Internal Audit Manager

The University of Newcastle; Newcastle; On-site; AUD 121,000 - 141,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work

35 hour week

Superannuation

Leave entitlements

Job summary

The University of Newcastle seeks an experienced Internal Audit Manager to lead its risk-based internal audit program and provide independent assurance to support governance and performance across a multi-campus environment.

Reporting to the Chief Audit Executive, you will shape the Internal Audit Plan, manage outsourced providers, engage senior stakeholders and drive improvements in controls and risk management across the university.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in internal auditing including planning, risk assessment, delivery and reporting.
• Knowledge of internal audit frameworks, governance, risk management and internal controls.
• Experience managing external audit providers and coordinating complex programs.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of the risk-based Internal Audit Plan.
• Manage outsourced internal audit providers and coordinate end-to-end activities.
• Provide independent advice and actionable recommendations to management and governance committees.
• Monitor findings and ensure timely management action.
• Oversee quality and continuous improvement against auditing standards.

Skills

Internal audit

Stakeholder engagement

Risk management

Audit planning

Leadership

Education

Accounting/Finance/Business degree

Job description

Be Challenged and Imagine with us

The University of Newcastle is seeking an experienced Internal Audit Manager to lead and coordinate the delivery of its internal audit program, providing independent, objective assurance and strategic advice to support effective governance, risk management and organisational performance.

Reporting to the Chief Audit Executive within the Legal and Governance portfolio, you will play an influential role in shaping and delivering the University's risk-based Internal Audit Plan, working closely with senior stakeholders, the Risk Committee and external audit providers.

This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact within a complex, multi-campus organisation. With responsibility for managing the University's outsourced internal audit arrangements, you will work across the full audit lifecycle, from strategic planning and risk assessment through to audit delivery, reporting and the monitoring of management actions.

You will also have the opportunity to contribute to the ongoing evolution of the University's internal audit operating model, providing strategic insights and advice on different delivery approaches, including outsourced, co-sourced and in-house arrangements.

Working collaboratively across the University, you will help identify opportunities to strengthen internal controls, improve operational practices and embed effective risk management, ensuring internal audit delivers practical value and supports the University's strategic objectives.

The role

Lead the development and implementation of the University's risk-based Internal Audit Plan, ensuring audit priorities align with organisational strategy, emerging risks and governance requirements.

• Manage outsourced internal audit providers and coordinate audit activities end to end, ensuring high-quality assurance services and effective delivery.
• Partner with senior leaders and stakeholders across the University to scope audits, assess risks and identify opportunities to strengthen governance, internal controls and operational effectiveness.
• Provide independent advice, insights and practical recommendations to management and governance committees, supporting informed decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Monitor audit findings and management action plans, ensuring recommendations are appropriately addressed and improvements are embedded.
• Oversee internal audit quality and continuous improvement, including quality assurance activities and alignment with professional auditing standards.
• Prepare high-quality reports and advice for the Executive Leadership Team, Risk Committee and other governance stakeholders.

About you

You are an accomplished internal audit professional with strong technical expertise and the ability to influence outcomes in a complex organisational environment. You bring a strategic, risk-based approach to auditing and the confidence to engage with stakeholders at all levels, translating audit findings into meaningful improvements.

You will also have:

• Extensive experience in internal auditing, including audit planning, risk assessment, delivery and reporting.
• Strong knowledge of internal audit frameworks, professional standards, governance, risk management and internal control environments.
• Demonstrated experience managing external audit providers and coordinating complex audit programs.
• Highly developed stakeholder engagement and communication skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships and influence senior decisionmakers.
• Strong analytical, organisational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver quality outcomes.
• A relevant tertiary qualification in accounting, finance, business or a related discipline.

A CPA, CA or Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) qualification will be highly regarded.

This continuing role is full time at a HEW8 Higher Education Worker Level and is located at Callaghan Campus

About our University

The University of Newcastle stands as a global leader distinguished by a commitment to equity and excellence. Our vision is to be a world-leading University for our regions and creating a better future for our regions and the globe. Underpinned by this vision and our values of excellence, equity, engagement and sustainability, the University of Newcastle’s Looking Ahead Strategic Plan 2030 outlines the University’s commitment to delivering an exceptional student experience and serving our communities.

What we offer

In addition to working for a university that is breaking boundaries, discovering new ways of thinking and cementing a place as a global leader, we offer a range of benefits to our employees to ensure you balance your commitments, stay healthy and work effectively.

These include:

• A remuneration of $120677- $140791 + superannuation commensurate with skills and experience
• Excellent employment conditions in line with University of Newcastle professional staff conditions.
• Flexible working arrangements (in line with the University’s Flexible Work Policy)
• 35 hour week
• 17% super and salary packaging
• Additional University Holiday days, generous personal leave and parental leave, annual leave loading and additional purchased leave scheme
• Discounts in private health insurance, gym memberships, software, travel and more
• Wellbeing programs

Applications for this position will only be accepted from those with Australian residency or a valid work permit. We are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.

For specific position enquiries, please contact Emma Hale, Senior Compliance Manager [phone] oremail [e-mail]

Having Difficulties? Please reach out to us: [e-mail]

Closing date:Monday 23rd November 2026 @ 11.59pm AEDST

Our assessment process

Typically, candidates that progress beyond the shortlist stage can expect to undertake the following (minimum) assessment activities as part of the recruitment process:

• Interview (an ‘in person’ interview will be conducted as part of the process)
• Referee checks
• Pre-employment checks as appropriate to the role

Our University is committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for every member of our community. This commitment is central to our values and our efforts to build a diverse workforce where everyone can thrive.

As part of this, and in alignment with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence 2025, from 1 January 2026, the University will also consider gender-based violence risk factors as part of our recruitment processes.

The completion and return of the University’s Gender-based Violence Declaration Form will form part of the pre-employment checks for this position and any offer of employment will be conditional upon review by the University.

Our adherence to the Code is about more than compliance—it’s about living our values. Together, we can ensure our University remains a place where respect, safety, and inclusion are non-negotiable.

We are excited to be Looking Ahead with you

We are committed to a fair, inclusive, and barrier-free recruitment process. If you require an alternative way to access the Position Description or submit your application, please contact [e-mail].

Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the assessment and interview process to support all applicants to participate fully.

The University of Newcastle is an equal opportunity employer committed to equity, diversity, and social inclusion. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and strongly encourage women and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates to apply.