Principal Advisor NZ Audit Oversight

Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand; New Zealand; On-site; NZD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand is seeking a Principal Advisor, NZ Audit Oversight to lead risk-based regulatory oversight of auditors and audit firms across New Zealand. You will work with CA ANZ colleagues, regulators and standard setters to enhance audit quality.

You will apply strong technical audit expertise to monitoring, practice reviews and improvement initiatives, building constructive relationships with members and stakeholders.

Qualifications

• External audit experience at manager level or above.
• Knowledge of NZ auditing and assurance standards.
• Familiarity with IFRS and IPSAS reporting.
• Experience preparing technical reports and presentations.
• Planning, project management and organisation skills.
• Full CA ANZ membership or equivalent professional body.

Responsibilities

• Deliver risk-based regulatory oversight of auditors and audit firms.
• Plan, manage and undertake practice reviews, including larger firms.
• Assess regulatory risks and develop evidence-based recommendations.
• Prepare high-quality regulatory reports, advice, and briefing papers.
• Engage with members, audit firms, regulators and stakeholders on regulation matters.
• Contribute to team decision-making, policy development and continuous improvement.
• Support improvements in audit quality through monitoring, education and guidance.
• Contribute to broader regulatory activities and NZ Regulation team projects.

Skills

External audit

Audit standards NZ

IFRS/IPSAS knowledge

Technical reporting

Project management

Tech literacy

Education

CA ANZ membership

Tertiary accounting qualification

Tools

Microsoft 365

Data systems

AI tools

Job description

• Play a key role in supporting audit quality and regulatory oversight across New Zealand
• Build and maintain constructive relationships with audit firms, regulators and industry leaders
• Contribute to discussions on emerging issues and developments shaping the future of the audit profession
• Work for a globally recognised organisation certified as a Great Place to Work®

Use your audit expertise to strengthen professional standards, support regulatory outcomes, and make a meaningful impact across New Zealand.

ABOUT THE ROLE

As Principal Advisor, NZ Audit Oversight, you will support the delivery of credible, risk-based oversight of auditors and audit and assurance practices across New Zealand. Working closely with the Senior Manager, NZ Audit Oversight, you will help CA ANZ meet its regulatory responsibilities and direct attention to areas of greatest risk.

You will apply your technical audit expertise to regulatory monitoring, practice reviews and improvement-focused activities, while building constructive relationships with members, audit firms, regulators and standard setters.

*This is a fixed-tem, full-time contract role ending on 31 March 2028.

Key responsibilities:

• Deliver risk-based regulatory oversight of auditors, audit firms and other members providing audit and assurance services
• Plan, manage and undertake practice reviews, including reviews of larger audit firms
• Assess regulatory risks and develop clear, evidence-based recommendations and actions
• Assist with preparation of high-quality regulatory reports, advice, correspondence and briefing papers for internal and external stakeholders
• Engage constructively with members, audit firms, regulators and other stakeholders on audit regulation matters
• Contribute technical expertise to team decision-making, policy development and continuous improvement initiatives
• Support improvements in audit quality through monitoring activities, regulatory insights, education and practical guidance
• Contribute to broader regulatory activities and projects to support the NZ Regulation team and CA ANZ as required

ABOUT YOU

You are an experienced audit professional who combines strong technical knowledge with sound judgement, clear communication and the confidence to engage constructively on complex or sensitive matters.

You will bring:

• Recent experience in an external financial statement audit environment, ideally at manager level or above
• Strong knowledge of New Zealand auditing and assurance standards, ethical requirements and quality management standards
• Working knowledge of IFRS and/or IPSAS-based financial reporting frameworks
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing technical reports and presentations
• Sound planning, project management and organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple reviews or workstreams
• A relevant tertiary qualification and full membership of CA ANZ or an equivalent professional body
• Confidence using Microsoft 365, data systems and AI tools appropriately within a professional environment

Experience in audit quality, regulatory monitoring, practice review, inspection, investigation or remediation work will be highly regarded. Knowledge of New Zealand’s audit regulatory framework and experience working with large or complex audit firms, public interest entities or governance bodies would also be beneficial.

ABOUT US

Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ) represent more than 140,000 financial professionals, supporting them to make a difference in the communities in which they work and live. We are committed to advancing the profession through high ethical standards, delivering world class services and education, and advocating for the public good. Guided by our purpose and values, we aspire to be a magnet for diverse talent, equip our members for success, and lead the way in sustainability, innovation, and trust in business and finance.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU

At CA ANZ, we’re committed to fostering a workplace that reflects our values of collaboration, integrity, diversity and accountability. As part of our ambition to attract diverse talent and build an adaptive, member centric organisation, we’re proud to be certified as both a Great Place to Work® and Family Inclusive Workplace™ reflecting the genuine experiences of our people.

We actively support your work-life wellbeing through leading policies and practices, including flexible work arrangements, parental leave and carer support - helping you thrive both at work and at home.

In addition, you’ll enjoy:

• A strong focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion embedded in everything we do
• Opportunities to grow your career through inspiring learning and development pathways
• A flexible hybrid work model that balances autonomy with the benefits of in-person collaboration
• A culture that values your voice and empowers you to make an impact in your community and profession
• Enjoy the end of year break with 2 additional paid leave days (subject to annual approval)
• Work for a certified Great Place to Work® (global recognition based on anonymous feedback from our people)
• The chance to contribute to meaningful work that creates real impact for people across Aotearoa and Australia

Applications close Friday 9 October.

CA ANZ welcomes applications from people of all ages, genders, cultural and linguistic backgrounds, Māori, Pasifika, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with a disability, and people who are diverse in gender and sexuality.

Please note: We are not engaging recruitment agencies for this role. Unsolicited CVs will not be accepted.