Internal Audit / Assurance Contractor

Internal Audit Advisory Lead – Standards & Methodology

Location: London

Work Pattern: 3 days per week on site

Contract Length: Contract through end of year

Start Date: ASAP – ideally available sooner than 2–3 weeks

Sector: Banking / Financial Services

Role Overview

We are looking for a senior Internal Audit / Assurance professional to support a large banking client in London. This role will focus primarily on internal audit standards, methodology design, and methodology implementation , with global quality assurance work also forming part of the remit. The client is not looking for a purely QA-focused profile. The priority is someone with strong expertise in understanding internal audit standards and embedding methodology in practice across a complex banking environment. The successful candidate will also need the credibility and seniority to deputise for the client when required.

Key Responsibilities

• Advise on internal audit standards and their practical application within a large banking environment
• Support the design, enhancement, and implementation of internal audit methodology
• Translate standards and regulatory expectations into effective audit practices, frameworks, and procedures
• Review current internal audit methodology and identify areas for strengthening or improvement
• Help embed consistent assurance practices across the audit function
• Provide senior advisory support to internal stakeholders on methodology, standards, and audit execution
• Deputise for the client in relevant meetings and forums where needed
• Support governance, oversight, and alignment of audit methodology with business and regulatory expectations

Required Experience

• Strong background in Internal Audit and/or Assurance
• Deep experience with internal audit standards and methodology implementation
• Proven track record within a large bank
• Experience operating in an advisory capacity at a senior level
• Ability to move beyond QA into practical methodology development and implementation
• Strong stakeholder management skills and ability to influence senior audiences
• Experience representing senior leadership or acting as a deputy in client-facing or governance settings

Desirable Experience

• Quality assurance experience within Internal Audit
• Previous Chief Internal Auditor (CIA) experience would be highly desirable
• Experience with internal audit transformation, methodology refresh, or audit function improvement
• Strong understanding of governance, risk, and control frameworks in financial services
• Must have the right to work in the UK