Member of the Audit Committee

Crawley Borough Council is looking for an experienced audit, accountancy, or finance professional to become an Independent Member of the council’s Audit Committee.

The Audit Committee strives to support good governance and strong public financial management. It provides independent assurance on the adequacy of the risk management framework, the internal control environment and the integrity of the financial reporting and governance processes. By overseeing both internal and external audit the Committee makes an important contribution to ensuring that effective assurance arrangements are in place.

The Independent Member would be co-opted on to the Audit Committee as a consultee. They would be asked to use their finance acumen to advise the Committee on its work; contributing relevant knowledge and opinions in order to assist the Committee in carrying out its functions (as set out in the council’s constitution). They would not be a voting member of the Committee.

The ideal candidate should:

• Have a professional audit/accountancy/finance background
• Be able to interpret and analyse numerical data with a view to asking probing questions to reach rational conclusions
• Be a critical thinker and seek to uphold accountability
• Be confident in fully and proactively participating in the consideration of matters before the Committee at its public meetings
• Be a good listener; fair, unbiased and objective in their approach
• Have a grasp of the workings of local government

Crawley is an exciting place to work, with a vibrant town centre and excellent transport connections. We recently moved into our new Town Hall so it is a great time to join us as we settle into our state-of-the-art offices.

To be eligible you must not be a member of any political party or have any strong political affiliations. In addition, you must not have been a councillor or member of staff of any council or public authority during the last five years, and must not be related to, or be a close friend of, any councillor or officer of Crawley Borough Council.

You will be required to attend approximately four meetings of the Audit Committee per year. These take place from 7pm, in person at Crawley Town Hall. The dates for the remainder of the 2023 to 2024 year are:

• 5 September 2023
• 21 November 2023
• 12 March 2024

You will be expected to undertake a small amount of work in preparation for these meetings including, reading agendas, considering relevant data, and liaising with council staff.

The role is for a two-year period and may be extended for a further term subject to mutual agreement.

An allowance of £750 is paid per annum.

Our shared values and behaviours reflect the special nature of our council. We encourage all colleagues to put them into practice, whatever job they do. Take a look to see if we are the perfect match.

Crawley Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We want to be an inclusive and diverse employer of first choice reflecting the community we serve and particularly welcome applications from all under represented groups.

To apply send a written statement by email, no more than one side of A4, stating why you are interested in the role and how you meet the criteria, to chris.pedlow@crawley.gov.uk.

Expressions of interest must be received no later than Friday 30 June 2023.

For further information regarding the role, email carolin.martlew@crawley.gov.uk, Head of Corporate Finance.