Internal Audit Governance Manager

Defence Australia; Canberra; On-site; AUD 140,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Defence Australia is seeking an EL 1 Internal Audit Governance Manager to lead governance activities within the Audit and Fraud Control Branch in Canberra. The role focuses on Defence Assurance Map, QAIP, and strategic Internal Audit planning, ensuring alignment with IIA standards and executive reporting.

The ideal candidate will possess strong audit, governance, risk management, and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to deliver high-quality reports and briefings to senior leaders.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in internal audit, governance, risk management, or related field.
• Experience delivering assurance maps, internal audit plans, and QAIP programs.
• Strong knowledge of internal audit professional standards and practical application.

Responsibilities

• Plan and manage the Defence Assurance Map engaging with Defence Groups to identify assurance functions.
• Provide audit guidance and support to strengthen assurance frameworks across Defence.
• Oversee the Internal Audit Quality Assurance and Improvement Program and report outcomes to the Defence Audit and Risk Committee.
• Support strategic audit planning including the Defence risk-based Strategic Internal Audit Plan.
• Maintain audit methodologies and compliance with IIA standards.
• Build stakeholder relationships to identify emerging risks and assurance needs.
• Prepare high-quality audit reports, assurance products, and briefing materials for executives and boards.
• Oversee engagements delivered by internal teams and external service providers.

Skills

Internal audit governance

Stakeholder engagement

Written and verbal communication

Analytical thinking

Data analysis

Attention to detail

Leadership

Critical thinking

Job description

As the EL 1 Internal Audit Governance Manager within the Audit and Fraud Control Branch, you will manage the Defence Assurance Map, Internal Audit Quality Assurance and Improvement Program, contribute to the Strategic Internal Audit Plan, and prepare assurance reporting and executive briefings as required.

This role focuses on internal audit governance rather than the delivery of individual audit engagements, although support for audit management may be required from time to time. You will apply your audit and assurance expertise to assess the Internal Audit function and audit service providers' compliance with the Institute of Internal Auditors' Global Internal Audit Standards. Strong written and verbal communication, analytical, critical thinking, data analysis, and attention-to-detail skills are essential.

Key responsibilities include:

• Plan and manage the Defence Assurance Map by engaging with Defence Groups and Services to identify, assess and analyse assurance functions.
• Provide audit and assurance guidance and support to Defence Groups and Services to strengthen operational assurance frameworks and processes, including facilitating workshops and presentations where necessary.
• Manage the annual Internal Audit Quality Assurance and Improvement Program, working with the Internal Audit team and service providers to assess their compliance with the Global Internal Audit Standards, identify improvement opportunities, and report outcomes to the Defence Audit and Risk Committee.
• Support strategic audit planning, including the development of the Defence risk-based Strategic Internal Audit Plan and audit and assurance programs.
• Maintain audit methodologies, quality assurance frameworks, and compliance with the Institute of Internal Auditors professional standards.
• Build stakeholder relationships and engaging with business areas to identify emerging risks and assurance needs.
• Prepare high-quality audit reports, assurance products, and briefing materials for senior executives, audit committees, and boards.
• Support recommendation assessment and monitoring, and oversee audit engagements delivered by Defence service providers as required.

This role offers a unique opportunity to enhance the effectiveness of the Internal Audit function through the delivery of governance and assurance activities. You will apply your audit and assurance expertise to strengthen internal audit capability and support the delivery of high-quality audit and assurance outcomes. Please note, this role currently has no direct reports, however, opportunities to supervise and mentor junior staff may arise in the future.

About our Team

The Internal Audit Governance team is a small, high-performing team within the Audit and Fraud Control Branch. Independent of the Internal Audit function, the team delivers the Internal Audit Quality Assurance and Improvement Program, providing governance and assurance that Defence Internal Audit and external service providers comply with the Institute of Internal Auditors' Global Internal Audit Standards and deliver high-quality outcomes.

It also leads the development of the Defence Assurance Map and supports the planning and delivery of the Defence Strategic Internal Audit Plan. This role offers a unique opportunity to apply your audit, assurance, risk, and analytical expertise in a dynamic and complex environment, while contributing to the continuous improvement and effectiveness of Defence's internal audit function.

Our Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will bring strong audit and assurance expertise, particularly in audit and assurance professional standards, sound professional judgement, and experience delivering or managing high-quality audits from planning through to completion. You will be skilled at navigating complex audit issues, identifying risks, providing constructive challenge, and delivering clear, actionable insights to stakeholders and senior leaders across Defence.

You will demonstrate strong leadership and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships with senior executives and key decision-makers. Highly analytical and outcomes-focused, you can synthesise complex information and data into clear, concise, and impactful audit and assurance products while effectively managing competing priorities.

The ideal candidate will possess the following skills and experience:

• Demonstrated experience in internal audit, assurance, governance, risk management, or a related field.
• Experience developing and delivering assurance maps, internal audit plans, and Internal Audit Quality Assurance and Improvement Programs.
• Strong knowledge of the Institute of Internal Auditors' Global Internal Audit Standards and their practical application.
• Experience developing and implementing audit governance, quality assurance, and continuous improvement frameworks.
• Proven ability to analyse complex information, identify risks and control issues, and provide practical, evidence-based recommendations.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to build and maintain productive relationships across all organisational levels.
• Highly developed written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare high-quality reports, briefings, and committee papers.
• Strong planning, organisational, and self-management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
• Sound professional judgement, critical thinking, and attention to detail.
• Experience overseeing audit activities delivered by internal teams and external service providers is desirable.

Application Closing Date: Thursday 8 October 2026

For further information please review the job information pack, reference GG/05168/26 on https://defencecareers.nga.net.au/?jati=284EADB1-93CF-116A-7D48-ED4BE0DD39C4