Chief Audit Executive

Wagga Wagga City Council; Wagga Wagga; On-site; AUD 116,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible Working Hours Agreement

Job summary

Wagga Wagga City Council is seeking an experienced Chief Audit Executive to lead the internal audit function and strengthen governance, risk management and organisational accountability. The role reports to the General Manager and has access to the ARIC Chair for audit matters.

You will deliver a risk-based internal audit program, support decision-making, improve controls and foster a culture of integrity and continuous improvement across the council.

Qualifications

• Qualified in accounting/auditing or a related field and experience in governance and risk.
• Proven ability to lead risk-based internal audits in complex organisations.
• Strong understanding of governance frameworks and internal controls.
• Ability to independently supervise audits and provide practical recommendations.
• Knowledge of NSW local government legislation and standards.
• Proven communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning and delivery of the Strategic Internal Audit Plan and Annual Audit Work Plan.
• Oversee risk-based audits including operations, compliance and governance reviews.
• Provide independent advice on governance, risk and controls.
• Coordinate ARIC operations and monitor audit actions.
• Identify risks and opportunities to strengthen systems and service delivery.
• Build relations with executives, external auditors and stakeholders.
• Promote contemporary internal audit standards and accountability.

Skills

Governance

Risk management

Internal controls

Stakeholder engagement

Data analytics

Cybersecurity awareness

Independence

Education

Tertiary qualifications in Accounting, Auditing, Commerce, Law, Management or related discipline

Tools

Information technology

Auditing software

Job description

Make a meaningfulimpact ongovernance, risk management and organisational performance at Wagga Wagga CityCouncil.

• Remuneration of $4,476.48 gross per fortnight with theopportunity to progress to $5,371.78 gross per fortnight + superannuation (12%).
• Opportunity to workdirectly with senior leadership and contribute to strategic organisationaloutcomes.
• An opportunity to makea meaningful contribution to the governance and performance of an organisationdelivering essential services to the community.
• Access to Council'sFlexible Working Hours Agreement.

The Role

Wagga Wagga City Councilis seeking an experienced and highly skilled Chief Audit Executive to leadCouncil's internal audit function and play a key role in strengtheninggovernance, risk management and organisational accountability.

This role reports administratively to the General Manager and has direct and unrestricted access to the Chair of the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee(ARIC) in relation to internal audit matters.

You will provideindependent and objective assurance and advisory services to support effective decision-making, strengthen internal controls and enhance organisationalperformance.

This is an excitingopportunity for an accomplished audit professional to work closely withCouncil's Executive and Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee (ARIC), delivering a comprehensive risk-based internal audit program and contributingto a culture of transparency, integrity and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

In this role, you will:

• Leadthe planning, development and delivery of Council's Strategic Internal AuditPlan and Annual Audit Work Plan.
• Undertakeand oversee risk-based internal audits, including operational, compliance,performance and governance reviews.
• Provideindependent and objective advice on governance, risk management, internalcontrols and organisational improvement opportunities.
• Coordinateand support the effective operation of Council's Audit, Risk and ImprovementCommittee (ARIC).
• Monitorand report on the implementation of audit recommendations and agreed managementactions.
• Identifyemerging risks, control weaknesses and opportunities to strengthen Council'ssystems, processes and service delivery.
• Buildeffective working relationships with Council's Executive, management, externalauditors and key stakeholders.
• Promotecontemporary internal audit practices, professional standards and a culture ofaccountability and continuous improvement.

What you will need to succeed

Weare seeking a strategic and analytical professional who demonstrates soundjudgement, integrity and a commitment to good governance.

Thesuccessful applicant will have:

• Tertiary qualifications in Accounting, Auditing, Commerce, Law,Management or another relevant discipline.
• Demonstrated experience in managing and delivering risk-basedinternal audit programs within local government or a large, complexorganisation.
• Strong knowledge of contemporary internal auditing methodologies,governance frameworks, risk management and internal controls.
• Demonstrated ability to independently undertake complex audits,analyse information and develop practical, evidence-based recommendations.
• An understanding of NSW local government legislation, regulatoryrequirements and relevant professional auditing standards.
• Highly developed communication, consultation and stakeholderengagement skills, with the ability to present complex findings clearlyand constructively.
• Demonstrated understanding of information technology, cybersecurity risks, systems controls and data analytics.
• A high level of professional integrity, independence,confidentiality and sound judgement.
• Membership of a relevant professional body, or eligibility toobtain membership.
• A current Class C Driver's Licence.

Professionalqualifications such as Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Chartered Accountant(CA), Certified Practising Accountant (CPA), Certified Information SystemsAuditor (CISA) or equivalent are highly desirable. Applicants who have madesubstantial progress towards an appropriate professional qualification may alsobe considered.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Councilacknowledges that applicants may use AI tools to assist with preparing theirapplication. If you do, please ensure your application reflects your own skillsand experience. Candidates progressing through the recruitment process shouldbe prepared to discuss and expand on all aspects of their application,including their responses to the focus questions.

What is next?

ApplicationscloseSunday, 22 November 2026 at 11.59pm AEDT. Interviews will be heldweek commencing Monday, 30 November 2026.

We encourage shortlistedcandidates to attend interviews in person where possible. If you are unable todo so, please let us know in your application and we will work with you todiscuss suitable arrangements.

Ifyou are interested in this role and would like more information, please contactPeter Thompson, General Manager on (02) 6926 9***.

Aspart of the recruitment process, pre-employment checks will be conducted inline with requirements of the position.

All preferred candidatesfor this position will be asked to consent to a police check. Please note thatpeople with a criminal record are not discouraged from applying for theposition. Each application will be considered on its merit.

Council is an inclusive employer. We strive to reflectthe community in which we work, as a result we welcome and encourageapplications from skilled people from all walks of life. This includes women,men, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, culturally andlinguistically diverse people, people with a disability, veterans, sexually andgender diverse people, people with lived experience and people of all ages.