THE OPPORTUNITY

As a newly created position within the structure, we’re seeking an Internal Auditor to lead the delivery of effective, efficient and consistent internal audit projects within Council, focussing on the effectiveness and adequacy of our internal controls.
With prior experience as an Internal Auditor in a medium to large scale organisation, you will play an independent role in implementing the four-year internal audit plan, based on risk assessment of Council’s strategic and operational areas.
Liaising with Council’s Executive Team, and the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee (ARIC), you will not only analyse and evaluate Council’s systems of internal control, risk management, governance and ethical behaviour status, but identify and recommend improvement opportunities and assist with implementation of these.
Effective and well-developed communication skills are required, seeing you participate as an advisory member of the ARIC, working closely with the chairperson, and providing advice to senior management within Council as required regarding their compliance to relevant legislation and regulations.

As Internal Auditor, you will demonstrate high ethical standards, an ability to be objective, and uphold a high level of personal integrity.

• This is a permanent opportunity – working full-time 35 hours / week + access to a flexible working arrangement
• Base Salary Range: $117,660 to $138,428 pa based on 35 hours / week + 12% superannuation + $2,464 retention allowance
• You will be working from PSC Administration Building, Raymond Terrace

Some of the key responsibilities within this role are listed below however you can view the full list here – view the position description.

• Implement the four-year internal audit plan based on risk assessment of Council’s key strategic and operation areas for approval by Council’s Executive Team and ARIC
• Identify and recommend improvement opportunities in Council’s systems and internal controls and assist with planning of implementation of improvements
• Facilitate effective communication with audit stakeholders, including requesting information, explaining audit approach, presenting and discussing improvement opportunities
• Undertake and manage the process to prepare and submit Internal Audit Reports to Council’s Executive Team and the ARIC
• Ensure compliance with the Office of Local Government Risk Management and Internal Audit Guidelines

ENOUGH ABOUT US, WE WANT TO HEAR ABOUT YOU! SO TELL US ABOUT…

• Why you want this role and how it aligns with your career goals?
• How do you ensure objectivity and independence in your work?

READY TO APPLY? HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

• Applications Close: Midnight, Sunday, 31 August 2025
• Contact: Tony Wickham, Governance Section Manager, on (02) 4988 0187
• For information on our recruitment process, and what we look for in an application, please visit our Careers page on our website for ‘How to Apply’
• To complete your online application, you will be asked to upload a copy of your resume and provide responses to questions which are based on the criteria listed in the Position Description and our organisation Values
• We’re a 2024 Circle Back Initiative Employer – we commit to respond to every applicant
• We’ve partnered with the Veterans Employment Program to support veterans finding suitable, sustainable and meaningful employment
• Port Stephens Council adheres to the principles of a child safe organisation and supports children and young people having safe and welcoming experience in our community, accessing our facilities and in our care
• We acknowledge the Worimi as the original Custodians and inhabitants of Port Stephens. May we walk the road to tomorrow with mutual respect and admiration as we care for the beautiful land and waterways together

WE’RE ALL ABOUT PUTTING THE RIGHT PEOPLE, IN THE RIGHT ROLE! HERE’S WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR:

• Tertiary qualification in the field of Auditing, Commerce, Finance, Accounting or Business Administration with experience as an Internal Auditor in a medium to large organisation
• Membership of the Australian Internal Auditor Professional Association
• Proven ability to apply contemporary auditing and related standards, practices, and methodologies including technology assisted audit
• Experience in the planning and conducting of investigations, including knowledge of investigation techniques

Some of the key responsibilities within this role are listed below however you can view the full list here – view the position description.

• Implement the four-year internal audit plan based on risk assessment of Council’s key strategic and operation areas for approval by Council’s Executive Team and ARIC
• Identify and recommend improvement opportunities in Council’s systems and internal controls and assist with planning of implementation of improvements
• Facilitate effective communication with audit stakeholders, including requesting information, explaining audit approach, presenting and discussing improvement opportunities
• Undertake and manage the process to prepare and submit Internal Audit Reports to Council’s Executive Team and the ARIC
• Ensure compliance with the Office of Local Government Risk Management and Internal Audit Guideline