Louisa Ruane
Auditor

"It is a privilege to work for Audit Scotland and to contribute towards its goal of improving accountability and performance"

I joined Audit Scotland as a graduate trainee in 2005, attracted by the training package and opportunity to study towards CiPFA.

I was drawn by Audit Scotland’s high profile across the Scottish public sector and wanted to establish a career within an organisation that makes a positive impact on the performance, governance and financial accountability of the organisations it audits.

Audit Scotland plays a unique and challenging role within the public sector in Scotland. During my time with Audit Scotland I have worked on a number of audits including Scottish Enterprise, North Lanarkshire Council and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Health Board. Through this work I have gained a breadth of knowledge and experience that I could not have hoped for from any other organisation.

The training programme offered by Audit Scotland is held in high regard across the public sector. Whilst working with Audit Scotland I have received support from the Senior Audit Managers and Senior Auditors that I have worked with both in terms of on-the-job training and also regarding my CiPFA studies.

As a trainee, I attended Added Value Courses on a day release basis. This provided me with an opportunity to build relationships and friendships with other Audit Scotland trainees as well as trainees from other organisations. As I progressed to the final stages of my training these networks proved to be invaluable and I benefited greatly.

The support I received from Audit Scotland in terms of study leave and attendance at Added Value and revision courses has allowed me to progress through my CiPFA exams at the first attempt. Recently I was successful in obtaining a Senior Auditor post which I will be appointed to after passing my IPDS interview which will mark the end of my training contract.

Audit Scotland plays a pivotal role in public sector accountability within Scotland. It is a privilege to work for Audit Scotland and to contribute towards its goal of improving accountability and performance across the public sector.