Internal Auditor

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.

Internal Auditor

Permanent

Manchester

Salary: £33,200 - £38,800

Hybrid (office based two days per week)

Introduction

This role gives you the opportunity to make a tangible contribution to how AQA operates and remains trusted. You will help ensure that processes, systems and controls are working as intended and aligned to internationally recognised ISO standards. Your work will support confident decision making, regulatory assurance and continuous improvement across the organisation.

Purpose of the role
In this role, you will provide assurance across AQA by planning and delivering internal audits against internationally recognised ISO standards, including ISO 9001, ISO 27001 and ISO 22301. You will assess whether systems, processes and documentation meet required standards and are operating consistently in practice.

You will work with teams across the organisation to gather evidence, test controls and support the closure of audit actions. Through accurate reporting and follow‑up, you will help strengthen compliance, consistency and confidence in how AQA operates.

Key responsibilities

In this role, you'll be responsible for:

• Deliver end‑to‑end ISO internal audits, including planning, fieldwork, stakeholder engagement and reporting.
• Apply defined audit standards and procedures consistently, particularly for ISO 27001 audits.
• Prepare accurate and well structured working papers and draft findings.
• Assist with audit reporting, ensuring clarity, consistency and proportionality.
• Support audit action tracking, closure and verification activities.
• Engage professionally with stakeholders during audits, asking clear and appropriate questions.
• Develop audit knowledge, judgement and confidence through on the job learning and feedback.

What we are looking for

You will thrive in this role if you demonstrate a structured, curious and collaborative approach to internal audit:

• ISO specific audit experience
• Ability to work methodically, follow defined standards and maintain high quality documentation and reporting standards
• Developing confidence in audit judgement, with willingness to seek guidance and feedback
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy and consistency
• Collaborative, professional approach aligned to a critical friend culture
• Ability to collaborate with stakeholders to arrive proportionate actions
• Studying towards a recognised audit or assurance qualification (CIA / IIA / ACA / ACCA), or
• Relevant degree or professional background with a clear commitment to pursue an audit qualification
• ISO 27001 Internal Auditor training (essential)

What's in it for you

This role offers hands on exposure to meaningful audit work and the opportunity to build confidence and capability in a supportive environment:

• Deep, hands‑on exposure to ISO 27001 and information security assurance
• Opportunities to develop audit judgement, confidence and professional credibility
• Clear development pathway into a broader internal audit role
• 25 days’ annual leave, rising to 30 with service, plus bank holidays and extra closure days at Christmas
• A 35-hour working week with flexible working arrangements
• Excellent contributory pension scheme (6%–11.5% depending on your contribution)
• Life assurance, BUPA PMI, and health cash plan
• Enhanced maternity and paternity schemes

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 Monday 4th May

The selection process will include a first stage 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

Purpose:
This role will play an important part in the achievement of AQA’s objective ‘to be fit for the future. We adopt best practices in our processes and with our people, always improving the way we work. As an Internal Auditor you will work across the organisation, utilising your knowledge and experience of ISO standards (ISO 9001, 27001 & 22301) and related audit skills to ensure compliance of AQA’s processes, systems and documentation to ISO standards. This role is fundamental in providing assurance to AQA senior management, the Audit, Risk & Compliance Committee and the Board of Trustees of the adequacy and effectiveness of AQA’s internal processes and controls.Landscape:
This role is based within AQA’s Regulation and Compliance Business Area and sits alongside within the Assurance team, as such the role has an organisation-wide remit and the scope to make a tangible impact on the effective operation of our organisation.
Activities:
Plan and conduct internal audits and other assurance activities in accordance with ISO standards in line with agreed annual plans and in response to business needs.
To produce clear and concise reports that effectively summarise findings, recommendations and actions.
To produce high quality audit / review documentation and evidence to support findings and recommendations
To support the Audit function in the development of a risk-based annual ISO Audit Plan and in determining efficient and effective working practices.
To undertake any specific investigations or consultative work at the request of the Head of Assurance.
To collaborate with teams to implement improvements and ensure evidence of audit action closure.
To ensure objectivity and impartiality, and in line AQA’s values and behaviours.
To take responsibility for professional self-development, including keeping up to date with developments of standards and relevant best practices.

Need to know (to be successful in this role, you will need to know):
Experience of auditing against ISO standards – in particular 9001, 27001 & 22301.
Knowledge of audit planning, execution, reporting, and follow-up.
Ability to interpret and apply ISO requirements to real-world processes.
An understanding of how risk management integrates with ISO standards.
Ability to identify gaps, inefficiencies, and non-conformities.
Understanding of how to recommend and verify effective CAPA.
The ability to produce accurate and concise reports to deadline.
Experience of contributing to the development of departmental objectives and plans.
Excellent communication and inter personal skills, including influencing, negotiation and consultancy skills.
The ability to work independently and within a team.
Have a ‘Step up’ mindset. Think for yourself. Use sound judgement and hold yourself to account. Listen to understand, and speak your mind with courtesy and care.