Audit Readiness Training (Local Government)

Who is this programme for?

Designed for finance and governance professionals who oversee the audit preparation process and want to move from reactive firefighting to proactive, leadership‑level assurance. Whether that be:

• Finance managers/controllers coordinating year‑end close and evidence packs, aiming for faster, cleaner audits.
• Newly appointed Heads of Finance/Section 151 officers seeking on‑time accounts and stronger audit committee confidence.
• Governance leads and audit committee secretaries building robust controls, documentation and oversight.

This training will be particularly impactful for those individuals involved in the Audit process who sit outside of traditional finance roles; such as Property and Estates; Capital programmes and valuations.

What will they learn?

This programme builds the practical capabilities needed to deliver a smooth, timely audit and reduce risk:

• How to build an audit readiness roadmap and meet statutory deadlines
• Techniques for preparing robust working papers and audit trails
• Strategies for managing complex areas like valuations, estimates, and disclosures
• Best practices for internal controls, risk management, and committee engagement
• Effective communication and collaboration with auditors and internal teams

This training addresses common pitfalls and equips learners to respond confidently to audit challenges. By the end of the programme, leaders will be able to take ownership of the audit process, anticipate auditor expectations, and embed a culture of readiness across their teams. They’ll gain the tools to produce high-quality accounts, manage complex audit areas, and engage proactively with auditors and governance stakeholders.

A dedicated Grant Thornton audit specialist will be assigned to each cohort, providing responsive support and helping participants navigate areas where clarification may be needed.