Head of Internal Audit

SMC Executive; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 230,000; Part time

Job summary

SMC Executive is recruiting on behalf of a global fund manager for an experienced Head of Internal Audit in Melbourne on a part-time parental leave contract, three days per week from February 2027 to January 2028.

You will lead a team of 11 professionals, delivering a risk-based audit program across investment management, fund operations, technology, finance and compliance, reporting to the Regional Head of Internal Audit (UK) with a dotted line to the Australian CFO.

Qualifications

• Significant internal audit leadership experience at senior level.
• Experience in financial services, preferably within superannuation or wealth/asset management.
• Proven experience leading the annual risk-based audit planning cycle and reporting to an Audit & Risk Committee.

Responsibilities

• Lead Australian internal audit function on a part-time parental leave contract.
• Oversee a team of 11 internal audit professionals delivering a risk-based audit program across key areas (investment management, fund operations, technology, finance and compliance).
• Maintain alignment with global methodology while respecting local regulatory priorities (ASIC and APRA where relevant).
• Present audit findings, themes and issues to the CFO, senior management, Audit & Risk Committee and global stakeholders.
• Coach, develop and motivate the team, on a part-time schedule.

Skills

Internal Audit Leadership

Senior leadership

Financial services

Audit planning

Regulatory awareness

Stakeholder management

Education

CA/CPA/CIA

Job description

Our client is a well-known and regarded global fund manager with a strong presence in Australia. They are looking for an experienced Head of Internal Audit to lead the Australian internal audit function on a part-time parental leave contract.

The role runs three days per week from approximately February 2027 through to January 2028. It will suit a senior audit leader seeking meaningful, high-impact role with flexibility.

Reporting to the Regional Head of Internal Audit (UK based) with a dotted line report to the Australian CFO, you will provide leadership to a team of 11internal audit professionals, delivering a risk-based audit program across investment management, fund operations, technology, finance and compliance.

Scope of responsibility will include:

• Manage the delivery of the 2026 Australian Audit Plan and prepare the 2028 Plan, maintaining the balance between global audit methodology and local regulatory and business priorities and capacity issues etc.
• Present audit findings, themesand issues to the CFO, senior management, the Audit & Risk Committee and global stakeholders\
• Ensure audit work meets global methodology, Global Internal Audit Standards and Australian regulatory expectations (including ASIC and APRA where relevant)
• Build strong, trusted relationships with business leaders while keeping independence and objectivity
• Coach, develop and motivate the team, managing workloads and maintaining quality on a part-time schedule
• Work in conjunction with Risk, Compliance and external auditors to give coordinated assurance.

As part of a global audit function you must be comfortable working within a matrix structure across UK & US time zones.

Candidate Experience:

• Significant experience in internal audit, including senior leadership roles, ideally at GM/Head of Internal Audit or Internal Audit Director level
• Experience in financial services, preferably within superannuation or wealth/asset management, gained either in-house and/or at a Big 4 / professional services firm
• Proven experience leading the annual risk-based audit planning cycle and reporting to an Audit & Risk Committee
• Professional qualification such as CA, CPA, CIA or equivalent

For more information about this opportunity please contact Tim Carmichael at SMC Executive on 04322.