Principal Internal Auditor

Griffithuniversity; Brisbane; Hybrid; AUD 147,000 - 172,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Learning and development opportunities

Hybrid work options

Health discounts

Paid parental leave

Internal mobility

Job summary

Griffith University is seeking a Principal Internal Auditor to provide strategic leadership across internal audit, assurance, risk and governance functions. You will lead enterprise-wide reviews and offer independent advice to executives, strengthening governance and performance in line with the University's strategic objectives.

Based at Brisbane South campus, the role involves cross-site work and may require travel between locations.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualifications in accounting/finance or business with CPA/CA membership.
• Significant experience leading internal audit, risk and compliance reviews in complex organisations.
• Deep knowledge of internal auditing frameworks, risk management, governance and financial controls.
• Strong understanding of IIA Global Internal Audit Standards.
• IIA membership and/or CIA qualification highly regarded.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex, enterprise-wide audit and assurance reviews and provide independent insights.
• Partner with senior leaders to identify emerging risks and strengthen internal controls.
• Advise on governance, risk and assurance to support strategic objectives.
• Prepare and present high-quality audit reports and monitor implementation of actions.
• Enhance governance and risk frameworks using data-driven insights across the university.

Skills

Internal audit leadership

Governance

Risk management

Financial controls

IIA membership

Education

Accounting/Finance degree

CPA/CA membership

Job description

About the opportunity

Operating under the broad direction of the Associate Director, Internal Audit, the Principal Internal Auditor provides strategic leadership across the University's internal audit, assurance, risk and governance functions.

The role leads and completes complex, organisation-wide assurance reviews and delivers independent, expert advice to the University Executive, and senior leaders on governance, risk management, internal controls and emerging strategic issues. Exercising a high degree of professional independence, the position plays a critical role in strengthening governance practices, enhancing organisational performance, and supporting the achievement of the University's strategic objectives.

Key responsibilities

• Work autonomously to deliver a portfolio of complex, enterprise-wide audit and assurance reviews, providing independent insights and recommendations that strengthen governance, risk management, compliance and organisational performance.
• Partner with senior leaders to identify emerging risks, evaluate internal controls and drive continuous improvement across the University's operations, systems and strategic initiatives.
• Provide expert advice on governance, risk and assurance matters, influencing decision-making and supporting the effective achievement of strategic objectives.
• Prepare and present high-quality audit reports and recommendations to senior executives and monitor the implementation of agreed actions.
• Contribute to the enhancement of the University's governance and risk frameworks, leveraging data-driven insights to improve organisational effectiveness and build capability across the institution.

About you

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in accounting, finance, business or a related discipline, together with CPA or CA membership.
• Significant experience leading internal audit, risk and compliance reviews within a Chartered Accounting, professional services or complex organisational environment.
• Deep knowledge of contemporary internal auditing, risk management, governance frameworks and financial controls.
• Strong understanding of internal audit standards and best practice, including the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) Global Internal Audit Standards.
• Professional membership of the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) and/or Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) qualification will be highly regarded.

Candidates must have full unrestricted Australian work rights and will be subject to a National criminal history check.

What we can offer

This is a full time, continuing opportunity based at Brisbane South (Nathan) campus. As Griffith is a multi-site university, you may be required to work across other locations.

Griffith University's sites are located on the lands of the Yugarabul, Yuggera, Jagera, Turrbal, Yugambeh and Kombumerri peoples.

Salary

• HEW 10 - Base salary - $147,057.74 + 17% superannuation.
• Full package - $172,057.55.

Why join Griffith?

• Wide range of Learning and Development opportunities
• Mix of on campus and work from home options available and a supportive work environment
• Salary packaging options and corporate health discounts
• Generous leave entitlements including paid parental leave and leave loading
• Support with future learning opportunities through our educational staff assistance scheme
• Opportunities for internal mobility
• Health Safety and Wellbeing initiatives - on campus Gym facilities

Griffith University values diversity, inclusion and flexibility and we encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and people of all backgrounds to apply.

For more information please visit our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion page. Our University is committed to fostering a safe, respectful and inclusive community for all. In alignment with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence (2025), Griffith University includes a declaration as part of the recruitment journey to uphold the values and standards of our community. Griffith University also maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy against all forms of modern slavery. For more information, please refer to Griffith's Modern Slavery Policy .