Strategic Internal Audit Governance Manager

Australian Department of Defence; Canberra; On-site; AUD 124,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

The Australian Department of Defence in Canberra is seeking an EL 1 Internal Audit Governance Manager to lead governance, assurance, and strategic audit planning within the Audit and Fraud Control Branch. You will guide the Defence Assurance Map, oversee the quality assurance program, and prepare executive briefings.

Ideal candidates will have a strong background in internal audit standards, stakeholder engagement, and the ability to deliver clear, evidence-based recommendations across Defence

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Job description

The Australian Department of Defence in Canberra is seeking an EL 1 Internal Audit Governance Manager to lead governance, assurance, and strategic audit planning within the Audit and Fraud Control Branch. You will guide the Defence Assurance Map, oversee the quality assurance program, and prepare executive briefings.

Ideal candidates will have a strong background in internal audit standards, stakeholder engagement, and the ability to deliver clear, evidence-based recommendations across Defence