Corporate Fraud Investigator

The Corporate fraud team are responsible for the prevention, detection and investigation of possible fraud and corruption in connection with all aspects of Corporate Fraud, delivered in accordance with the council’s Counter Fraud & Corruption Strategy.

We are looking for someone to join us who works accurately under pressure and is confident in dealing with difficult situations and managing conflict. You’ll also have practical experience in using investigative techniques and procedures.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone looking to develop their skills and career in fraud investigation.

WHAT IS INVOLVED?

You will work closely with the team to investigate any fraud and corruption cases across the authority in accordance with relevant legislation and procedures, and ensuring relevant personal subject knowledge is at a high level and actively maintained.

Your excellent working knowledge of legislation, practices and criminal law will be forefront when carrying out all aspects of investigation work. Where required you will conduct interviews with regards to potentially fraudulent and irregular activity in accordance with the council’s fraud strategies and appropriate legislation. You may also be required to interview under caution in accordance with the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 and associated Codes of Practice, where fraud is suspected.

With a customer focused approach, you’ll assist with the client relationship for specific service and/or specialist areas, including assisting the management of external contracts for the corporate fraud team.

This role is full of variety and in addition includes;

1. Maintaining accurate administrative records where required with all aspects of counter-fraud, gathering witness statements, and preparing case files to a criminal standard.
2. Responding promptly to all enquiries, maintaining accurate records in accordance to the Data Protection Act and related regulations.
3. Assisting on the provision of advice regarding investigations, fraud risk management and fraud controls.
4. Pro-actively contribute to the work of the whole team and be adaptable and flexible to different operational demands.

We encourage you to contact Paul.Gibbon@durham.gov.uk to arrange an informal discussion about the role.

WHAT WILL I NEED?

You will need to be educated to an NVQ level 3 or equivalent and hold Accredited Counter Fraud Specialist status or similar qualification, along with:

1. The ability to manage and prioritise own workload and to ensure tasks are completed accurately, within prescribed timescales.
2. Understanding written instructions and regulations.
3. Practical experience in using investigative techniques and procedures.
4. Being able to interpret and understand complex legislation.
5. Report writing skills.

Please refer to the attached person specification for the full criteria.

If successful, you will be required to apply for a Basic Disclosure.

REWARDS AND BENEFITS

We offer generous rewards and benefits that are designed to help you perform at your best:

1. Competitive salaries and 27 days holiday per year rising to 32 days after five years continuous local government service.
2. Option to purchase up to 10 additional days annual leave per year.
3. Excellent work/life balance through schemes including job sharing, compressed hours and flexi-time (allowing up to 13 flexi days per year).
4. Hybrid working (home and office working).
5. Excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS). Plus, top up options - Salary Sacrifice Shared Cost AVC scheme and standard AVC scheme for members of the LGPS.
6. Wellbeing Portal and access to an Employee Assist Scheme.
7. Wide range of learning and development opportunities including professional qualifications, coaching and mentoring.
8. Employee Benefits Portal and Lifestyle Savings Scheme (discounts across a host of major retailers).
9. Discounted DCC gym membership.
10. Staff networks run by staff for our staff, including Race Equality and Diversity, Disability, LGBT+, Armed Forces, Carers, Menopause.
11. Trade Union membership.
12. A range of other salary sacrifice schemes such as car leasing.

Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions.

Take a closer look:

HYBRID WORKING

Durham County Council currently operates a hybrid working policy where a model of 2 days in the workplace and 3 days at home/remote will apply. This model is pro-rated for part time roles and arrangements are at managers discretion, alternatively you can work all of your contracted hours within the workplace if you prefer.

EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION

We are a proud equal opportunities employer and recognise that a diverse, talented workforce brings new ideas and new perspectives, which will facilitate growth and improvements to services.

We are committed to ensuring that our employment policies and processes are fair and equitable to all. We welcome job applications from everyone, and successful candidates are considered only on their skills and ability to do the job.

As a Disability Confident Leader, we encourage applications from disabled people and provide support throughout the recruitment process.

Take a closer look:

INTERVIEWS

Interviews will be held on 10th February 2025.

We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran.

HOW TO APPLY

In line with the County Council's Recruitment and Selection Policy, please note that we are unable to accept CVs. Applications must be submitted on-line via the Northeast Jobs portal.

Please use the ‘Person Specification’ section of your application form to demonstrate that you have the essential and where possible, desirable experience, skills, and knowledge. Candidates who do not evidence that they meet the essential qualifications and experience listed on the person specification will not be short-listed.

If you have any support needs or require assistance when applying for this role, please contact the Recruitment Team via email RecruitmentResources@durham.gov.uk.

We collect personal information from you when you register with North East Jobs and make an application. Details on how we process your personal data is available in our Privacy Notice.

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