Liverpool City Council is looking to strengthen the scrutiny of its auditing and governance procedures by bringing in two financial experts.
In response to the recent Best Value Inspection, the local authority is looking for independent people with practical experience in professional services such as financial management, or accountancy, to sit on the Audit Committee as co-opted independent technical advisers.
The Committee provides an independent and high-level focus on the council’s audit, assurance and reporting arrangements.
It reviews the council’s governance, risk management and control frameworks, and oversees the financial reporting and annual governance processes. The Committee also develops, maintains and monitors the codes of conduct for councillors and co-opted members.
Candidates should ideally have practical experience in areas such as financial management, accountancy, governance, or other professional services. Previous experience of working with Audit Committees is helpful, but is not essential.
The Committee meets approximately six times in a financial year and candidates will be expected to serve for three years.
Councillor Kris Brown, Chair of the Audit Committee, said:
“These roles are a key part of making the council’s scrutiny procedures as strong as they possibly can be.
“We want the members of the Audit Committee to be getting the best possible advice, enriching their ability to scrutinise the organisation.
“The co-opted members will bring additional knowledge and expertise, reinforcing the committee’s political neutrality and independence.
“Providing constructive challenge, as part of the committee, supports the council’s ambition for open and transparent government in the wake of the recent Best Value Inspection.
“An ideal applicant could be a retired accountant or financial professional, or someone who is working or has worked at a senior level in the sector.
“By being a member of the committee you can play a role in supporting the council on its improvement journey.
“You don’t need to be an expert in how the council works, as you will get specific training to undertake the role effectively.
“If you think you could make a positive contribution to the work of the committee, please get in touch to express interest.”
The successful applicants will receive expenses, but not an allowance, or remuneration.
More information can be found at https://liverpool.gov.uk/independentadvisers – the closing date for expressions of interest is 27 July.
