Chief Audit Executive

Council Jobs; Wagga Wagga; On-site; 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, strengthening governance, risk management and organisational accountability. The role reports to the General Manager with direct access to the ARIC Chair for internal audit matters.

You will deliver a risk-based internal audit program, provide objective assurance and support strategic outcomes while collaborating with the Executive and ARIC to foster transparency and continuous

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualifications in accounting, auditing, commerce, law or management.
• Experience delivering risk-based internal audits in complex organisations.
• Understanding of governance frameworks, risk management and internal controls.
• Ability to independently undertake audits, analyse information and make practical recommendations.
• Knowledge of NSW local government legislation and professional auditing standards.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Understanding of IT, cybersecurity risks, systems controls and data analytics.
• Professional integrity, independence and confidentiality.
• Membership of a relevant professional body or eligibility to obtain membership.
• Current Class C Driver's Licence.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, development and delivery of the Strategic Internal Audit Plan.
• Oversee risk-based internal audits including governance reviews.
• Provide independent advice on governance, risk and controls.
• Support the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee (ARIC).
• Monitor implementation of audit recommendations and actions.
• Identify emerging risks and opportunities to strengthen systems and services.
• Build relationships with executives, management and external auditors.
• Promote contemporary internal audit practices and accountability.

Skills

Internal audit

Governance

Risk management

Stakeholder engagement

Data analytics

Cybersecurity awareness

Education

Accounting/Auditing/Commerce/Law/Management degree

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 provide independent and objective assurance and advisory services to support effective decision-making, strengthen internal controls and enhance organisational performance.

This is an exciting opportunity 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 contributing to a culture of transparency, integrity and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

In this role, you will:

• Lead the planning, development and delivery of Council's Strategic Internal Audit Plan and Annual Audit Work Plan.
• Undertake and oversee risk-based internal audits, including operational, compliance, performance and governance reviews.
• Provide independent and objective advice on governance, risk management, internal controls and organisational improvement opportunities.
• Coordinate and support the effective operation of Council's Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee (ARIC).
• Monitor and report on the implementation of audit recommendations and agreed management actions.
• Identify emerging risks, control weaknesses and opportunities to strengthen Council's systems, processes and service delivery.
• Build effective working relationships with Council's Executive, management, external auditors and key stakeholders.
• Promote contemporary internal audit practices, professional standards and a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

What you will need to succeed

We are seeking a strategic and analytical professional who demonstrates sound judgement, 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-based internal audit programs within local government or a large, complex organisation.
• 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, regulatory requirements and relevant professional auditing standards.
• Highly developed communication, consultation and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to present complex findings clearly and 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 to obtain membership.
• A current Class C Driver's Licence.

Professional qualifications such as Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Chartered Accountant (CA), Certified Practising Accountant (CPA), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) or equivalent are highly desirable. Applicants who have made substantial progress towards an appropriate professional qualification may also be considered.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

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

What is next?

Applications close Sunday, 22 November 2026 at 11.59pm AEDT. Interviews will be held week commencing Monday, 30 November 2026.

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

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

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

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