Head of Internal Audit | 12-month FTC

Bayside Group; Sydney; On-site; AUD 210,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive remuneration package

Flexible working arrangements

Job summary

Bayside Group in Sydney's southern suburbs is seeking an experienced Head of Internal Audit to lead a strategic and risk-based assurance function within a complex, highly regulated environment.

You will set audit strategy, oversee risk-based plans, and report to senior executives and the Audit Committee, while developing a high-performing team and ensuring strong governance and internal controls.

Qualifications

• Experience leading an Internal Audit function or enterprise-wide program.
• Proven ability to develop risk-based audit strategies and assurance programs.
• Strong governance, regulatory compliance and internal control knowledge.
• Proven track record presenting findings to executive levels and Audit Committee.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Internal Audit function with strategic direction and ongoing improvement.
• Develop and oversee risk-based audit plans aligned to priorities and regulatory obligations.
• Provide independent, evidence-based reporting to senior executives and the Audit Committee.
• Oversee complex audits and advisory engagements, ensuring actionable recommendations.
• Monitor implementation of audit recommendations and governance framework enhancements.

Skills

Leadership

Risk management

Senior stakeholder engagement

Strategic planning

Education

CIA/CA/CPA

Job description

Bayside Group – Sydney Southern Suburbs NSW

Sutherland Shire, Sydney | 12-Month Fixed-Term Appointment | $200k+ Base + 15.4% Super | Flexible Working

Head of Internal Audit

About the organisation

Bayside Group is partnering with an established Australian organisation operating in a complex, highly regulated environment.

This is a Full-time, 12-month fixed-term appointment with responsibility for leading the Internal Audit function and providing independent, risk-based assurance to senior executives and governance committees. With diverse operations and a strong focus on governance, accountability and risk management, the organisation offers a challenging environment where effective leadership and independent assurance are critical to its ongoing success.

An opportunity is available for an experienced Head of Internal Audit to lead a strategically important function, providing independent assurance and advice to executive leadership and governance committees.

The role

Reporting to senior executive leadership, you will be responsible for the strategic direction, performance and effectiveness of the Internal Audit function.

You will lead the development and delivery of risk-based assurance activities, provide independent advice on governance, risk and compliance, and ensure the organisation maintains a robust internal control and assurance framework.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead the Internal Audit function, providing strategic direction, oversight and continuous improvement.
• Develop and oversee risk-based internal audit plans aligned with organisational priorities, key enterprise risks and regulatory obligations.
• Provide independent, evidence-based advice and reporting to senior executives and the Risk and Audit Committee.
• Oversee complex internal audit and advisory engagements, ensuring findings and recommendations support effective risk management and operational improvement.
• Monitor and assess the implementation of audit recommendations, including the effectiveness of management's corrective actions.
• Maintain and enhance internal audit frameworks, methodologies and quality assurance processes in line with professional standards.
• Lead and develop a team of senior internal audit professionals while managing relationships with external assurance providers.
• Build strong relationships across the organisation, constructively challenging senior stakeholders while maintaining the independence and integrity of the audit function.

About you

We are seeking an accomplished internal audit leader with extensive experience operating within complex or highly regulated organisations.

You will bring strong technical expertise, strategic judgement and the confidence to engage with senior executives and governance committees on significant organisational risks.

To be considered, you will demonstrate:

• Extensive experience leading an Internal Audit function or significant enterprise-wide internal audit program.
• Proven capability in developing and delivering risk-based audit strategies, assurance programs and internal audit frameworks.
• Strong understanding of corporate governance, enterprise risk management, regulatory compliance and internal controls.
• Demonstrated experience presenting audit findings, providing independent advice and influencing decisions at executive, Board or Audit Committee level.
• Experience overseeing assurance engagements within complex operational, financial or highly regulated environments.
• Sound professional judgement, strong analytical capability and the ability to constructively challenge senior stakeholders.
• Demonstrated leadership of audit professionals, including resource planning, performance management and professional development.
• Knowledge of contemporary internal audit standards, quality assurance practices and governance frameworks.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications and professional qualifications such as CIA, CA or CPA, together with appropriate professional membership.

Experience within government, infrastructure, energy, resources, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing or similarly regulated industries will be highly regarded.

Australian citizenship is essential. Applicants must be able to satisfy the organisation's security, medical and applicable government clearance requirements.

Why consider this opportunity?

This is an opportunity to take ownership of an established Internal Audit function and influence how a complex organisation manages risk, strengthens governance and improves performance.

You will benefit from:

• A senior leadership appointment with genuine strategic responsibility and organisational influence.
• Direct engagement with executive leadership and governance committees.
• Exposure to diverse operational, regulatory, financial and enterprise-wide risks.
• The opportunity to lead experienced audit professionals and shape the future direction of the function.
• An attractive executive remuneration package and flexible working arrangements.

The position is based in Sydney's Sutherland Shire.

Applications are encouraged by Friday 13 November 2026. Shortlisting is commencing immediately, with interviews potentially taking place as early as next week.