Internal Investigations Officer - Financial in Ferndale

Aatom Recruitment is looking for an Internal Investigations Officer - Financial on behalf of a Local Authority.

Job Title: Internal Investigations Officer - Financial
Contract Duration: 6 Months
Hours Per Week: 35

Work Pattern: 2 days in the office, 3 days remote but flexibility available

Main purpose of post

• This role will focus on the prevention, detection and investigation of financial crime issues, including fraud, bribery & corruption and malpractice. The post holder will specifically undertake work, with little supervision, assigned by the Management Team covering reactive investigations. 
• To undertake investigations into financial irregularities, internal control issues and misconduct committed both internally and externally from reactive sources involving Council employees, contractors and members. 
• Working with management to develop proactive exercises where required. To undertake both criminal and civil legal action, when appropriate to do so, in accordance with policies, procedures and legislation.
• Provide operational support and guidance to the investigation officers when investigating allegations of internal fraud and across the Councils operations when investigating suspected cases of internal fraud.
• Draft reports detailing work performed and conclusions reached, presenting and explaining findings in a clear and concise manner to internal stakeholders, providing suggestions for corrective action and remediation plans.. 
• Act as the service lead for Identify fraud queries and verification of identity documentation. 

Key Unit Accountabilities

1. Review complex and sensitive information and evaluate the suitability of referrals for fraud investigation that will result in outcomes as per the Council’s parallel sanctions policy. 
2. Assist in the development and implementation of appropriate protocols to ensure evidence gathered during investigations is legally obtained in accordance with the Police and Criminal Evidence Act and other supporting legislation, increasing the chance of achieving successful prosecutions and sanctions in the most efficient manner.
3. As required assist the Management Team in the preparation of reports for senior management on IACF performance and work flow and key achievements on a monthly, quarterly and annual basis.
4. Working with minimum supervision to plan, prepare and lead investigations, including where appropriate conducting Interviews Under Caution, in accordance with relevant legislation and good practice.      Evaluate evidence and where appropriate put offences to offender.
5. Assist in investigations involving covert surveillance, having full regard for relevant legislation.
6. To investigate breaches of the Council’s Code of Conduct, regulations and ensure compliance with statutory obligations.
7. Prepare cases for parallel sanctions and recovery of the Council’s losses in accordance with relevant legislation and Council policies.
8. Provide support, guidance and expert advice to officers across the Council’s operations when investigating suspected cases of internal fraud.
9. Undertake any special assignment or projects as specified by the Management Team.
10. Assist in the development and delivery of fraud awareness and identity fraud training to colleagues across the council, and where required to external agencies.
11. Represent  IACF and where required deputise for Service Managers in liaison with other departments of the Council, as appropriate, in relation to the work of the Counter Fraud team.
12. As part of investigation work evaluate internal controls within departmental operation systems and procedures an identify weaknesses ensuring that reports identifying practical solutions and recommendations are made to management to prevent future fraud or loss, ensure probity, compliance and value for money in the operation and delivery of Council services.
13. Within agreed timescales produce detailed reports presenting and explaining complex investigative findings and evidence. Make recommendations for action in accordance with standardised reporting processes including where necessary formal statements, which could lead to disciplinary action / dismissal, recovery of Council assets, including Council property, and prosecution. Ensure effective security of evidence and sensitive materials.
14. Assist in the development and promotion of an effective counter fraud culture within the Council and working with the Management Team,   contribute to publications and other initiatives designed to deter, prevent and detect fraud against the Council. 
15. Provide solicitors, managers and officers with specialist advice and guidance on complex matters related to the investigation of fraud in regard to action to be taken when obtaining or attempting to obtain the Council’s property and services by deception is suspected or has been established. 
16. Represent Lambeth Council at both criminal and civil courts, disciplinary hearings etc as an expert witness providing evidence in a professional manner and making decisions on behalf of the council when required to do so.
17. Assist in the identification of new initiatives for fraud prevention detection and deterrence, and contribute to the continuous improvement and development of the team.
18.  Represent Lambeth as NFI key contact and where necessary ensure that data matches are correctly sifted and undertake effective action to maximise the potential savings.
19. Make balanced judgements based on the facts of individual cases and provide specialist advice and guidance to managers and officers within across the Council on matters relating to fraud. 
20. Facilitate multi agency investigations as and when required by developing and maintaining contacts and a good working relationship with other organisations (for example, Police, Immigration, SFIS, HMRC). 
21. To provide a supervisory role that incorporates coaching mentoring and training to junior members of the team when required.
22. Prioritise and manage own workload to ensure assignments are progressed promptly meeting internal and external deadlines.
23. To work outside normal core hours, possibly at short notice which may involve weekends and extended periods of duty as required.
24. To undertake administrative duties and assist in projects or investigations as directed in any area of work for which the group is responsible.      Complete and collate accurate statistical information as required.