Lay member of the University Audit Committee

Independent Lay Member of the University Audit Committee

 

Help us inspire excellence to achieve the remarkable and build an inclusive world

 

 

 

The University of Southampton is one of the world’s leading universities. We are consistently placed in the top 100 universities in the world by the QS World University Rankings. There are currently over 24,000 students on campus in the UK. The University is a complex operation with an annual turnover of over £600m and a staff establishment in excess of 5,000 FTE.

 

The University of Southampton governing body (known as the University Council) has an Audit Committee that oversees the internal and external audit processes and provides Council with assurance in a number of areas.  

 

We are looking to appoint two new members to the Committee. You will join us at an exciting time as our new Strategy is being implemented and our growth ambitions for student numbers, the physical estate and international activities are being finalised. This is a volunteer role for which expenses are paid.

 

 

 

The Role

 

The Audit Committee meets four times per year and carries out the following broad activities:

 

• considers and makes recommendations to Council on the appointment of and subsequent performance of our auditors reviews and agrees the nature and scope of internal audit activity reviews external audit activity reviews, and challenges where necessary, the judgements of management, in relation to the annual financial statements before submission to Council keeps under review the effectiveness of risk management (including academic risk) and governance arrangements reviews and monitors the effectiveness of arrangements for the management and quality assurance of data submitted to the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), Office for Students (OfS) and other funding bodies monitors the implementation of agreed audit-based recommendations oversees the institution’s policy on fraud and irregularity

Individual members are not appointed to represent any group but are tasked with working collectively in the best interests of the institution as a whole and to add their experience and expertise to the role.

 

 

 

The Person

 

The Committee is looking for individuals with finance, accounting or audit experience at a strategic level who can see the larger picture while appreciating the detail.  Experience of risk management is desirable.  We are looking for individuals who can help to solve challenges in a collegiate manner to offer real solutions to help an organisation which is both complex and innovative. Higher Education sector experience is not essential. We are striving for greater inclusivity in our community, as diversity is a strength. Applicants who can help us with the ambition are welcomed.

 

 

 

The Commitment

 

Audit Committee meets four times per year and there will also be an opportunity to engage with broader Council meetings, away days and other activities to help broaden your knowledge of the institution. An agenda pack is produced and circulated one week prior to every meeting containing reports and information.

 

Prior to meetings (usually held in the afternoons) there is an opportunity for the Committee to meet privately with the auditors to discuss matters.

 

 

 

How to apply

 

If you would like to apply for this role, please write to the Clerk to the University Council & Senate (details below) setting out your experience (also include a current CV) and what you can bring to the Committee and benefits you could bring for the wider University.

 

Closing date for applications: 31^st January 2024

 

For any queries on the position and applications please contact:

 

Mr Lee Abraham

 

Clerk to the University Council & Senate

l.j.abraham@soton.ac.uk