Audit & Assurance Manager

At AQA, we’re committed to advancing education and we’re committed to our people. As the largest provider of academic qualifications in the UK, we mark over 10 million exam papers each year and it’s our people who make this happen.

Audit & Assurance Manager

Permanent

Manchester - £64,000 - £70,700

Hybrid (office based two days per week)

Introduction

This role offers a significant opportunity to shape and strengthen how assurance operates at AQA. You will lead audit activity that provides confidence in governance, risk management and internal controls, while helping the organisation learn and improve. Your work will support a culture of accountability, proportionate challenge and continuous improvement across AQA.

Purpose of the role

In this role, you will lead internal audit and assurance activity across AQA, ensuring audits are risk based, insightful and aligned to organisational priorities. You will provide independent assurance to senior leaders, the Internal Control Group, the Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee and the Board of Trustees on the effectiveness of controls, governance and risk management processes. By leading a small team of auditors and working closely with stakeholders, you will help raise assurance maturity, embed consistent audit practices and ensure findings translate into meaningful and proportionate improvement.

Key responsibilities

In this role, you'll be responsible for:

• Leading the planning, delivery and reporting of risk based internal audits that provide clear, practical insight.
• Managing and developing a small team of internal auditors, ensuring quality, consistency and professional growth.
• Building strong relationships with senior stakeholders and governance forums to ensure audit outcomes are understood and acted upon.

What we are looking for

Substantial experience delivering and leading internal audits in complex or regulated environments.

• Strong understanding of internal audit, risk management and control frameworks.
• The ability to influence, challenge and support stakeholders constructively at all levels.
• Proven people management skills, including coaching and developing audit capability.
• CMIIA or CIA (preferred), demonstrating senior internal audit credibility
• ACA or ACCA acceptable where accompanied by substantial internal audit leadership experience

What's in it for you

This role combines leadership, influence and professional challenge, offering you the opportunity to make a visible impact:

• The chance to shape and mature AQA’s internal assurance capability.
• A 35‑hour working week with flexible, hybrid working
• 25 days’ annual leave (rising to 30), plus Christmas closure days
• Excellent pension (up to 11.5% employer contribution)
• Private medical insurance, life assurance and wellbeing benefits

Diversity and inclusion

At AQA, we are committed to fostering a workplace that celebrates diversity and promotes equity and inclusion. We believe that a diverse team brings richer perspectives and drives better outcomes. Our ED&I strategy ensures that everyone—regardless of religion, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, age, disability, sexual orientation, or background—is valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. We actively promote inclusive language, avoid stereotypes, and strive for representation across all dimensions of diversity. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and lived experiences.

Application process

To apply, submit your CV and a short supporting statement outlining your suitability for the role.

The application deadline is Sunday 5th July

The selection process will include an initial interview held remotely, followed by a face to face interview in Manchester.

Recruitment Agencies

We have a preferred supplier list (PSL) in place.

Unsolicited CVs will be treated as a gift. We will not be subject to or liable under your terms and conditions for agency fees.

Full Job Description

Summary

The Audit & Assurance Manager plays a pivotal role in strengthening AQA’s internal assurance capability. Operating within the CEO’s Office and the Assurance team, this role leads a small team of internal auditors to deliver high-quality, risk-based audits across the organisation. It supports AQA’s strategic objectives by providing independent insight into the effectiveness of internal controls, governance, and risk management processes. The role contributes to a culture of continuous improvement, compliance, and operational excellence, ensuring AQA remains resilient, forward-looking, and aligned with regulatory expectations and internal standards.1. Audit Leadership & Delivery
Lead the planning, execution, and reporting of internal audits across business areas, ensuring audits are risk-focused, insightful, and add value.
Develop and maintain a rolling audit plan aligned with organisational priorities and strategic risks.
Ensure audit findings are clearly communicated, with practical recommendations and follow-up mechanisms in place.
2. Team Management & Development
Manage and develop a small team of internal auditors, providing coaching, support, and professional development opportunities.
Foster a collaborative and high-performance culture within the audit team.
Ensure audit work is delivered to a high standard, on time and within scope.
3. Stakeholder Engagement
Build strong relationships with senior leaders, risk owners, and assurance partners to ensure audit outcomes are understood and acted upon.
Present audit findings and insights to the Internal Control Group (ICG), Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee (ARCC), and other governance forums.
Influence improvements in control design and operational practices through effective engagement and challenge.
4. Continuous Improvement & Assurance Maturity
Contribute to the development of AQA’s assurance frameworks and methodologies.
Support the integration of data analytics and emerging technologies into audit practices.
Identify systemic issues and opportunities for improvement across the organisation.
Need to know (to be successful in this role, you will need to know):
Strong understanding of internal audit principles, risk management, and control frameworks.
Experience leading audits in complex organisations, ideally within regulated or education sectors.
Familiarity with ISO standards and regulatory frameworks such as Ofqual’s Conditions of Recognition.
Excellent analytical, communication, and report-writing skills.
Strong leadership and people management capabilities.
Ability to influence and challenge constructively at all levels.
Professional audit qualification (e.g. CMIIA, CIA, ACA, ACCA) or equivalent experience.