Counter Fraud Officer

Please note that the advertised salary for this position is subject to the pending 2026/2027 national pay award. The final salary will be adjusted accordingly once this has been agreed. We are seeking a proactive and analytical Counter Fraud Officer to join our Internal Audit and Counter Fraud team. The role plays a crucial part in protecting public funds, promoting ethical behaviour, and supporting the Council's commitment to transparency and good governance. You will be responsible for preventing, detecting, and investigating fraud, corruption, and irregularity across the Council's services, working closely with internal stakeholders and external partners. About the role You will:

• Develop and deliver the Council's Counter Fraud Action Plan and fraud detection tools and techniques
• Undertake investigations of allegations of suspected fraud, corruption and bribery in accordance with legislation and Council policy and procedure, including preparing and maintaining comprehensive files of evidence gathered as part of an investigation
• Coordinate the authority-wide annual Fraud Risk Assessment and monitor the Fraud Risk Register.
• Take a proactive role in fraud prevention and detection across the Authority.
• Be a key contact for the National Fraud Initiative, taking primary responsibility for the administration of the exercise
  
  With a degree in a relevant subject, or equivalent experience in a relevant discipline
• Is an ACFS (Accredited Counter Fraud Specialist) or equivalent
• That has experience in using data analytic tools for investigations
• That has the ability to assess situations quickly with an analytical approach to problem solving and provide clear concise advice and guidance to customers or implement escalation procedures.
The post requires a degree of fluency in the Welsh language. Please note that a successful applicant without the required Welsh language skill will be fully supported to reach the required standard within two years of appointment.

Our Aberystwyth office, Canolfan Rheidol is an award winning building. The office, with its open plan design, provides an excellent space for collaborative working.

We believe work-life balance is very important. To support you in achieving this, you will have access to the following discretionary benefits:
• Hybrid Working: Subject to certain conditions being met, you may choose to work from home or in an office location.
• Flexi-time: Hours may be worked within a defined bandwidth, Monday to Friday, subject to service needs., We are committed to safeguarding and protecting children and adults at risk. As part of this commitment, certain roles within our organisation require a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to assess the suitability of candidates. This role will require an Enhanced DBS check. Please note that the presence of previous convictions will not necessarily disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. We assess each applicant on a case-by-case basis, and take into account the nature and relevance of any convictions in relation to the responsibilities of the role. Our goal is to create an inclusive and supportive work environment where all individuals are treated fairly and with respect. If you have any concerns or questions regarding this process, please feel free to contact us for clarification. Your privacy and dignity are of utmost importance to us throughout the recruitment process.
What we offer Work-life balance Lifestyle savings scheme Generous employer pension scheme Cycle to work scheme Learning and developmentWhere you'll work Legal and Governance We ensure that the Council operates in a responsible and transparent manner by providing corporate and operational legal advice, auditing, objective assurance and support across all service areas resulting in the legal welfare and obligations of the Council being upheld, and assurance provided on governance, risk and internal controls. Our key functions include: + Legal Services + Internal Audit: Consulting Service; Independent Assurance + Statutory Role: Monitoring Officer + Coroner Services + Corporate Governance: Audit Committee; External Regulators; Constitution; Governance; Conduct.