About us

Uniac (www.uniac.co.uk) is a specialist provider of internal audit, risk and assurance services to the higher education (HE) sector across the UK. We have over 20 clients, ranging from small specialist institutions to some of the largest universities in the UK. Our business has experienced steady growth and we have ambitious growth plans for the future. We are now looking to make appointments and bolster our team.

We are high profile, working closely with senior management and University governing bodies, and we have a progressive risk-based approach. In addition to core services such as reviewing finance, HR and estates-related risks, we also cover assignments relating to student experience, employability, recruitment and marketing activities and compliance with sector regulatory requirements. We have a dedicated IT and cyber audit team, and we use data interrogation software to review key financial and administrative systems.

In addition to our core internal audit service, we undertake special investigations and consultancy assignments, run training workshops for institutions in areas such as fraud awareness and are involved in a number of professional and HE sector groups. Our value-added work is a key strength, and we produce briefing papers on a wide range of specialist themes and run regular events for the HE sector.

Job description

We have a strong customer focus providing a service that adds real value. The roles will entail:

  • undertaking audits from end to end – covering the development of the terms of reference, fieldwork and testing, drafting and finalising reports
  • adhering to our audit methodology and standards
  • working on audits but drawing in experience and expertise from across the team
  • building specialisms
  • drafting topical briefing notes and benchmarking outputs for institutions
  • assisting with the development of annual audit programmes
  • liaising with senior institutional staff and attending management team meetings and audit committees – to present updates and summaries of work completed
  • contributing to Uniac’s strategy – including new business opportunities and the on-going development of our audit approach and support infrastructure.

Staff development is an important aspect of life at Uniac. We will assign you a mentor to help with advice and support, we hold regular team sessions covering a wide range of topics and we arrange social outings during the year. We agree training requirements with all staff based on requirements and where you are in your career.

Everyone is encouraged to develop specialisms which are extremely well-valued by our clients. This allows you to build an in-depth knowledge of specific areas, contrasting approaches and offering best practice suggestions. There’s also plenty of progression opportunities, for example, the management of relationships at institutions and leading on the development of new products and initiatives – dependent on the stage of your career.

All staff are given an opportunity to contribute to running our business – be it the on-going development of the website, strategy, growth aspirations and policy enhancements or input to the conferences and courses we provide.

Rewards

Depending on experience, we offer a competitive salary plus 25 days annual leave (and an option to purchase additional days). We will also make a 5% contribution to NEST (a defined contribution workplace pension scheme). Subject to client expectations, we deliver our services via a flexible, hybrid approach.

We have a base in Manchester and our staff comprises those undertaking both home and site-based delivery, depending on the work assignment and client preferences.

Uniac is committed to supporting the rights, responsibilities, dignity, health and wellbeing of all staff through our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. We promote applications from all sections of the community, irrespective of background, belief or identity, recognising the benefits that a diverse organisation can bring.

Person Specification

Education:

  • a graduate in any discipline with a 2/1 degree or higher

Experience:

  • You must have a track record of delivering internal audit reviews – either within HE or elsewhere (private or public sector).
  • You will have a professional mind set driven to meet / exceed client expectations, focused on delivering quality outputs on time and to budget.
  • We expect all staff to develop their own areas of specialism. We will work with you to develop these, but some existing specialist work areas would be an advantage, for example: finance, IT, data analytics, projects.

Attributes

  • You will be a self-starter, inquisitive, analytical and an effective listener and communicator both written and verbal.
  • You’ll be able to drive work forward on your own but also have the confidence to engage with colleagues so that institutions get the ‘collective best’ from the Uniac team.
  • Effective communication is essential both verbal and written:
  • Verbal skills: being able to contribute effectively in meetings. This should include the ability to listen effectively, analyse what is being said and what is important, and to ask the right questions. Depending on the stage of your career, you should also be comfortable presenting – be it findings from a report or pitching for new contracts.
  • Written skills: an ability to draft briefing papers and reports in excellent English with clarity and conciseness while being able to adapt written output appropriately for different audiences.
  • Diplomacy and pragmatism. The ability to build good relationships with colleagues and client staff.
  • You must have a strong ethical mindset.

How to Apply

In addition to a CV, candidates should please include a covering letter which outlines:

  • An assessment of your key achievements to date
  • What interests you in the role, in Uniac and in working in the higher education sector
  • What you see as the key attributes which you feel would make you the right fit for this appointment
  • Your aspirations for the next five years in your career