Head of Internal Audit

LGT Wealth Management Australia; Sydney; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Job summary

LGT Wealth Management Australia is seeking a Head of Internal Audit to lead the Australian function within the Group Internal Audit framework, providing independent assurance on governance, risk management, risk culture and controls.

You will build and execute a risk-based audit plan, collaborate with Boards and Audit Committees, oversee regulatory matters (ASIC, APRA, AUSTRAC), and mentor a high-performing team across time zones.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of internal audit or risk management in wealth management or financial services.
• Leadership experience at Head/Deputy Head level with board exposure.
• Strong understanding of Australian wealth management risks and back-to-front processes.
• Deep regulatory knowledge (ASIC, APRA, AUSTRAC) with cross-regional exposure an advantage.
• Proven ability to deliver risk-based audit plans and concise board reporting.
• Experience with data analytics and AI-enabled audit tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Australian Internal Audit team with clear priorities.
• Develop a risk-based audit plan aligned to Group strategy and governance.
• Act as auditor-in-charge for key engagements and cross-border audits.
• Provide insight-rich reporting on risks and control weaknesses to senior leaders.
• Oversee whistleblowing investigations and regulatory reporting obligations.
• Build relationships with Risk, Legal, Compliance, Finance, Ops and Tech.
• Monitor regulatory developments (ASIC, APRA, AUSTRAC) and update audit scope.
• Embed data analytics and AI-enabled techniques in risk assessment and audits.
• Coach and develop a high-performing, values-driven team.

Skills

Internal audit leadership

Risk management

Stakeholder management

Data analytics

Regulatory knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Finance/Accounting/Commerce

Job description

LGT Wealth Management was formed around a clear and uncompromising vision – to bring global best practice in building institutional quality investment portfolios to Australian clients.

With a shared passion for building an uncompromised business – we created something new from the ground up. A chance to leave behind the things that weren’t working, while enhancing the things that were. Our authentic and personalised client-first commitment. Our entrepreneurial spirit. Our focus in best-in-class advice. And our intimate understanding of the Australian private wealth landscape.

In 2022 we became a part of the LGT Group, who shared our entrepreneurial spirit, long-term approach and private-ownership model. Today, with the global expertise, stability, and capability of LGT behind us, we can work without being reliant on markets or margins, with a singular focus on giving our clients the advice and deep expertise they need for generations to come.

Your role overview

As Head of Internal Audit, Australia, you will lead the internal audit function for LGT Wealth Management Limited, providing independent and objective assurance and insight on governance, risk management, risk culture and internal controls. The role sits within Group Internal Audit (GIA) as part of the LGT Group and is integrated with the APAC Internal Audit team and broader GIA regions. You are the primary internal audit contact for the Australian wealth management business, maintaining strong connectivity with APAC and Group Internal Audit, and reporting key audit results, risks and significant issues through established functional and committee reporting lines.

Your responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Australian Internal Audit team, setting clear priorities and delivering a high-quality, risk-based audit plan aligned with Group Internal Audit and Group Private Banking strategies.
• Develop and maintain a risk-based internal audit plan approved by the relevant Boards and Audit Committees, encompassing audits, thematic reviews and special investigations.
• Act as auditor-in-charge for key engagements and contribute to cross-border audits coordinated by APAC or Group Internal Audit.
• Provide clear, insight-rich reporting on significant risks, control weaknesses and emerging themes to Boards, Audit Committees and the Australian Executive Team.
• Oversee whistleblowing investigations relating to LGT Wealth Management Limited, ensuring timely escalation in line with Group policy and regulatory requirements.
• Build constructive relationships with senior stakeholders across Risk, Legal, Compliance, Finance, Operations and Technology, supporting and challenging the first and second lines of defence.
• Monitor Australian regulatory developments (ASIC, APRA, AUSTRAC) and ensure appropriate coverage in the audit universe and plan.
• Embed data analytics and AI-enabled techniques into risk assessment, planning and audit execution.
• Coach, mentor and develop a high-performing team, fostering an inclusive, values-aligned culture with a focus on integrity and professional scepticism.
• Collaborate with APAC and Group Internal Audit on global programs, methodology development and thematic work.
• Ensure all audit activity complies with the Internal Audit Charter, GIA directives and IIA Standards, and contribute to continuous improvement of methodology and governance.

Your experience, skills and qualifications

• 12+ years' internal audit or risk management experience in wealth management, private banking or financial services.
• Demonstrated leadership experience as Head or Deputy Head of Internal Audit (or equivalent), with regular Board and regulator-facing exposure.
• Deep understanding of Australian wealth management risks, business models and front-to-back processes.
• Strong knowledge of Australian regulatory requirements (ASIC, APRA, AUSTRAC); familiarity with European and/or Asian regulatory environments is an advantage.
• Proven track record delivering risk-based audit plans and reporting to Boards and Audit/Risk Committees.
• Experience with data analytics and, ideally, AI-enabled audit tools and techniques.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence and engage senior stakeholders independently and constructively.
• Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills with the ability to identify root causes and draw out holistic insights.
• Experience working within or alongside a group-level or international internal audit function, and comfortable operating across time zones and cultures.
• Willingness to travel within Australia and, where required, to APAC and other Group locations.

LGT Wealth Management is committed to the ongoing development of their employees. Your development will be managed and tailored to your role and future career path.

LGT Wealth Management is an equal opportunity employer committed to embracing a diverse and inclusive work environment. We aim to attract and retain the best people regardless of their gender, marital/parental status, ethnic origin, nationality, age, background, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity.