Phil Osgathorpe

Director and head of IT audit and cyber security

Phil leads our IT assurance and cyber services teams and is a passionate leader at Francis Clark. He supports and leads the delivery of assurance and advisory services to a range of clients, including detailed attack vector analysis, vulnerability management services, Cyber Essentials and Cyber Assurance certifications and other bespoke cyber security services. He is based in the firm’s Plymouth office, but travels all over the South West.

Phil is an IT audit professional with over 12 years’ experience with one of the Big Four. Previously qualifying as an accountant, Phil has extensive experience in identifying and mitigating business and audit risk, with a specific focus on IT risks and controls. He has supported external audit engagements for large, complex groups as well as smaller, privately owned businesses. Phil has had exposure to many different accounting and financial reporting systems as well as web-based and IT support applications.

Phil is an independent advisor to a private company operating in the public sector and therefore understands and appreciates the internal challenges that cybersecurity poses. He has sat on both sides of the table in a Boardroom and is conscious of communicating effectively.

He has had a wide-range of experience with different auditing standards and is well-versed with the IT audit requirements of the FRC and PCAOB. He enjoys designing, developing and delivering training on these topic areas. Phil has experience in delivering internal audits focussing on business and IT process improvements, strengthening internal controls and effective risk management.
Phil is a friendly professional who enjoys building relationships so that he may better support his clients.

Latest posts featuring Phil

A primary school girl is using a large abacus whilst a boy looks on

Back to school – academy schools’ update webinar recording

9 September 2024

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What is Cyber Essentials and why does it matter?

15 August 2024

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A man is analysing some cyber data on a large screen

Secure by design principles: foundations for building resilient digital services – step two

5 August 2024

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A lady is looking at a laptop with numbers and a padlock on the screen.

The importance of cyber security in your business

15 April 2024

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A female farmer stands amongst her crop as she checks her computer tablet.

Cyber & Agriculture

7 November 2023

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The latest issue of Farming Matters is out now

17 October 2023

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Padlock resting on a computer coding sheet

Cybersecurity – latest trends, challenges and actions

14 July 2023

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A group of primary school children work on computer tablets in the classroom.

Cyber security in schools

22 February 2023

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A healthcare professional sits at his desk and enters details into his computer.

Cybersecurity in healthcare: Being cyber aware and managing risks

23 November 2022

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Risk protection arrangement (RPA) for academy trusts – what does the cybersecurity section mean for me?

21 October 2022

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